Give old furniture a fresh look.
Matte finishes are on-trend right now, and create a soft appearance.
Meanwhile, eggshell and satin finishes lend a more polished and timeless look, notes Casey.
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Also keep in mind that a satin finish will wipe clean more easily than a matte finish.
If your home decor aesthetic is more rustic or shabby-chic, consider chalk paint.
How to Paint Wood Furniture
Ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work?
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Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to paint wood furniture.
you might also remove any drawers, since you’ll want to paint each drawer front separately.
This will prevent paint splatter or drops from getting onto the ground.
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Sand
Sanding is arguably the most tedious part of the furniture painting process.
“Start with a low grit and work your way up.
(FYI: The lower the grit number, the rougher the texture.)
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Depending on how large the piece is, this process can take several hours.
This will help the paint adhere better.
Don’t skip priming unfinished wood furnitureit will help prevent the wood grain from showing through the paint.
Wipe Down
After sanding, wipe your furniture down with a damp cloth or a tack cloth.
You want an absolutely smooth, debris-free surface before moving on to the next step.
Prime
Casey recommends applying one to two coats of primer before painting.
This will add some texture, helping the paint adhere.
Be sure to clean away the dust before painting.
If needed, repeat for a third coat.
However, you will have to reapply it whenever you find the wax is wearing off.”
Put It Back Together
Allow your furniture to fully dry, then replace the hardware and drawers.
Wait the recommended curing time on the paint can before placing items on top.
This can take up to a week or two.
The less humid the environment, the better, and it shouldn’t be too hot or too cold.
Most primers, paints, and sealants include instructions regarding ideal temperatures, so refer to the on-label guide.
Mistakes to Avoid
Want to see to it you paint your wood furniture correctly the first time?
Avoid these common mistakes:
