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Paint finish for wood furniture


5 Best Paint Types for Furniture: Pros and Cons

Give your furniture new life and a new look with a fresh coat of paint. Whether you want to paint a chair, table, nightstand, or specialty piece, this is a great DIY project that can give your furniture a unique look with just a few hours of work and some basic supplies.

You have many options when painting your furniture. The type of paint is the biggest consideration you’ll have to make. There are oil, latex, and acrylic paint options for furniture, along with specialty paints, including chalky and milk. You can paint with a brush and/or roller or even use spray paint. Each of these paints for furniture carries unique advantages, and some are better suited for one type of project versus another.

Here are the pros and cons of the best paint for furniture.

Latex Paint

Latex paint for furniture is a popular option because it’s easily accessible. You can pick up a pint or gallon of latex paint at your local hardware store and choose from a variety of brands. There are also low or no-VOC (volatile organic compound) formulas, which are highly recommended for indoor painting projects.

A downside is that while latex paint dries fast, it takes a long time to cure and retains a relatively soft finish that's prone to chipping and scratching. This isn’t ideal for furniture that will get heavy use. Instead of soaking into porous surfaces like oil-based paint, latex paint bonds to the surface layer of furniture. As a result, this layer of paint can be damaged relatively easily. For best results, prep the surface with sanding and a primer—and know that you might have touch-ups to do in the future.

On the flip side, one of the big advantages of latex paint for furniture is the wide range of available colors. Choose from the color chips on hand, or have the paint counter mix up a custom shade that will perfectly suit your furniture piece and decor. This level of choice makes it easy to find the paint shade that matches your vision—and your room.

Latex paint is also available in multiple finishes. You can choose from flat (matte), satin, semigloss, or gloss finishes for your project.

Best for: Pieces of furniture that won’t see a lot of action and when affordability is a top factor

Pros

Chalky Paint

The Spruce / Jordan Provost  

Reclaiming vintage furniture or giving newer pieces old-world charm has led to a rise in popularity for chalky paint. This water-based paint typically has latex as its base but delivers a thicker, buildable texture.

Chalky paint is available from specialty retailers, though it’s becoming more widely available. Some people have even found success making their own chalky paint, but the best and most consistent results come from buying a commercial formula. It’s more expensive than conventional latex paint, but people love it for its unique look and silky smooth finish.

Unlike other more conventional paint for furniture, there can be a bit of a learning curve when first using chalky paint. It dries fast, which is a plus, but this also means brush strokes can be seen if you revisit an area for a touch-up once the paint has started to dry. Prepare to practice some, or be flexible in the overall look of the finished product.

Chalky paint can be sanded or distressed to create a weathered look. So the product is popular among people looking for a more vintage or shabby chic look.

Best for: Refinishing antique pieces or achieving a rich, matte look on furniture you use every day

Cons

The 8 Best Chalk Paints of 2022

Watch Now: How to Use Chalky Finish Paint on Furniture

Milk Paint

If you’re looking for a natural paint for furniture with a slightly thinner texture than chalky paint—but plenty of character—then milk paint might be the right type for you. This nontoxic paint is made from milk protein with an activator, typically lime or borax. Color pigments are added to change the tint of the paint. Plus, it’s easy to age the finish of milk paint with light sanding—or leave it intact for a smooth, matte look.

Milk paint for furniture is popular for its eco-friendly ingredients with no chemicals or added fumes. In fact, this paint has a long history of use for painting furniture, houses, and more before commercial paint was widely available. It can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, but the finish can vary and sometimes is inconsistent in terms of saturation. To ensure more consistent results (and less chipping, as this is a water-based paint), use a bonder with milk paint. This is also important on smooth surfaces, such as glass or plastic.

A unique feature of milk paint is that it’s typically sold in powder form. Add water to mix up the amount of paint you need, and store the rest for later use or touch-ups. It’s typically less expensive than chalky paint but yields similar results. A top coat of wax or oil might be necessary to preserve the finish.

