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What type of paint to use on wooden furniture


5 Best Paint Types for Furniture: Pros and Cons

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

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

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

Latex Paint

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

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

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

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

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

Pros

Chalky Paint

The Spruce / Jordan Provost  

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

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

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

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

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

Cons

The 8 Best Chalk Paints of 2022

Watch Now: How to Use Chalky Finish Paint on Furniture

Milk Paint

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

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

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

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

Cons

Acrylic Paint

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

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

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

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

Oil Paint

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

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

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

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

Application Tips

How to Achieve Smooth Results When Painting Wood

By

Lee Wallender

Lee Wallender

Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 05/29/22

Reviewed by

Johnathan Brewer

Reviewed by Johnathan Brewer

Johnathan Brewer is a home improvement expert with over two decades of professional experience as a licensed general contractor specializing in kitchen and bath. He has been featured on HGTV’s “Super Scapes,” “Curb Appeal the Block,” “Elbow Room,” DIY Network's “House Crashers,” "This Old House," and OWN Network's Emmy award winning show, “Home Made Simple.” Jonathan is also a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

Fact checked by

Alexandra Kay

Fact checked by Alexandra Kay

Alexandra Kay is a writer, fact-checker, researcher, and editor who checks The Spruce articles for accuracy and adds source citations. Alex frequently writes for b2b and b2c publications. When she isn't writing or fact-checking for print or online articles, Alex is an associate professor of English at a community college.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

The Spruce / Claire Cohen 

Project Overview

Painting wood appears to be such an elemental, foolproof project that many people rush the job along or attempt shortcuts that produce poor results. Plus, with the advent of paint-ready surfaces like drywall or primed trim and casing, wood painting is slowly becoming a lost art.

Mastering the techniques of high-quality painting of wood surfaces is not difficult, but it does take some practice. Within just a few hours, you can transform yourself from an amateur weekend painter to one with professional skills.

Watch Now: How to Paint Wood Smoothly

Warning

Always use a dust mask when sanding. If you believe that the surface was painted with lead-based paint, take precautions to avoid breathing or ingesting the paint dust. Hearing protection is essential when operating the oscillating sander.

The Spruce / Claire Cohen 

Need more help? Talk to a painter near you

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Equipment / Tools

Materials

  1. Cover Your Work Surface

    Drape plastic sheeting over the floor or other work surface to protect it from paint spills. Lay a canvas drop cloth or contractor's paper over the plastic sheeting. The plastic keeps the paint from soaking through to the floor, while the canvas provides a non-slip surface and helps to contain paint spills.

    The Spruce / Claire Cohen 

  2. Clean the Wood Surfaces

    Put on eye protection and rubber gloves. Mix a solution of TSP with warm water to the proportions recommended by the manufacturer. Dip a cloth in the water, firmly squeeze it dry, then wipe down the wood to remove all oils, dirt, and grime. Rinse the surface with clean, warm water and a clean cloth. Let the wood dry completely.

    After the wood is dry, check the piece for large nicks, gouges, and scratches. If necessary, fill them with a wood filler using a flexible putty knife.

    About TSP

    TSP is a strong cleaner, degreaser, and deglosser that has long been used for cleaning surfaces in preparation for painting. If you would like to avoid using phosphates (which are banned in many communities), use a TSP substitute instead.

    The Spruce / Claire Cohen 

  3. Sand the Flat Areas

    Put on a dust mask or respirator, as well as hearing protection. Sand the flat, smooth areas of wood with a random orbital sander and 180-grit sandpaper. The intent is not to strip the wood of all of the coatings and stains but simply to smooth out the surface and provide some "tooth," or slight scratches, to help the paint bond.

    The Spruce / Claire Cohen 

  4. Sand the Corners and Details

    If you are sanding furniture that has uneven surfaces, switch to hand-sanding so that the sandpaper can better conform to the shape of the piece.

    The Spruce / Claire Cohen 

  5. Clean Off the Dust

    Thoroughly remove the sanding dust from all surfaces. Begin with a shop vacuum outfitted with a brush attachment. Do not use a blower, as this will only redistribute the dust back on the surface. Make sure that the shop vacuum is fitted with a bag and a filter to minimize airborne dust.

