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Paint for refinishing 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 2023

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

Best paint for furniture:6 picks to get your DIY projects started

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The best paint for furniture is an essential for refreshing the most treasured piece within your home, whether that's a chair or a dresser. You truly can bring a family hand-me-down back to life or spruce up a second-hand find with these wonderful paints for all sorts of projects for a small expense. This round-up includes a range of paint types with durable finishes, which you can use on a variety of furniture, to get started on your next DIY project. 

When it comes to picking out the perfect paint for you, there are a few key considerations before you get to the fun part (picking out the shade). The style you need, as well as your level of expertise with painting, and how you want the overall finish to be should all contribute to your final decision. We've got all the paints you need to look over right here, as well as lots of advice to help you on your way from our first-hand experience of trying these paints in our homes.

First time painting furniture? Check out our article, how to paint furniture, for the full how-to.

How to choose the right furniture paint

Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

As we mentioned, the best furniture paint for your job will depend on what the piece is made of, your skill level (and patience), and the look you're going for. 

In general, there a few different paint types available for furniture.

Chalk paint is a water-based paint with a matte finish that's ideal for painting wood pieces. It's beloved by DIYers because it's incredibly easy to use: chalk paint requires no sanding or prep work before use, and because it's low or no-VOC, you can DIY indoors. Chalk paint can also be easily distressed, so if often used by those who want an antique finish. At the same time, because it's water based, chalk-paint is only suited for indoor projects, and if you plan to use it in a high-touch situation (like a dresser) you'll likely want to seal it with a polyurethane or wax before use.  

Spray paint is another easy-to-use furniture paint, but it's more durable than chalk paint. Spray paint will adhere to nearly any surface: metal, wood, plastic, ceramic, glass, and more, and there are varieties suited to indoor and outdoor use. It's also inexpensive, and the easiest paint to use if you want a smooth look with no brushstrokes. The one drawback to spray paint is that it produces a lot of fumes, so it needs to be used outside and with a respirator and goggles. Spray painted pieces can also smell like chemicals for a few days, so you'll want to give them some time to offgas before bringing them indoors.

Latex furniture paint can also be used to paint a range of surfaces, including wood furniture, cabinet doors, metal, masonry, plaster, and unglazed ceramic. It's more durable than chalk paint, but also requires more prep work and dry time between coats. You'll need to sand down and prime old wood furniture that already has a finish or coat of paint on it. If you're working with unfinished wood, you'll need a coat or two of primer before painting. If you want a lasting finish, or are planning to use your furniture outdoors, go for a latex paint, followed up by a few coats of polyurethane. 

For more tips on how to choose the best furniture paint, skip to the bottom of the page. 

What is the best furniture paint?

We think the best furniture paint you can buy is the Rust-Oleum Chalked Furniture Paint. It requires no sanding or priming before use so it's great for all skill levels, it's available in nine different colors and it's easy to apply and low-VOC. 

However, if shabby chic isn't your thing or you want something more durable, then a furniture pain with various finishes is the best way to get the look you want. Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover Paint comes in satin or gloss finishes, which are better suited to more contemporary or formal interior design styles.

Rust-Oleum isn't the only option for durable, high-quality furniture paint, though. Read on to find out which other options we love for transforming old furniture, including top picks for spray paint fans, and an option for those looking for custom-color paints.

The best furniture paints you can buy

(Image credit: Rust-Oleum)

1. Rust-Oleum Chalked Furniture Paint

Best furniture paint you can buy: achieve optimum shabby-chicness with this chalky paint

Specifications

Best for: Ease of use

Type: Water-based chalk paint

Finish: Flat

Colors: 9

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Nine colors to choose from 

+

No priming or sanding required

+

Easy to apply

+

Doesn't have a strong smell

Reasons to avoid

-

Chalked paint isn't wipeable or stain resistant  

If you want to give a DIY project a go but don’t have loads of time to spend on it, then this Rust-Oleum Chalked Furniture Paint is a great go-to for easy furniture painting. After sampling this product in our home we found that no sanding or priming was required before application, and as it’s a water-based product, it didn’t smell too potent or give off strong fumes, so it could easily be applied indoors with just a few sheets of newspaper laid down for protection. 

It does, however, mean that it can only be used on interior furniture, as the paint would not fare very well in the elements. With nine colors to choose from, including coastal blue, linen white, blush pink, and and aged grey, there is a range of possibilities for transforming your old furniture into something truly unique. The matte finish also makes it a great pick for those who love a farmhouse or shabby-chic look. However, this paint also works for projects that won't live in a modern farmhouse -- to give it a more contemporary vibe, simply add a topcoat of a glossy polyurethane. This will also improve the durability of the product, too. 

(Image credit: Valspar)

2.

Valspar Cabinet Enamel Semi-Gloss Latex Interior Paint

Best furniture paint for cabinets: get those cabinets looking brand new with this glossy paint

Specifications

Best for: Cabinets

Type: Latex

Finish: Semi-Gloss

Colors: Custom

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

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Dries hard

+

Durable and scratch-resistant

+

Hundreds of color options

Reasons to avoid

-

May require multiple coats

-

Not suitable for outdoor use

Do your kitchen cabinets look a little worse for the wear? If so, then Valspar's Cabinet Enamel Semi-Gloss Latex Paint can quickly and easily make them look brand new again. This is a durable paint that goes on smoothly and leaves a smooth, hard finish that won’t show any signs of brush marks. The paint can be custom-colored, so you can choose from Valspar's extensive color library. Note that this paint works best with sanded or de-glossed cabinets, and you may require a primer if you're going from a dark to a light color. 

Check out our guide to how to paint kitchen cabinets if you're looking for an affordable way to upgrade your space.

(Image credit: Rust-Oleum)

3. Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover Gloss Paint

Best furniture paint for coverage: a thick and glossy paint for a modern finish

Specifications

Best for: Thick

Finish: Gloss

Colors: 10

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

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A little goes a long way 

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Sleek, shiny finish

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Can be used for outdoor furniture

Reasons to avoid

-

Not a huge range of colors

This Rust-Oleum Gloss Furniture Paint is for use on a multitude of surfaces, including wood, metal, plaster, masonry or unglazed ceramic, and it's durable enough for outdoor use, too. You’ll find it’s hinier than the standard satin paint, which gives refinished pieces a more professional-looking finish. It comes in 10 colors ranging from classic neutrals to bold brights, like hunter green and apple red. We've used the red, navy, and white shades, all to great success. 

We love this paint because a little goes a long way (we've use a quart to cover an entire dresser, which we primed first), and it dries to the touch in just 30 minutes, so you don't have to wait long to apply a second coat.

A few things to note: Gloss paint can be a bit trickier to work with that matte, since if you go back over your brush strokes too many times, the finish won't look even. If you're a DIY newbie, chalk paint with a gloss topcoat might be a better option, but DIY veterans should have no problem. We've also found it works best with a primer on wood pieces, especially items that were previously stained. Also, while it's a water-based acrylic paint and has a mild odor, we still recommend using it in an outdoor area or well-ventilated room.

(Image credit: Behr)

4. Behr Interior Chalk Decorative Paint

Best furniture paint for a vintage look: a delicate, chalky paint for creating a distressed look

Specifications

Best for: Vintage look

Finish: Chalky

Colors: 8

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

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On-trend rustic, vintage look

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Easy to use

+

Low VOC 

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Tintable to 500 colors

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Less expensive than other brands

Reasons to avoid

-

Often requires two coats

Like other chalk paints, Behr Interior Chalk Decorative Paint is a breeze to use since it adheres to most pieces without the use of primer. It's ideal for DIY newbies, and painting furniture pieces like sideboards, dining chairs, and table legs. This paint glides on to give a flat, matte finish that is strong enough to withstand wear and tear and will not rub off with general use unless you have specifically distressed it that way. 

If you prefer a more contemporary look or want a little more durability, you can pair the paint with Behr's sealing wax to achieve a satin finish. The wax comes in clear, white, and brown, which you can use to create a whitewashed or antique look.

One of the best parts about this paint, however, is the number of color options. It's tintable, so you can choose from virtually any color in Behr's library. That's 500+ options for finding the perfect shade.

(Image credit: Rust-Oleum)

5. Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Spray Paint

Best furniture spray paint for those on a budget: affordable for those budget DIY jobs

Specifications

Best for: Small jobs

Finish: Various

Colors: 40 +

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

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Affordable

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40+ shades

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Widely available

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Quick and easy

Reasons to avoid

-

Requires a well-ventilated areas

-

Strong fumes

If you want to give a small piece new life, and fast, spray paint is the way to go. Our favorite is Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Spray Paint, which we've used on everything from old planters, to thrifted nightstands, to inexpensive picture frames. 

We recommend this for small jobs for a few reasons. One, there are lots of fumes, so small jobs minimize exposure. Plus, after a while, your finger will get tired from holding down the spray trigger, which is when drips and smudges tend to appear. Spray paint is also super quick to use, so there's no need to get out (and clean) a paint roller, brush, and tray for a small project.

You'll find this paint comes in tons of color options, from subtle blues and neutrals, to fire-engine reds and mustard yellow. Many of the neutral shades come in varying finishes, like high gloss or matte. If you can't find a color in your desired finish, you can simply spray your project in the 2X clear paint, which comes in gloss, semi-gloss, or matte.

One final note on spray paint: If you use it, you must wear a respirator, even if it's done outside. We like this option from 3M , which you use with cartridge filters .