Best for: Furniture you want to appear antiqued, weathered, or distressed

Cons

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is another water-based type of paint for furniture that is closely related to latex paint. Color particles are suspended in an acrylic polymer and offer rich pigment with a smooth finish. It can be applied to a variety of surfaces, making it a versatile type of paint for furniture. However, it’s often sold in small containers—making it a better choice for small-scale projects, such as console tables, picture frames, and other accent pieces.

Acrylic paint goes on evenly and is self-leveling, making it easy to work with. However, a primer is a good idea if you want the paint to adhere better to the surface. Drying times are short for acrylic paint, so you can apply several coats in a relatively short period of time. But you will need to give it plenty of time to fully cure once the project is complete. Clean-up is also easy with just soap and water, as it’s a water-based paint.

It should be noted that acrylic paint does have more elasticity to resist chipping or cracking than some other types of water-based paint. But it is still best suited for pieces with light to moderate use.

Best for: Small furniture or accent pieces that need a quick, affordable coat of paint

Oil Paint

Oil-based paint, also sometimes called alkyd paint, is one of the most durable paints to use on furniture. However, this durability comes at a cost. Oil-based paints are usually expensive, take a long time to dry, and have high levels of VOCs that require abundant ventilation. In fact, oil-based paint isn't available everywhere and is even banned in some areas due to its components.

Still, painting furniture with oil-based paint is something to consider if you want a resilient finish that won’t chip or scratch easily. You’ll need to have a natural bristle brush and mineral spirits or turpentine on hand as paint thinner and for clean-up. The advantage to oil paint for furniture is that it can be applied over most surfaces and adheres well. It saturates any porous surface and is self-leveling for easy application. Drying time between coats is long—up to 24 hours—but it does cure more quickly than water-based paints.

You might also consider oil-based paint if you don’t know what type of finish is currently on a piece of furniture. Water-based paints will have a tough time adhering to a surface previously painted with oil-based paint. But oil-based paint can be applied successfully over either water- or oil-based paint.

Best for: Any type of furniture that is heavily used and needs a durable finish

Application Tips

How to paint wood furniture: an expert guide |

(Image credit: Polly Wreford/Sally Denning / Jon Day / Annie Sloan )

Knowing how to paint wooden furniture is a useful skill that can help to breathe new life into old furniture. Whether you want to refresh a family heirloom, change your home's scheme for less, or want to reinvigorate a second-hand piece, painting wooden furniture is easy.

Painted furniture ideas are endless, however, the process is a lot different from painting wood trims around your home. Preparation is key to ensuring a lasting, flawless finish so patience and a steady hand are required when tackling a furniture project. If the process is rushed, you risk marring the piece – something you will hope you avoid.

Here, we have spoken to experts to learn their top tips for painting wooden furniture, from picking the right piece through to finishing a project, so that you can achieve the best finish every time.

How to paint wood furniture

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Gone are the days of hastily assembled flatpack and cookie-cutter interiors. Today, interior design is all about personality and character. Antique and vintage stores are a treasure trove of beautiful pieces of furniture that you won't find anywhere else. However, these vintage gems often need a little TLC to bring them up to scratch or sometimes need a change of color to suit your look.  

'Colorful furniture has made a huge resurgence over the last few years, but it has been hard to find exciting colored cabinetry outside of the bespoke sector,' says Claire Hornby, head of creative at Barker and Stonehouse . Learning how to paint wood furniture gives you the opportunity to create a piece full of color and character that perfectly complements your interior scheme.

That’s where the painted furniture revolution comes to the fore. Learning how to paint wood furniture can transform a boring brown dresser that's otherwise destined for landfill into the hero of your sustainable kitchen ideas.  

In addition to creating characterful pieces for your home, learning how to paint wooden furniture will also save you money as lots of these antiques sell for a song, and also know that you’re doing your bit for the planet, repurposing rather than buying new.

1. Prepare your space

As with any painting project such as how to paint a wall or how to paint a door, you need to ensure you ventilate the area. For painted furniture projects this is easier, as the piece can often be moved outside into the open air or into a shed or garage. If the furniture cannot be moved outside, open up windows and internal doors to allow for a through-draft to help clear the air in your home.

When painting wooden furniture, make sure you lay out a dust sheet to catch any dripping paint. This is especially important if you are painting inside or on outside deck ideas.

2. Prepare your furniture

Remove any hardware, doors, and drawers and dismantle any sections of the furniture that is easily removable to allow for even coverage across the entire piece. 

Sanding is key before any repainting project. ‘It is always important to prepare the surface as outlined on the tin, even if previously painted,’ adds Hanna Ellis. If a piece has previously been painted, sand with coarse sandpaper to remove the previous color and leave an even surface, and vacuum or wipe away any dust. Wash unpainted furniture with sugar soap (available on Amazon) and then lightly sand. Wipe with methylated spirits to remove any dust or grease.

If you are looking to repaint a painted or glossed piece of furniture, it is important to remove this layer first. To achieve this sand the surfaces with coarse sandpaper, (between 60 and 80 grit). If your piece has intricate carving and detailing, treat it with a stripper to remove paint and gloss. If you're unsure of where to start then be sure to find out how to strip paint from wood. 

For an unpainted piece, 'start with a good scrub with sugar soap to remove dirt, grease, old polish/wax or nicotine, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry,’ says Hanna Ellis of Frenchic Paints . Then follow by sanding with a light sandpaper (between 180 and 220 grit) to create a key to help the paint to adhere. Once having sanded your piece, wiped the surface with methylated spirits to remove any grease or dust. Then leave to dry for a few moments before painting. 

3. Prime wooden furniture

Knowing how to open a paint can is also essential – yes, there is a right way to do it. While you often only have to prime certain surfaces, adding a coat or two of suitable prime to any project will allow for a more even layer of paint. Prime your furniture and allow it to dry for the recommended time as stipulated in the tin. Drying time is key to ensuring that your finished piece isn't streaky or patchy.

4. Start painting

Once your primer has dried or if your paint includes a primer then you can start painting. Opt for a round brush and apply your first coat of paint, ensuring all details are painted thoroughly. You may need to change to a smaller, finer brush if your furniture as particularly intricate details that a larger brush cannot reach. Then allow to dry for the recommended time. 

5. Apply a second coat

When this is dry then apply your second coat. If using milk paint, brush along the direction of the grain, while chalk and mineral paint looks best if painted in different directions.

6. Finish the piece

Finishes are key if you don’t want all your hard work to go to waste. Some paints, especially milk paints, are self-sealing meaning that after a few days of curing it will be incredibly durable. However, other paints such as chalk paints will need a wax or lacquer to prevent them from being marked or scuffed.

'Water could damage chalk paint if left unprotected. Opt for a specific chalk paint wax to protect your furniture while also giving a beautiful mellow sheen,' says Annie Sloan. 'Alternatively, you can use matt or gloss chalk paint lacquer. Matt will give a slightly clouded finish whereas gloss chalk paint lacquer will give a high-end sheen.'

Finding wood furniture to paint

(Image credit: Jon Day Photography)

The secret to finding a good piece of wood furniture to paint is to look for good bones. Look past ironmongery, colors and any scratches and instead look at the piece's silhouette. Ensure that it is well made, look for solid wood and dovetail joints. Check all mechanisms are working well and that the piece stands strongly and doesn’t rock or wobble.

'I hate the thought of well-built, carefully crafted furniture going to landfill. And while from an aesthetic point of view they might have seen better days, there is still plenty of life left in these old pieces,' says Claire Manton, founder of Claire's CraftHouse . 'With the interiors market looking to become more sustainable, upcycling is a great way to reuse pre-loved pieces, while unleashing your own creativity.'

Choosing the right brush for painting wood furniture

(Image credit: Cornish Milk Mineral Paint)

An often overlooked element, the right brush can make or break your project. When starting to research how to paint wood furniture, brushes are a key consideration.

‘There are different schools of thought on brushes, and it really depends on the type of paint you are using.  For milk paint, which is water based and quite thin, synthetic bristles or a blend is better as they absorb less water meaning more paint ends up on the surface being painted, and stops the paint drying out too much on the brush. A slanted synthetic brush will give a great finish with milk paint or any thin water based paint,' says Carolyn Moore, owner of Old Fashioned Milk Paint .

'However, some of the thicker mineral/chalk paints will work better with a thicker natural bristle brush, even a round brush often used for waxing, as they hold more paint, meaning fewer dips in the paint and therefore fewer brush marks. If you are planning a lot of painting, look for a good quality brush – the best you can afford, to avoid annoying bristle shedding and ensure they stay in shape following repeated uses.'

The best paint to use on wood furniture

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

There are lots of different paint finishes to choose from when finding out how to paint wood furniture. Your choice will predominately depend on the look you want to achieve, though it will also be guided by whether you are happy to use a primer and sealant or are looking for an all-in-one product. Also consider selecting eco-friendly paints to keep your project kind to the planet.

How to avoid streaks when painting wooden furniture

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

Avoiding streaks when painting wooden furniture, all comes down to your paint finish and your direction. ‘With milk paint it’s always best to brush along the direction of the grain, but there’s no need to worry too much about brush marks, (especially on raw wood as it sinks in like a stain), milk paint is very forgiving – it dries really fast, but with a light sanding using a super fine sanding sponge after each coat, it leaves a rich, buttery smooth finish and no brush marks. However with chalk and mineral paint, it is recommended to paint in different directions to avoid brush marks, and fat round brushes work better,’ explains Carolyn. 

‘When applying the paint, try not to overload your brush as this can lead to overworking the paint which tends to cause dragging marks and unwanted texture. The other tip is to make sure you leave the correct amount of hours between coats,’ adds Hanna Ellis.

Do you need to prime wood furniture before painting?

You don't necessarily need to prime wood furniture before painting. This slightly differs from how to paint a wall where priming is vital to achieving a high-end finish.

Lots of chalk and mineral paints feature an integrated primer meaning that after a light sanding and a wipe down, you can apply the paint and still achieve a flawless finish. Some furniture paints will require a primer before use, be sure to check the tin before starting your project. 

However, even if you do not need to use a primer, it is essential that you prepare the wood before you start painting.

Should I paint the interior of wooden furniture?

Whether you decide to paint the interior of your wood furniture is utterly up to you. 'Sometimes a thorough clean and some hemp oil or wax is sufficient to tidy them up,' says Claire Manton. 'It’s worth remembering that if an old piece has a musty smell to it, painting the interior can sometimes help by sealing odours into the wood, thereby reducing any unpleasant smells. Scented furniture waxes and salves are also a good way to freshen things up.'

Why does paint peel off wood?

Paint can peel off of wood for a number of reasons, however incorrect preparation such as the lack of cleaning, a primer, or the correct paint is often one of the main causes of peeling paint on painted wood furniture. 

To prevent paint from peeling from wooden furniture make sure you follow through with the correct prep work and do not rush the process. While it may be tempting to rush through to complete the project, patience is needed to ensure the best finish. What's more, consider adding a protective finishing coat or wax to seal the paint in and prevent it from peeling due to every day use. This may be especially important on pieces you touch or move every day such as drawers, cabinets, or chairs. 

How do you create a vintage finish on wood?

The easiest way to make a vintage finish on wood is to use an antique-style glaze. There are myriad crackled glazes from which to use. Simply apply between coats of paint to create the distressed effect. 'If you are applying a crackle glaze, always choose a period style paint such as milk paint, which will result in a rich, matt finish as would find on older pieces,' recommends Carolyn.

However, for a traditional distressed look, then hand-distressing is the way to go. This is achieved by painting a piece of furniture a solid color and then buffing the corners and edges with a fine sandpaper to reveal the wood beneath. 'Begin by painting a piece of furniture one color and then, once it’s dry, paint over it with a completely different second color. Sand back through to the first color and in some areas go back as far as the original wood. With the right color combination, it looks beautiful,' says Annie Sloan.

'You can make the process easier with any type of paint by applying wax to the corners/edges before painting, so the paint flakes in those areas,' recommends Carolyn. 'Any distressing works best when the wood beneath is darker – bright new pine showing through doesn’t look aged, so in that case it is a good idea to stain the wood before painting/distressing. You can even layer paint colors by using a darker color first and a lighter color on top, then distressing back to let the darker color show through – this creates a wonderful effect.'