    After you have removed a majority of the dust with the shop vacuum, use a tack cloth or a cotton rag that has been dipped in water and thoroughly squeezed out to remove the remainder of the dust.

    The Spruce / Claire Cohen 

  6. Prime the Wood

    Mix the primer well and apply it with a brush or roller. After drying, if the primer looks transparent or streaky on the wood, prime a second time.

    The Spruce / Claire Cohen 

  7. Apply Primer With a Roller (optional)

    For flat surfaces, switch to the roller to speed up the process and provide a smoother finish.

    The Spruce / Claire Cohen 

  8. Sand the Primer

    Let the primer dry completely, then sand it down before painting. Use very fine 220-grit sandpaper, and apply light pressure to prevent gouging the primer. Remove the primer dust with a quick brush from the shop vacuum, followed by a light swipe of the tack cloth.

    The Spruce / Claire Cohen 

  9. Paint the Wood With a Brush or Roller

    For highly irregular surfaces, such as furniture, crown molding, and trim, it is best to use a paintbrush only. For surfaces that have large, flat areas, incorporating a high-density foam roller will help you get the job done more quickly.

    Dab the end of the paintbrush bristles only about 1/3 the length of the brush into the paint each time you load the brush. Transfer the paint to the wood, dragging the brush in short strokes that run parallel to the wood grain. Keep a wet edge at all times to prevent lap marks. Do not add a second coat of paint during this step, as this can cause the paint to tear.

    For painting with the roller, insert the paint tray liner in the paint tray, then fill the tray less than halfway. Gently dab the roller into the paint. Roll the paint up and down the slope of the tray a few times to distribute the paint on the roller pad.

    Transfer the roller to the wood. Roll the paint onto the wood, beginning with light pressure only. High-density foam roller covers work better with thinner latex paint than with oil-based paints.

    For a more professional finish, looking into spraying the object rather than using a brush.

    The Spruce / Claire Cohen

  10. Sand the First Coat

    You can usually achieve an even smoother coat if you opt to sand and paint one final time. Sanding the first paint coat brings down bumps and inconsistencies introduced by the roller or brush. Using 220-grit sandpaper, sand gently by hand, or attach the paper to the orbital sander and run it extremely lightly across the surface. Do not apply pressure to the sander other than the weight of the sander itself. 

    After sanding, open up the tack cloth, bunch it up but keep it loose, then lightly run it across the surface. Too much pressure on the tack cloth will be counter-productive, as this will press the tack cloth's embedded wax onto the surface.

    The Spruce / Claire Cohen

  11. Apply a Second Coat of Paint

    Apply a final coat of paint, using a brush and/or roller, as desired. Let the paint dry as directed. If possible, let the piece dry overnight or longer before using it. Paint becomes more durable after it fully cures.

    The Spruce / Claire Cohen

High-quality results are easy to achieve if you follow a few professional tips:

Watch Now: How to Make Painted Driftwood

Article Sources

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Renovation, Repair and Painting Program: Do-It-Yourselfers. United States Environmental Protection Agency.

  2. Executive Summary of EPA747-R-97-002. United States Environmental Protection Agency.

what kind of paint is better than repainting, instruction, video and photo

No one will argue with the fact that the preserved old furniture made of natural wood is of a fairly high quality. But if the array itself is often in good condition, then the lining, as a rule, leaves much to be desired. It’s a good thing, it’s a pity to throw it away, and the owners of grandmother’s wardrobes, chests of drawers or tables have a reasonable interest - how to repaint wooden furniture and how difficult it is to do it yourself.

Photo of old furniture.

Let's hasten to reassure you right away, the proposed instruction is not difficult. But you will have to work hard, for which the whole process is divided into several important stages. First of all, you need to choose what paint to paint wooden furniture, then prepare the surface itself, and finally, the process of painting and drying itself. Now we will analyze everything in more detail.

Choosing a paint

Painted white.

