Chip board on the back of chests of drawers

Get some school/PVA glue and paint it on. You can do it neat or water it down. Do a layer, let it dry, then another layer and let it dry. This adds a seal that you can then paint or paper over!
Tested and proven!!

You can paint chipboard. Start with a primer and then use paint of your choice.

Damp affects it when it is in a damp (water) atmosphere or you wash it frequently, again water, or pour water over it. paint should not damage it.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202203/medium-660565-26b1e88e-f6f8-4469-a8d5-adbde0444b61.png https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202203/medium-5433-3d975b4d-be2d-4a93-98ff-81d80d14f3b8.jpeg

www.amazon.co.uk/Muriva-E88207-Novelties-Wallpaper-Roll/dp/B00Q05SVRI/ref=asc_df_B00Q05SVRI/?hvlocphy=1006790&linkCode=df0&hvptwo&psc=1&hvnetw=g&hvadid=208316538906&hvpone&hvlocint&hvpos&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl&hvqmt&tag=gransnetforum-21&hvtargid=pla-717396417071&hvrand=5482236712788975346

www.amazon.co.uk/Rasch-Library-Books-Wallpaper-934809/dp/B01M7XAPBS/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/260-6243426-2584613?psc=1&pf_rd_p=424ee22f-2317-49a5-9cbb-bc8836ac7d96&pf_rd_r=5WG2CZ7DXCB1562FMJS7&pd_rd_wg=SNAuL&pd_rd_i=B01M7XAPBS&pd_rd_w=yPBcN&tag=gransnetforum-21&pd_rd_r=e8109174-0ce3-46a2-bb88-109c1c99db6c

Shysal’s idea. Friend did this to some wardrobes in a really quirky wallpaper and it looks great. You could use some that looks like books in a book case.

If you do decide to paint it you will need to use an acrylic primer..

I’d use Ronseal wood stain. It’s not as ‘wet’ as paint and you can apply it with a cloth pad or brush. Has worked in the past, for me.
It’s cheap and if you don’t like it then you can try the replacement ideas.

You could also stick carpet on or upholster them. If it is chipboard you can use a staple gun or glue easily. MDF would be harder to staple things to, but easier to paint or varnish.

I love the idea from Shysal, could make it really quirky.

You could even cover the backs in wallpaper.

Yes, I'd replace the backs.
You can buy veneered plywood

Wilko have quite a range of self adhesive plastic film. This is one example.

www.wilko.com/en-uk/d-c-fix-beech-wood-effect-self-adhesive-film-675c-m-x-2m/p/0309620

Sticky backed plastic might also be an option.

Thank you ladies. I’ll look into that.

I'd remove the chipboard and replace with tongue and groove and then you can stain it whatever colour you choose.

Wood T & G cladding would either attach to the back or you could take off the chipboard and put the T&G in its place, paint or stain and varnish to match the rest .
Wickes sell packs of T&G, possibly B&Q do as well.