What happens if you don't sand before painting?

If you don't sand before painting wooden furniture you will not achieve a smooth painted finish as paint will gather in any scratches or scrapes. It will also highlight any other natural flaws in the wood grain. Furthermore, if you don't sand before painting, your paint may not stick to the surface resulting in it peeling off once dry. This is because even a light sand provides a key onto which the paint can adhere.

Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature four years ago, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature. 

How to paint natural wood furniture

Do you have old wooden furniture on your balcony or in your country house? Don't rush to throw it away. Fashion trend - painting wooden furniture. This is a wonderful way not only to restore an attractive appearance to things, but also to update the design, completely change it. So, for work you will need paint for wooden furniture - which one to choose and how to work with it - the masters of the Massiv-Mebel.RF company will tell.

What wood paints are available

Masters say that wood can be painted with any paint. This statement is only partly true. There are paints that are categorically not suitable for wood.

Varnishes, impregnations and stains

Varnish for wooden furniture may be either colorless or contain a coloring pigment. The use of such products:

Important! Only well-preserved furniture or new furniture that needs additional protection is varnished. An important advantage is that with further updating, the varnish does not need to be removed, you can apply the next layer on top.

Dispersion paints

If you are faced with the question - what paint to paint wooden furniture - pay attention to water-soluble compositions. Water is used as a solvent, and a polymer resin is used as a binder. This paint is odorless, it can be used even in children's rooms. nine0003

In addition, water-based paints:

With a wide variety of shades, it is easy to choose the right color, and the finish can be matt or glossy.

This group also includes acrylic paints, which are highly resistant to any external factors.

Solvent Based Enamel and Paint

These paints are now falling out of favor because they are toxic, foul smelling, dry and flammable. The only advantage in comparison with water-soluble paints is the low price. nine0003

Important! After drying, a protective film forms on the surface, which prevents the negative effects of water, so furniture that comes into contact with water is painted with such paints.

How to make the right choice

  1. Focus on the result. If the surface should be matte, then the coloring matter must also be matte. The most universal solution is to paint the furniture white.
  2. If you prefer eco-style, use colorless varnishes and impregnations to preserve the structure of the wood and the original look of the headset. nine0014
  3. Remember that more expensive does not mean better. There is no need to choose a varnish for a yacht or parquet, furniture will not become stronger or more durable from this, but it will be extremely difficult to remove such a varnish if you don’t like the result.
  4. It is acrylic paints that are considered the best for painting furniture. The water-dispersed base can withstand up to 500 washes, in addition, air circulation is maintained, and this prolongs the life of the headset. And it can also be used when all family members are at home, the smell will not interfere. nine0014
  5. If you need to treat a large surface, choose alkyd paints. Such compositions dry longer and you need to work in a well-ventilated area.
  6. Only moisture-resistant paints or alkyd compounds are suitable for painting furniture in a bathroom or in a room with high humidity.
  7. Nitro paint and wood furniture oil are not used.
  8. Polyvinylchloride and polyurethane are paints for professional use, so it is better not to choose them for home use. In addition, their cost is quite high. nine0014

How to paint wooden furniture - step by step instructions

First of all, you need to remove all the fittings. This applies to handles and decorative elements. Then you need to remove the aged coating, the easiest way to do this is with a special solvent, and then treat the surface with grinding material. You can also use a building hair dryer.

The next step is to sand the surface, do it with medium grit sandpaper, and then with fine sandpaper. Small defects are removed by means of putty. Now you need to remove the dust and wipe the surface dry. nine0003

A primer is applied to a clean and dry surface to reduce paint consumption. In addition, the primer is an antiseptic.

Important! If your goal is to age the surface, you can skip the primer.

Now you can proceed to the process of painting wooden furniture. The work is simple, even a beginner can easily cope with it, but still read the simple recommendations:

Important! On sale there are brushes that apply paint evenly and do not leave streaks. nine0021

Now you know how to varnish wooden furniture, how to change the color of the furniture. This is quite a feasible task for every person. The main thing is to prepare and not rush, because in a hurry you can ruin everything.

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Wood furniture painting, choice of paint, tools and application technology

Beautiful antique furniture is a decoration of any room. And painting, which you can do with your own hands, will help to restore an attractive appearance to an old object. The main thing is to choose the right paint and application technique. nine0003

This is the most important stage of the work. It is important to prepare surfaces for applying paint, to clean them. The simplest option is chemical, the use of a special composition, the choice of which depends on the type of old coating. When implementing, it is important to observe safety precautions, work with gloves and in a ventilated area. The second method is thermal, which involves exposing the old coating to warm air or steam. Helps to get rid of paint, polishing. After heat treatment, the surfaces are cleaned with a scraper and polished with sandpaper. nine0003

Tools and materials for painting

For painting surfaces, you can choose the tool that is more familiar or convenient to you. A roller is suitable for wide surfaces, a brush is suitable for fittings and small parts.

Airbrush

This painting tool can be manual, pneumatic or electric. The first one does not require electricity. Structurally, they are cylinders with a pump and hoses for pumping the composition and spraying. It is quite difficult to achieve a uniform distribution of paint on the surface with their help, so hand-held spray guns are outdated. nine0003

Pneumatic allows you to apply paint in an even thin layer, easy to use. However, you can only work when choosing a liquid paint composition. In addition, a colorful fog will occur - some of the paint will remain in the air. Professional equipment to minimize fog is expensive.

Electric models protect against fog, but there is a thick layer of paint on the surface.

Roller

This is the most familiar tool for painting furniture, regardless of style. It can be used for any type of surface, easy to use, inexpensive. However, it will not work to process thin elements; in this case, the roller is replaced with a brush. This also applies to the tinting of corners, joints. In addition, the roller coat periodically needs to be replaced.

  • Save time by covering a large area.
  • Economical consumption of paint composition.
  • Possibility to avoid drips. nine0014

For the application of oil and water-based formulations, it is better to choose a velor roller.

Spray can

Benefits of spray painting furniture:

  • The job can be done quickly.
  • No additional hardware required.
  • No work experience required. The aerosol is completely ready to work.
  • Thin layer of paint, economical consumption.
  • Good adhesion to any surface. nine0014
  • Huge selection of colors and tones, including gold, silver, mother-of-pearl.
  • Possibility of coloring hard-to-reach areas, including corners and folds. Using a spray can, you can create patterns and decor when painting furniture.

Minus - using an aerosol for treating large surfaces will not work. You need to work with a spray can carefully, otherwise there will be streaks.

How to choose furniture paint

Manufacturers offer a huge selection of paint. For painting old furniture, it is best to choose water-based compositions - acrylic or thixotropic. The first is easy to dilute in water, it is quickly applied and dries. The second does not drip, after drying, it becomes like plastic and very dense.

On sale you can find options for painting garden furniture, it can not be used for household items.

When choosing, take into account the style and features of the subject. If the task is to preserve the natural texture, natural color, then colorless formulations are chosen. They will protect surfaces from adverse external influences, only slightly changing its shade. nine0003

If you need to paint without preliminary surface preparation, it is better to stop with acrylic paint. Alkyd options will provide the best protection, and oil options will help create a matte texture.

Furniture paints

  1. Acrylic. Acrylic compositions can be water-based or varnish-based, they do not have an unpleasant smell of "chemistry", dry quickly enough, and are safe for health. Painting old furniture with acrylic paint is suitable when working with solid wood items, as well as chipboard, MDF. To protect materials from mold, acrylic paints contain an antiseptic, which also extends the life of the product. The main colors are matte, close to natural, furniture acrylic paints in bright colors are rare. nine0014
  2. Alkyd. Equally popular are alkyd paints with moisture-repellent properties. They are permeable to steam, dry quickly and are economically consumed. The main component is alkyd resins, into which solvents based on polyhydric alcohol are introduced. Suitable for working with objects made of wood, plywood, chipboard.
  3. Paints based on drying oil. To prepare oil-based furniture paint, drying oil and vegetable fats are used. Easy to use, it has an unpleasant odor, so it is more often chosen for working with objects outdoors. Such compositions are gradually losing popularity because they dry for a very long time, can become cracked due to UV rays, and are also impervious to steam. The only area in which they are indispensable is painting in a vintage style. nine0014
  4. Latex. Latex compositions made on a water-based basis are good. They contain artificial latex. Such options penetrate well into the structure of the tree, creating a film on the surface that allows the tree to “breathe”. Often used for restoration of veneer products.
  5. Silicone. Silicone compounds are considered the most stable, but they are expensive. By creating a protective film on the surface, they do not interfere with normal air circulation. The advantage of this paint for painting old furniture is that the color will last for a long time. nine0014