Tip: it often makes sense to first clean and prepare the item well so that the condition and texture of the wood can be seen. After that, it will be much easier for you to decide what type of composition to use.

Stained wood.

Covering paints.

Advice: when purchasing the composition in the store, ask the consultant to select the primer for it. Each manufacturer produces an appropriate primer for their paint, and it is better to use this particular primer. Otherwise, the compositions may be rejected.

The video in this article shows varieties of wood paints.

Workflow

If you choose what paint to paint wooden furniture and just apply it on top, you will not be able to get the proper quality. Painting is preceded by a number of preparatory steps (see also how to paint the ceiling with acrylic paint).

Art painting on old furniture.

Preparing the surface

Wire brush cleaning.

Using a building dryer.

Delimitation with masking tape.

Priming and painting

Tip: When applying covering compounds, a little paint can be added to the primer. Thus, the base will acquire the desired shade and it will not be necessary to apply many layers.

An old bedside table as a highlight of the interior.

Conclusion

After painting, your furniture will not only change its appearance, it will become a highlight of the interior and will serve faithfully for many years to come, and if you get bored, then you already know how to repaint wooden furniture with your own hands (find out here how to paint wooden door by yourself).

Artistic cabinetry.

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What paint can be used to paint furniture made of wood and chipboard

In this article we will talk about the styles in which you can decorate an apartment, materials and suitable painting techniques.

You will find out what materials are characteristic of the Scandinavian style, what paint can be used to paint furniture, what accessories fit organically into a Provencal interior and much more.

Styles and Techniques

Preparing to renovate an apartment and a house forces you to answer a number of questions, many of which can be confusing. Making choices and making important decisions is easier if you understand what to focus on, what you want to see in your home, and what absolutely will not work.

Minimalism and Scandinavian style

Lots of light and few details, functional furniture and simple lines are the main features of these trends in interior design. Natural materials are used in the design: wood, stone, ceramics, glass - or their high-quality imitation.

Monochrome color combinations: pastel colors contrast with dark details.

What color to paint the furniture to match the minimalist environment depends on the color of the walls. Items made of natural wood fit best into such an interior, and to protect their surface and give the desired shade, you can use varnish or wax. Available products made from wood derivatives do not contradict the design concept. What kind of paint can be used to paint chipboard furniture if it does not fit into the color scheme? Select the desired shade in our catalog.

Boho and eclecticism

The complete opposite of the black and white minimalist interior is the boho style. Here, bright colors, a lot of details and accessories, diversity and freedom in choosing materials are held in high esteem. Boho style allows you to combine the incongruous, express yourself and create comfort from the little things. Vintage or aged interior items, an abundance of flowers, ethnic prints, ornaments and hand-made gizmos - everything can be harmoniously combined in such an environment.

You can age furniture artistically, for example, with Shabby paint, and create spectacular gilding. Your own taste will tell you what paint to paint the furniture. We will tell you more about the choice of coating in the section “Techniques and materials”

Mediterranean

Inspired by the decoration of houses in Greek and Italian coastal cities, Mediterranean style gravitates towards simplicity, natural colors and textures.

Calm light tones make up the main palette of colors: olive and lemon yellow in combination with terracotta, shades of blue and white. Multi-colored tiles and ornaments are often found, but do not visually overload the room. Semicircular door and window openings, arches are the hallmarks of the Mediterranean style.

Such interiors use laconic and squat furniture in natural shades or stylized antique. What paint to repaint the furniture? Take the overall color scheme as a basis and pick up a few colors that will become the main ones in the design. You can create a vintage effect with Shabby paint, and a geometric pattern is more convenient with Perfect paint.

Moroccan exoticism

The clash of cultures and traditions gave the world an eclectic Moroccan style. It harmoniously combines African, Arabic and Mediterranean motifs. Red-orange colors, heavy fabrics and carpets, niches, traditional ornaments and carvings, mosaics and forged details are the main elements of the Moroccan setting.

How and what paint to paint wooden furniture? You can use bright colors from the Perfect range, create layered textures with Shabby, or simulate inlays with spectacular paint.

