Home » Misc » Painting finished wood furniture

Painting finished wood furniture


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, 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 Furniture Step-by-Step To Avoid Biggest Mistakes

Looking to bring new life to an older piece of wood furniture? A new coat of paint is an easy way to refresh its look and make it into your own custom piece. Whether you have white paint or a fun color in mind, chalk paint or semi-gloss, you'll want to make sure your project looks as professional as it can by the end to sit pretty on your patio or indoors.

40+ Easy & Inspiring Updates for Every Room of Your Home

40+ Easy & Inspiring Updates for Every Room of Your Home

$10 at Country Living

Credit: .

It's easy for a paint project to not go according to plan though. You might find that the paint quickly chips and feels off, or that the finish doesn't look as smooth as you'd envisioned. Worse case scenario, a project gone awry could have you starting back from the beginning. So how do you avoid that? And what's the best paint to use on wood furniture to do so?

We have answers for you! After compiling all of the most common mistakes witnessed over the years, we are sharing this helpful guide to painting furniture—the way that actually, truly works.

BOSCH Palm Sander

BOSCH Palm Sander

Now 24% Off

$59 at Amazon

1. Start by sanding.

    You'll often find tutorials out there that claim you don't need to sand, and there are also lots of primers and paints promising that no sanding is necessary. But from what I've learned over the years, sanding is a must. Be sure to start any painting project by sanding your surfaces with 150-grit sandpaper. (I use this orbital sander with variable speeds.) Be careful not to gouge the surface though: You're just looking to rough it up a little so the primer has something to adhere to; you're not trying to strip the surface.

    Tip: Use 80-grit if you are sanding a furnishing with an existing varnish.

    2. Remove any residue.

    Once you've sanded, be sure to wipe down the surface with a tack cloth to remove any residue. Trust me: Do not use a paper towel, and don't speculate on whether it might be better to use a lint-free cloth. Just use the tack cloth!

    3. Prime it.

    If you're priming laminate furniture, use Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Base Primer. Otherwise, use Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer. Prime using a mini foam roller, and use a foam brush to get into any hard-to-reach areas. Let the primer dry according to the instructions on the can of primer. Once it's fully dry, sand away any drips with a 220-grit sanding block, and wipe your piece down with a tack cloth.

    Everything You Need to Start the Job
    Bosch Orbit Sander

    Now 24% Off

    $59 at Amazon

    150-Grit Sandpaper

    $15 at Amazon

    Galaxy Tack Cloth

    $20 at Amazon

    Zinsser Shellac Primer-Sealer

    $36 at Amazon

    Zinsser 1-2-3 Primer

    Now 11% Off

    $16 at Amazon

    4. Paint it!

    Finally: It's painting time! Use a mini foam roller to apply three thin coats of semi-gloss latex paint. Allow six to eight hours in between coats. It's important that you sand in between coats if you have any drips or residue on the piece. Use the same sanding block and a new tack cloth. The new tack cloth is very important here: You need to remove every speck of lint and dust before applying the Polycrylic Protective Finish in the next step. It's clear, so everything shows. I've blamed everything from the dog to the paint for the tiny pieces of fuzz I've found when applying the Polycrylic, but it's really because I didn't remove everything with the tack cloth.

    5. Protect it.

    Finally, use a new mini foam roller to apply a thin coat of Polycrylic Protective Finish water-based protectant in gloss. You want to make sure you go over this coat very lightly with the foam roller to smooth any bubbles that can occur with the foam roller. Allow 72 hours for it to dry before using; otherwise, it can get sticky.

    Everything You Need to Finish the Job
    Sure-Grip Mini Roller

    Now 35% Off

    $6 at Amazon

    Sanding Sponges

    $9 at Amazon

    Polycrylic Protective Finish

    Now 30% Off

    $13 at Amazon

    Semi Gloss Latex Paint

    $19 at Amazon

    Matte Interior Chalked Paint

    Now 28% Off

    $23 at Amazon

    Easy way to repaint furniture and doors - INMYROOM

    DIY

    You can repaint everything - even varnished doors. It would be a wish!