Comparison table of popular types of furniture paint

Comparison table will help you understand which paint to choose for painting furniture.

nine0209

Cons

Variety

Pros

Water based

Odorless, can be used to update the interior of a bedroom or nursery.

Dries quickly.

Cheap.

Used on all surfaces.

Does not tolerate high humidity well, not recommended for use in the kitchen or bathroom. nine0003

Acrylic

Dries quickly.

Penetrates deep into the surface, so primer and putty can be dispensed with.

Allows furniture to be painted white.

Antiseptic properties.

Does not support open flame propagation.

In case of accidental contact of paint on the surface, the stain can be removed with a regular cloth. nine0003

Few color options.

Latex

Resistant to adverse external influences: humidity, UV rays.

High cost.

Silicone

Resistant to high humidity.

nine0002 Good penetration.

Suitable for items located in the kitchen, in the bathroom.

High cost.

How to choose a varnish for painting

Furniture varnishes can have different composition and properties. The main options are presented in the table.

nine0209

Varnish needs to be diluted with solvent.

Variety

nine0002 Pros

Cons

Water based

Eco-friendly and safe.

Can be used on any type of surface.

Odor free.

Long drying time.

Oily

nine0212

Makes the surface shiny.

Darkens the color, gradually turning yellow.

Dry for a long time.

Nitrolak

Suitable for small items.

Dries quickly.

Not durable.

Toxic.

Shellac

Helps to give the surface a glossy finish.

Long service life.

Dear.

Poor moisture protection.

Polyurethane.

Wear resistant.

Suitable for wooden surfaces.

Do-it-yourself furniture painting step by step

Even with minimal experience, it is possible to update a furniture set by painting. Let's see how to do it step by step below.

Furniture disassembly

This is the most important step in preparing furniture for painting. All mechanisms are repaired or changed, then the object itself is dismantled: boxes are removed, handles, attachments are removed. This will allow you to evenly and accurately paint all surfaces. Decorative elements that could not be removed, mirrors, accessories are sealed with masking tape, which will protect against accidental ingress of paint or varnish. When the restoration work is completed, the adhesive tape is removed. nine0003

Removing the old coating

Before painting wooden furniture, the surfaces must be cleaned of the old paint layer. To do this, use a spatula, as well as sandpaper. These tools help to remove the coating from surfaces, but the process is quite lengthy. Alternatively, you can use a grinder.

Other paint removal methods:

  • Building dryer. The surfaces are heated, under a stream of warm air the paint layer becomes soft and is easily peeled off with a spatula. nine0003

  • Bulgarian with a metal brush. Will quickly remove the layer, but it is important to work very carefully so as not to damage the wood.

  • Wash. Sold in auto supply stores. It is applied to the surface, after the paint has begun to bubble due to the reaction, it is removed with a spatula.

Regardless of the method chosen, after processing, the parts are cleaned with sandpaper - first with a coarse grain, then with a fine one. Particular attention is paid to the ends, decorative fragments. Dust can be removed with a regular vacuum cleaner. nine0003

Primer and putty

These are the next steps in preparing furniture for painting by yourself. Primer - applying a composition to the surface to evenly distribute the paint and ensure normal adhesion of the composition to the surface.

Procedure:

Putty will help mask damage, defects, chips and cracks. It is applied in a thin layer with a rubber spatula. In case of significant damage, application in two layers is allowed. nine0003

Furniture Surface Painting Techniques

Before carrying out this step, cover the floor and adjacent furniture with newspaper or film. It is better to work in a ventilated room, after putting on personal protective equipment. To prevent the appearance of unpainted spots and streaks, the paint should be sprayed at a distance of about 30 cm, the movements should be smooth.