Industrial

Former factories and warehouses in New York City have been transformed into galleries and art spaces, giving rise to various industrial style trends, including lofts. Roughly processed, simply painted concrete and brick walls, high ceilings, a lot of light and space are the basis for the design of such premises.

Provence and Victorian

Provence style is the spirit of the old French province, a combination of sophistication and rustic simplicity. The characteristic features of the Provencal house furnishings are natural materials and calm pastel colors. Surfaces and furniture seem to be slightly sun-bleached, aged over time, but not lost their former beauty.

Antique or specially aged furnishings also fit into Victorian shabby chic furnishings. Nostalgia for a bygone era, delicate shades and light floral motifs, artistic negligence and an abundance of cute little details. What kind of paint to paint the furniture in white so that it fits into such an interior depends on your tasks: if you just need to change the color without any extra effort, the Perfect line will do, and it is more convenient to create a multi-layered texture and vintage effect with Shabby paint.

Techniques and materials

In this section we will tell you about methods and techniques of staining, about what style this or that method is suitable for, what paint is best for painting wooden furniture and what is suitable for other materials.

Instead of buying a new set, you can paint the furniture yourself, but with what paint. It is much cheaper, you can involve the whole family in repairs and create comfort in the house with your own hands.

What should be the ideal interior paint:

Safe

Interior materials must not be harmful either during painting or during the use of painted products. Paints and varnishes made on the basis of solvents and drying oil emit volatile organic substances, are toxic and flammable. It is better to refuse them when working indoors or strictly follow safety precautions, use protective equipment and thoroughly ventilate.

Our store offers water-based paints and varnishes, which are made from natural ingredients. They are safe for health and the environment, odorless and do not cause allergies. They are suitable for painting children's furniture and toys, and can also be used by people with special sensitivities.

Opaque

How opaque the paint is and is able to cover the previous color. When repainting furniture, this quality becomes very important, the consumption of materials and the final result depend on it.

Compatible with

- some surfaces are almost impossible to paint, this is a real headache for those who decide to repair.

Our paint is designed for the most difficult materials, so it adheres to any surface: wood and its derivatives, glossy and lacquered surfaces, plastic and ceramics, stone, brick and many others.

Easy to use

Removing the old coating and preparing the product for painting is the most time-consuming and tedious part of painting. Our materials in most cases do not require special pre-treatment of the surface. It is only necessary to clean and degrease it, and in the case of glossy ones, lightly sand it with sandpaper to remove the shine.

Durable

The coating must withstand mechanical stress and be resistant to water and detergents.

Leaves the possibility of repainting

It happens that furniture is accidentally scratched or left a dent, or maybe the color is just tired and it's time for a change. It should always be possible to restore and renew coverage.

Which paint to paint wooden furniture, and which - plastic

Paint based on milk casein fits perfectly on wood both unpainted and on what has already been varnished or other coloring composition.

For painting for the first time, you will need to clean the product from household dirt and dry it. If you need to quickly and effortlessly update the color of a wooden product, then Perfect paint is suitable. It combines a primer, rich color and a durable top coat. If the goal is to create layered textures and vintage effects, then Shabby paint will do.

What paint to paint furniture made of chipboard

Chipboard, plywood and MDF are difficult to paint. The special formula of our materials adheres firmly to such surfaces and allows you not to remove the old coating. Effect paints can be used to create an original coloration with a pearly sheen or imitation of gold and silver.

What paint to paint veneered furniture

Materials and technology for painting veneer furniture is the same as for wood or chipboard. The varnished surface will need to be lightly sanded for better adhesion, then cleaned and degreased. Other products do not require any special treatment other than cleaning.

Plastic

Paint for plastic furniture should be thick, so do not dilute it with water. Before painting, sand the product and then clean it. The first layer will be the primer.

Metal

The materials presented in our catalog are also suitable for painting wrought iron and metal furniture. The metal surface must be primed and then painted.

Coloring techniques

Vintage effects

Artistically aged pieces of furniture fit into a Provencal style interior, look harmoniously in a Mediterranean setting and, of course, fit boho and eclectic decor.

Workflow: