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Painting wood furniture grey


BEST Grey Furniture Paint - Salvaged Inspirations

LOOKING FOR THE BEST GREY PAINT FOR YOUR FURNITURE MAKEOVERS? I’M SHARING MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE GREYS OVER THE LAST 10+ YEARS OF FURNITURE PAINTING | INCLUDING FREE DOWNLOAD

Are you looking for the BEST GREY FURNITURE PAINT for your makeovers? With SO many paint brands on the market, choosing the perfect GREY can be confusing. I totally get it and I’m here to help. I’ve been painting furniture professionally for over 10+ years and have painted numerous grey pieces. I’ve tried chalk paints, milk paints, mineral paint, acrylics, and latex, and today, I’m sharing MY GO-TO GREY FURNITURE PAINTS along with a few gorgeous restyles.

These paints are in no particular order. I encourage you to try a variety of brands and see which brand suits YOUR NEEDS BEST! Let’s get started…

Dixie Belle is a chalk mineral paint that is easy to use and provides excellent coverage. A little goes a long way. My favorite grays in the line from dark to light are Gravel Road, Hurricane Gray, Driftwood, French Linen, and Manatee Gray.  In the majority of cases, no prep sanding is needed and the coverage is outstanding with 1-2 coats doing the trick.  It dries quickly in 1-2 hours and does not require a topcoat but because it’s matte paint, I like to topcoat my pieces. This paint sells for $34/quart with a pint and 8oz (cheaper) option available as well.

GRAY WASH SEWING CABINET

Annie Sloan has two fabulous Greys that I absolutely love. Paris Grey and French Linen is my all-time fav but I also think Chicago Grey is a classic. When using AS Chalk Paint, in most cases no prep is required and 1-3 coats in these two greys will give a nice coverage. Dry and re-coat time is fast, usually within an hour. This chalk paint requires a topcoat and has a beautiful depth when Wax is applied. This paint sells for $45/quart.

ANNIE SLOAN FRENCH LINEN HEADBOARD

GRAY FRENCH LINEN PAINTED HEADBOARD

General Finishes Seagull Gray, Empire Gray, Perfect Gray, and Driftwood are gorgeous true grays from light to dark respectively. GF products are versatile for pieces you don’t want to look quite as flat, yet you can easily achieve a matte finish if desired. It’s labeled as milk paint, but it’s really a super durable acrylic and can be sprayed beautifully. Prep and topcoat are recommended. This paint sells for around $37/quart.

GENERAL FINISHES DRIFTWOOD BUFFET

GRAY PAINTED NIGHTSTANDS

I haven’t tried Fusions Milk Paint yet however Fusion/Homestead House is the Canadian Company that manufactured all of Miss Mustard Seeds Milk Paint — which I use to use all the time. The two greys I’m looking forward to trying are Silver Screen and Gotham Grey. If any of you have used this new milk paint line, I’d love to hear how you liked it in the comments below. Milk Paint is all-natural and comes in a powder that requires mixing with water. Some prep to the furniture may be required depending on the look your after. Coverage takes a few layers before it starts looking good. I usually paint 2-3 coats. Milk Paint is great for achieving chippy or distressed finishes and creates an interesting dimension with the blended pigments. This paint sells for $30/bag.

SHUTTER GRAY MILK PAINTED CABINET

DRIFTWOOD PAINTED ’80s HIGHBOY

Fusion Mineral Paint requires little to no prep and is easy to apply with good adhesion. My favorite grays in this brand are Little Lamb, Sterling and Pebble. It uses natural pigments rather than synthetic which makes for great coverage – 1 or 2 coats usually does the trick. Dry and re-coat time is 4-8 hours. Once cured, it doesn’t require a topcoat. Although, for high-traffic items, I recommend one. This paint sells for $40/quart.

WEATHERED GRAY STAINED TABLE

GRAY CRACKLE PAINT FINISH DRESSER

Sherwin Williams All Surface Enamel in AGREEABLE GRAY SW 7029 is one of my favorites. I also really like Dovetail for a dark rich grey. Prep is required. This paint can be used for interior or exterior projects and is definitely tough enough for high-traffic furniture like kitchen tables, chairs, and coffee tables. It can be brushed on and I also love spraying it using my paint gun. No topcoat is required. This paint sells for $25/quart.

MAGAZINE RACK MAKEOVER | SALVAGED INSPIRATIONS

I love all the brands listed above. They give a unique finish, are easy to use, have great coverage, and come in a variety of price points. I hope this gives you a starting point for your upcoming grey-painted makeovers!

Here’s a

FREE DOWNLOADABLE PDF listing all these colors. I hope it’s helpful.

Also, Better Homes and Gardens has a wonderful article on How to Pick The Best Grey Paint. The article talks about grey walls and cabinets, but all their great points can be applied to furniture painting as well.

LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF GRAY-PAINTED FURNITURE. ARE YOU A FAN OR NOT SO MUCH? … OR FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.  I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. 💙

Happy furniture painting my friends!