Canned paint is pre-poured into a tray, applied with a roller. Small elements are painted over with a thin brush. To get a rich shade, you do not need to make a thick layer. It is necessary to wait for drying, after which - paint again. nine0003

Lacquer surfaces are treated in the same way. This stage is started after the paint has completely dried.

There are a number of furniture painting techniques:

  • Toning. For implementation, a transparent varnish is used. It is applied in a thin layer on the surface, renewing it.

  • Complete repainting. The composition is applied in several layers.

  • Lacquering. Finishing to give a matte or glossy effect. The main task is protection from mechanical damage and negative external influences. nine0003

Features of painting different types of furniture

Each material has its own subtleties and nuances that should be taken into account when working.

Painting MDF furniture

The surfaces are freed from the old coating, cleaned and degreased. Next, make a layer of acrylic primer. It will help smooth surfaces, close all pores and ensure an even layer of paint. You can apply the coloring composition in various ways:

  • spray;

  • spray gun;

  • roller;

  • brush.

If you want to get a rich deep tone when painting MDF furniture at home, several layers are made, each of which is dried. The final stage is varnishing. It will give shine and protect from adverse external factors. nine0003

Painting furniture from chipboard

The first steps in this type of furniture painting are standard - the surfaces are freed from the old coating, sanded, covered with a layer of primer, and, if necessary, putty. The peculiarity of working with such a surface is that the material is covered with veneer or varnish, laminated, laminated. Pre-treatment depends on the type of surface.

Painted particle boards are subjected to heat treatment (eg blow dryer). Soft paint is easily removed with a spatula. If you don't have a hair dryer, you can use an iron. The surfaces are ironed through the foil, after which the paint is very easy to remove. The veneer or laminated layer is removed with sandpaper. The dust is swept away with a brush, it is not worth wiping the surface with a rag or sponge - the dust will fall into the pores of the tree. nine0003

Chipboard furniture can be painted with alkyd, oil or acrylic paints. The choice depends on the characteristics of the room. In the kitchen and in the bathroom, alkyd compounds that are resistant to moisture and microorganisms are best suited. Acrylic, which does not have an unpleasant odor, is chosen for the bedroom and nursery.

Features of painting furniture from chipboard with your own hands:

  • After the first coat has been applied and dried, carefully smooth out any unevenness and roughness with fine grit sandpaper. Then apply a second layer. nine0003

  • Lacquers are also used for chipboard, they will protect surfaces from moisture and mold. Suitable alkyd, alcohol, epoxy compounds.

If you have to paint the cabinet when not dismantled, work very slowly and in small coats to avoid streaks.

Natural wood furniture painting

Most often, furniture is treated with varnish instead of painting. But if the surfaces previously had a coloring composition, it should be updated. Preliminary preparation is standard, the only caveat is that for natural material, the so-called “lint removal” is required. To do this, the surfaces are covered with a layer of stain or other wet composition, such as varnish. nine0003

After preparation, a coat of paint is applied. You can use any type of furniture painting (toning, staining, varnishing).

Stain is used for toning, it perfectly emphasizes the beautiful texture of natural wood. Can be wax, alcohol, water or oil.

Technology for staining solid wood furniture with stain:

It is important to evenly distribute the composition over the surface, otherwise stains will appear.

Wood furniture paint options:

  • If the object is located in a room with high humidity, a water-based one will do.

  • The best option for painting children's furniture is acrylic. It is eco-friendly, odorless, dries quickly.

  • Furniture compounds must contain the designation "Eco Label" in the labeling, this indicates safety.

  • Latex and acrylic compositions are suitable for the bathroom. For the kitchen - water-based odorless. nine0003

  • Previously, painting wooden furniture with oil was considered the most successful option, but such a composition dries for a long time and has an unpleasant odor. It has been replaced by modern silicone paints.

The type of wood affects how much compound is needed. Cedar, pine and fir absorb paint best of all. Birch, maple, beech are much more economical.