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore )

6. Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Stain - Solid

Best furniture paint for outdoor use: durable outdoor paint in thousands of colors

Specifications

Best for: Outdoor use

Type: Acrylic

Finish: Matte

Colors: Thousands

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Outdoor furniture

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Tintable to most Benjamin Moore colors

Reasons to avoid

-

Use with primer

This matte-finish paint, part of Benjamin Moore's Arborcoat line, is perfect for painting outdoor furniture like wooden swings, Adirondack chairs, and picnic tables. It's durable, mold and mildew resistant, and can be tinted in any of the thousands of colors Benjamin Moore offers. One thing to note: there are a number of Benjamin Moore Arborcoat products, but only the solid stain is tintable in all colors. 

Find Benjamin Moore paint at Ace Hardware. 

(Image credit: Country Chic)

7. Country Chic Chalk-Style Paint

Best chalk paint for color variety

Specifications

Best for: Easy wood furniture makeovers

Type: Chalked

Finish: Matte

Colors: 55

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Ultra-low VOC

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Comes in 55 colors which can all be ordered online

Reasons to avoid

-

More expensive than other paints on this list

True, Behr's chalk paint can be custom ordered in hundred of colors. But, if you're looking to save yourself a trip to your local hardware store, check out Country Chic Chalk-Style paint. It can be ordered online in 55 different colors, including multiple shades of white, 10+ shades of green, gorgeous pinks, black, and more.

Like other chalk-style paint we've tried, Country Chic paint went on easily and smoothly, dried quickly, and was virtually odorless. We used a gray-blue hue called Elegance to paint an antique wooden desk chair, and after two coats of paint it looked good as new. We also used Country Chic's Hemp Oil to seal the piece and make the finish more durable, but note that doing so did darken the color a touch. 

How to buy the best furniture paint

Choosing the type of furniture paint that will work best for your project will depend on a few key factors:

The function of the piece you're painting

Different paints offer different levels of durability, so it's important to consider the way you plan to use a piece before choosing a paint. 

Chalk paint, for example, is easy to apply and low-VOC, and makes a great paint choice for decorative accents like mirrors or accent furniture. But, it can tend to chip and wear over time on surfaces that'll get a lot of everyday use, like the top of a coffee table or a cabinet door. If you love the look of chalk paint but need a more durable solution, you can either seal the paint with a wax or polyurethane, or opt for a more durable paint in a matte finish.

Acrylic paints, like Rust-Oleum's Painter's Touch line and Benjamin Moore's Arborcoat, are typically more durable than chalk paint because they can be wiped and scrubbed, and cure to a hard finish that's more resistant to scratches. 

The finish you're going for

The finish of the paint you choose will impact both the look and the function of your furniture. Gloss paints feel more contemporary, while matte paints are suited for farmhouse or shabby-chic decor. Satin or semi-gloss finishes are versatile enough to suit any design style. 

As far as function goes, gloss, semi-gloss, and eggshell paints are wipeable and easier to clean than matte, flat, or chalk finishes. Different paints come in a different range of finishes, so you'll want to look for one that offers the level of sheen you want, or be prepared to add a sealer or top coat to achieve it.  

The range of colors

Color is typically the biggest reason people paint furniture in the first place, so you'll also want to be sure the paint you choose comes in a color you love. Tintable paints, like Valspar's cabinet enamel, come in hundreds of color options, and most can even be color matched to a shade from a different manufacturer (say, if you had your heart set on a Benjamin Moore color but wanted to use a Valspar paint, or vice versa). 

Spray paint and chalk paint, on the other hand, are generally offered in a set range of colors. 

The amount of prep work you want to do

If you're looking to do a simple refresh on a piece that's in good repair, and don't want to spend a ton of time on your DIY project, chalky paint is the quickest, easiest way to go. That's because chalk paint doesn't require a sanded or primed surface (although you'll often get longer-lasting results if you complete those steps), or a sealer.

With acrylic and oil-based paints, deglazing, sanding, and priming are recommended, and you may need a coat of polyurethane depending on how you'll use the piece and how long you want it to last.

For all things paint related, check our dedicated hub page.

Where to buy furniture paint 

About this review & reviewer

Kaitlin Madden Armon is the Executive Editor of Homes & Gardens and was previously the Editor in Chief of Real Homes. No stranger to a can of furniture paint, some of her favorite pieces of furniture have been found on the side of the road, at the Goodwill, through Facebook marketplace, and yes, even at the dump. She's used just about every type of furniture paint that's on sale at Home Depot (and then some), including spray paint, chalk paint, outdoor furniture paint, and latex furniture paint to give these pieces new life. Check out her furniture upcycles on Instagram at @kaitmadden . 

Furniture restoration and repainting paint

With proper care, quality furniture will last for many years and generations. It is up to you to extend its life and restore its original appearance or upgrade it beyond recognition. In this article, we will talk about materials that will help implement the solution: how to choose the right paint for furniture restoration and where to buy it, how to hide defects.

Furniture needs updating

In what situations do interior items need restoration, and when furniture at home can no longer be saved?

Solid wood products can live forever, but furniture made of chipboard, fiberboard, laminated chipboard and other wood derivatives has a limited lifespan. In addition, such surfaces are practically not amenable to painting. However, it is too early to say goodbye to your favorite old chest of drawers or furniture front if it is still holding tight and needs only cosmetic repairs.

It is possible to hide chips, scratches of various depths, cracks and even restore lost decorative elements, renew the coating and completely change the style with your own hands.

What you need

Just as furniture restoration is not limited to repainting, useful materials are not limited to paint alone. It will be discussed below.

Can furniture be painted with any paint?

Overview of materials for furniture refinishing

Interior paints differ from each other in composition, degree of gloss and transparency, as well as in the field of use. Not all of them are equally suitable and sometimes it is difficult to choose paint for furniture, some are simply created for other tasks.

What ingredients should I pay attention to when choosing paint for repainting furniture? First of all, it is worth abandoning the use of oil paints and solvent-based materials. The first ones are simply outdated, while the rest are toxic and flammable.

Opt for water-based products. Such dyes are environmentally friendly, emit a minimum amount of volatile organic substances or do not emit them at all. Thanks to this, they do not have a sharp unpleasant odor, are not flammable and do not cause serious harm to health and the environment. This is a weighty argument, since we are talking about paint for repainting furniture in a living room.

Acrylic and other furniture paints

The most common and affordable water-based materials are acrylics. However, acrylic is not always effective for repainting. A significant drawback is that it does not fit on varnished surfaces, meaningless for repainting products made of chipboard or previously painted with adhesive-based materials. Unfortunately, it cannot be considered as a paint for glossy furniture facades.

An alternative to acrylic are a variety of eco-colors: milky, mineral and chalk. They are made entirely from natural materials, so they are absolutely safe for health and the environment, do not cause allergies and do not smell. The special composition allows you to lie evenly and firmly on difficult surfaces:

Is it possible to paint lacquered furniture? Yes, but it's easy. To make it fit well, you just need to slightly bring down the shine and walk along the surface with sandpaper. Most often, it does not require a primer or other special preparation of the product.

Instructions for repainting furniture

A few questions that affect the course of the restoration:

  1. To remove or not to remove the old coating? It is not necessary to remove a strong and even coating at all, but you can paint over it. It is necessary to remove the old layer of varnish or paint if it is already peeling, blistering or completely unsuitable in texture. Do this with a spatula, solvent or building hair dryer.
  2. Is there any serious damage to the furniture that needs to be repaired? Treat deep scratches on the paint of furniture facades, chips and other defects with mastic and a spatula. The mastic is applied to clean solid bases, dries to the touch within 1-2 hours, completely hardens in a day.
  3. Should I create an original texture or just paint over it? Annie Sloan's professional line of furniture paints, for example, makes it possible to artistically age furniture, imitate scuffs and create multi-layered textural compositions.

Where can I buy furniture paint?

For novice decorators or those who want to quickly repaint furniture without too much work, the new Mirabella brand paint or the Vernon Perfect line is suitable. They do not require any preliminary or finishing surface treatment, they themselves are a combination of primer, rich color and durable coating. You just need to choose the color, clean, dry and degrease the surface, and then the work goes on by itself.

You can choose and buy paint in our catalog.

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

Beautiful antique furniture - 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.

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.

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.

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 on 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.

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

Spray can

Benefits of spray 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.

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 lacquer-based, they do not have an unpleasant “chemistry” smell, 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.
  2. Alkyd. No less popular are alkyd paints with water-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. For the preparation of paint for painting oil-based furniture, drying oil is used, as well as vegetable fats. 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.
  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.

Comparison table of popular types of furniture paint

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

Variety

Pros

Cons

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.

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.

Few color options.

Latex

Resistant to adverse external influences: humidity, UV rays.

High cost.

Silicone

Resistant to high humidity.

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.

Variety

Pros

Cons

Water based

Eco-friendly and safe.

Can be used on any type of surface.

Odor free.

Long drying time.

Oily

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.

Varnish needs to be diluted with solvent.

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.

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:

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.

Priming and puttying

These are the next steps in preparing the furniture for DIY painting. 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.

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.

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:

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:

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

Staining technique for solid wood furniture:

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

Wood furniture paint options:

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

Useful tips for those who paint themselves

To avoid disappointment with the result, you should take the advice of professionals for painting wooden furniture with your own hands. If you work with a brush incorrectly, there is a high risk of gaps. To prevent them, the brush is moved smoothly. Streaks indicate that a lot of paint has been taken. If you need to get a rich color, it is better to make several thin layers, after drying each of them.

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