Denise x

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How to use gray paint on furniture makeovers

Do you have an old dresser or cabinet that could use a fresh look? Are you dreaming of turning it into an elegant, modern piece of furniture and searching for the perfect paint color to do so? Look no further— gray paint on furniture can be the perfect answer!

With its sleek sophistication, gray is becoming a popular neutral choice among DIY and furniture painters. In this blog post, we’ll explore how using different shades and types of gray can give your furniture makeover just the right touch. So break out your brush and those cans of paint, ’cause we’re about to get started on transforming your drab furnishings with decor-enhancing grey hues!

Using gray paint on furniture is a favorite color choice of mine. It comes in second next to painting furniture black. The different shades of gray can take the look of your furniture from dark and moody to a light and airy farmhouse. Gray is one of the best colors to paint furniture since it can be so versatile.

Best gray color to paint furniture

Since there are so many different brands, types, and shades of gray, picking the best gray color to paint furniture is a difficult task. Sometimes this comes down to a personal choice of the type of paint you like to use while painting furniture.

The best news is once you find a brand you love, most furniture paint brands will have gray paint. Even if it is not a perfect shade of gray, you can mix in other colors to make your own shade of gray paint. Check out my post on “How to mix furniture paint colors,” if you need some help in making the perfect gray paint.

This post contains affiliate links.  Click here to see my full disclosure policy.  

I painted this mid-century modern dresser with a paint blending technique all with Queenstown gray from General Finishes.

To get this look, start by painting the dresser entirely using the base gray paint color of Queenstown gray and allow it to dry completely. Mix the base color with white paint to get a lighter shade of gray. Then mix the base color with black paint for a darker shade of gray. Apply all 3 colors to small sections of the dresser and begin to blend the colors together. The key to good paint blending is using water and a good quality round paintbrush.

Practice paint blending on a wooden board until you get your technique down. If you need more help with paint blending, I offer in-depth video training on how to do paint blending through my online furniture painting workshops.

My gray paint recommendation is Queenstown gray by General Finishes for those who have a paint sprayer. And for those who hand-paint, I love Country Chic in Hurricane.

Gray Painted Furniture Makeovers

Are you needing some inspiration for painting furniture gray, take a look at a few of these gray-painted furniture ideas for inspiration.

Mid-century dresser makeover with Queenstown gray and black glaze.

This repurposed headboard corner bench was painted with Queenstown gray and winter-white glaze effects.

Confederate gray by Maison Blanche(discontinued and here is an alternative- Hurricane by Country Chic Paint) with lime-painted drawer fronts. Check out how to lime paint furniture for more details on the lime paint finish.

Here are a few other furniture makeovers using gray paint:

Gray Chalk Painted Furniture

You can also use all the popular paint colors like agreeable gray from Sherwin Williams, and classic gray from Benjamin Moore, and turn them into chalk paint. What a perfect way to get the exact match you are wanting by using the paint you already have to paint your furniture.

Make your own easy chalk paint with the wall paint you already have on hand. Make sure you follow my key tips on how to mix the paint to get the best smooth paint.

For those who love the weathered gray paint finish, check out how to achieve the driftwood paint finish with paint. This driftwood finish is just like the Restoration Hardware finish. Discover this affordable and easy paint finish without the expensive price tag.

Painting furniture is a great way to give it new life. It can be a fun project to do on your own or with friends. If you’re feeling unsure of where to start, try out one of the best gray colors we’ve listed above. With the right color and technique, you can achieve amazing results.

Still, need more help? Check out our guide on how to paint furniture (FREE GUIDE) for more tips and tricks. Also these other great resources:

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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.

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!

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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Waxing or varnishing

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.
  • 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 to treat 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 cannot 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. 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. For the preparation of oil-based paint for painting 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

Plus

Cons

Water based

Eco-friendly and safe.

Can be used on any type of surface.

Odorless.

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:

  • 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.

  • 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.

Primer and putty

These are the next steps in preparing the 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.

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.

Surfaces are varnished 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.

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 coat 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.

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:

  • 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.

  • 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.

Painting furniture made of natural wood

Most often, instead of painting furniture, it is treated with varnish. 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.

Technology for staining solid wood furniture with stain:

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

Paint options for wood furniture:

  • 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.

  • 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.

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.

Paint dries faster in a warm, dry area.

The right choice of paint will help visually mask the imperfections of the room. Light objects seem larger than they actually are, dark ones, on the contrary, visually decrease.

Please note:

  • Wood Conditioner will help prevent stains on surfaces that have been previously treated with liquid stains.

  • If the varnish is applied in several coats, the surfaces are sanded by hand or with a grinder after each coat. Dust is carefully removed.

  • Work with water-based varnishes is possible only at positive temperatures.

If you plan to use paint of different shades, varnish, then it is better to stop at the products of one manufacturer.

Learn more