    Often, in order to change the interior, repairs are not necessary. It is enough to refresh the textiles, decorate one accent wall with wallpaper, change the carpet and do something with the furniture. But what? Really buy a new one? Do-it-yourself repair expert Kristina Nikiforova shared tips that will help save time and nerves if you decide to repaint an Ikea table or an old grandfather chair yourself. nine0003

    Kristina Nikiforova

    craftsman and blogger

    Made a budget repair in Khrushchev, keeps a blog about self-repair remont_devochki

    I won’t tell you the easiest way to repaint, everywhere you need to make an effort. But if there is a desire and a mood, then everything will work out. I have the following sequence of actions: wash, sand a little, remove dust, degrease, cover with primer in 1-2 layers, cover with paint in 2-3 layers, then wax. I'll tell you more!

    What can be painted:

    - furniture made of chipboard in foil;
    - MDF in a film, for example, a kitchen;
    - lacquered furniture;
    - doors, both made of wood and film;
    - tables, cabinets, beds, cabinets.

    Where to start?

    Wash first! Thoroughly remove stains, grease, dirt, and odors—anything that makes old furniture look old. To do this, move the furniture away from the wall, cover the walls and floor with a protective film, prepare a soapy solution and wipe your product with a sponge soaked in it. Try to remove hardly soluble stains with vinegar, alcohol, white spirit or acetone. Don't forget to wear gloves and a protective mask! nine0003

    If you want to get rid of the film, heat it up with a hair dryer: it will come off easily. If the film is glued too tightly and does not come off, it is better to paint over it, after sanding it.

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by . To do this, use fine sandpaper, but if one of your friends has a grinder, it's time to remind these friends about yourself. nine0021

    Prepare for painting

    To do this, dedust and degrease the surface: wipe it with a damp cloth, and then with a cloth with a degreaser or alcohol. The remaining adhesive from the film will also have to be sanded and degreased. After that, you need to putty products: remove all holes from old handles, shelves and fixtures, cracks and bumps. After that, sand and degrease the surface again.

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by0060 Aug 5, 2019 at 1:29am PDT

    Apply primer

    To make the paint adhere to the surface, prime the surface. Choose an unscented primer like Tikkurila's Otex Akva, it doesn't smell! Liquid, water-based, dries quickly. Primer in two layers, each layer should dry.

    Paintable!

    Latex matt paint in different colors, eg Luxens, is suitable for painting furniture and doors. It is convenient to buy paint in Leroy Merlin, immediately tint it there. A good color palette of ready-made paints is also there. nine0003

    For painting you will need brushes, foam and tuft rollers. Apply wax or oil to protect painted furniture with foam rubber or rags.

    Apply 2-3 coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely.

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Repairing my pajamas (@remont_devochki) on

    Waxing or varnishing

    , prevents abrasion and mechanical damage. Can be washed / wiped without fear that the paint will be erased. nine0003

    It is better to use the painted item after about a month, when all layers are completely dry by 100%.

    How to paint natural wood furniture

    Do you have old wooden furniture on your balcony or cottage? 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. nine0003

    What paints are available for working with wood

    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:

    • does not interfere with air circulation, the wood continues to absorb and release moisture; nine0111
    • emphasizes the structure of the tree;
    • protects against the negative influence of external factors.
    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:

    • dry quickly;
    • vapour-tight;
    • waterproof;
    • safe.

    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 characterized by increased resistance 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 clear varnishes and impregnations to preserve the structure of the wood and the original look of the headset. nine0111
    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. nine0111
    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. Polyvinyl chloride and polyurethane paints are for professional use, so it is better not to choose them for home use. In addition, their cost is quite high. nine0111

    How to paint wooden furniture - step by step instructions

    First of all, you need to remove all the hardware. 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 with paint. The work is simple, even a beginner can easily cope with it, but still read the simple recommendations:

    • the paint is distributed evenly over the surface, along the wood fibers; nine0111
    • the second coat can only be applied when the first one is completely dry;
    • can usually be limited to two coats of paint;
    • furniture is best painted in a room that is well ventilated;
    • Do not dry furniture in direct sunlight, dry naturally;
    • choose a quality brush designed for a specific composition - paint or varnish.
    Important! On sale there are brushes that apply paint evenly and do not leave streaks.

    Learn more