Furniture painting is a satisfying and budget-friendly way to update the look of any room in your home. If you’re just starting out and want to know how to paint furniture, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how it works: the first step involves prepping the piece by cleaning and sanding, unless you’re doing an artful distressing job. With our guide in mind, furniture painting is possible for anyone – even complete beginners!

How to paint furniture?
Painting furniture is a great way to give new life to old furniture, add style to your home, and save some money. Whether you are repainting an existing piece of furniture or giving it a whole new look, there are several steps you can take to get the job done right. In this guide we will explore how to paint furniture, step by step. With the right preparation and techniques, you can create a beautiful piece of furniture that will make your home look great. Let’s get started!
1. Preparing the Furniture
Before beginning to paint your furniture, it’s important to prepare it properly. This involves cleaning and sanding the piece, as well as applying a primer or sealer if desired.
Cleaning and sanding the piece: Cleaning will help remove any dirt or dust that could interfere with how the paint adheres, while sanding will ensure a smooth surface for even coverage.
Applying a primer or sealer: Applying a primer or sealer can help protect the furniture’s surface, and will ensure a more even finish. With these steps complete, you’re ready to begin painting your furniture!
2. Coating the Furniture
- Paint sprayed with air compressor: When it comes to coating the furniture, there are a few different techniques that can be used. One of these techniques is spray painting with an air compressor. This method will provide an even coverage and create a fast finish.
- Latex brushed on with a brush: Another option is brushing on latex paint with a brush. This is best done in small sections and lightly brushed over the furniture.
- Oil-based brushed with foam roller: Lastly, oil-based paint can be brushed on with a foam roller. This is the most time-consuming method of coating furniture, but it will create an even and durable finish. Make sure to let each coat of paint dry before applying the next one to ensure that your furniture looks its best when finished.
3. Finishing Touches
Applying furniture polish wax for extra protection and shine: Finishing touches are a must when it comes to painting furniture. Applying furniture polish wax will offer extra protection and shine, making your painted furniture look as good as new. Make sure to use the right type of wax for your specific piece of furniture; some may require different types of wax depending on the material and finish. Take time to apply the wax, making sure to cover all of the surfaces properly. The protective layer of wax will keep your furniture looking good for years to come!
Painting furniture Easy, even for beginners!
Painting furniture can be a fun, cost-effective way to personalize your home and make it look like new again. With the right tools, preparation, technique and finish, you can achieve amazing results even if you’re a beginner.
4. Bonus: Safety Considerations for Painting Furniture
Safety is paramount when painting furniture, as you will be exposed to hazardous chemicals and materials. To ensure your safety while repainting furniture, it is important to wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, eye protection, and gloves. Additionally, make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area so that any fumes created during the process are properly dispersed. Lastly, cover your workspace with plastic drop cloths to protect it from any accidental spills or splatters. By following these safety precautions, you can help ensure a successful and accident-free repainting project!

5. Tips and Tricks
To ensure success when repainting furniture, it is important to take the time to test colors on a piece of wood before painting, read labels for best practice guidelines, choose the right brush or roller based on the furniture’s finish, and keep an extra layer of paint nearby in case you need to touch up a spot after finishing.
Testing colors on a piece of wood before painting
When it comes to testing out a color on furniture, it is always best to try a sample on a piece of wood. Doing this allows you to decide how the color will look and if it suits your style before committing fully to painting the furniture. For example, if you’re repainting an old dining room chair, test the paint colors on a scrap piece of wood to make sure you love how the colors look against each other.
Checking the label for best practice guidelines
It is also important to check the label for best practice guidelines when painting furniture. Depending on the type of furniture that you are repainting, there may be directions or warnings that can save your project from becoming a disaster. For example, if the furniture is a laminate, you may need to use a different kind of paint or prepare the surface differently before painting.
Using a brush or roller based on the furniture’s finish
When it comes to how you apply paint, this also depends on the type and finish of the furniture. Using a brush can give your furniture a more hand-painted look and is best for smaller projects like cabinets and drawers. If you’re working on a larger piece, like an armoire or couch, it might be more efficient to use a roller as this will create an even finish faster than a brush.
Keeping an extra layer of paint nearby in case you need to touch up a spot after finishing
Finally, it is always a good idea to have an extra layer of paint nearby in case you need to touch up any spots after you finish painting. This is especially important if you’re repainting furniture that has a distressed or antique look to it, so that the colors are blended and consistent throughout the piece. Having an extra layer of paint ready is also handy in case any imperfections appear while the first coat dries.
6. Painting Supplies Checklist
Painting furniture can be an engaging and rewarding project for any beginner. Just make sure to have all the necessary supplies ready before you start so that you can get a smooth, professional-looking finish. Gather together the items mentioned below, such as paint, primer or sealer, sandpaper, protective clothing, and a brush or roller to help start your project. Have fun!
Paint
Paint is essential for any furniture painting project. You can choose either water-based or oil-based paints, depending on how you want to finish the furniture. Make sure you get enough paint to cover your entire project.
Primer or sealer
Primer or sealer is used before painting furniture in order to create a smooth and even surface for the paint to adhere to. This helps ensure that the paint looks great after it has been applied.
Wax furniture polish
Wax furniture polish is used to protect the furniture from damage and make it look shiny. It also helps to seal in the paint and prevent chipping or peeling.
Sandpaper
Sandpaper is used to sand down rough areas of wood before painting. This will help create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to.
Brush and/or roller
A brush and/or roller are necessary tools when painting furniture. A brush is ideal for small jobs, while a roller can be used for larger projects.
Air compressor (optional)
An air compressor (optional) can be used to quickly dry the painted furniture after each coat is applied. This can save time and ensure an even finish on your project.
Plastic drop cloths (optional)
Plastic drop cloths (optional) should be placed under furniture before painting to protect your floor.
Protective clothing and eye protection (optional)
Protective clothing and eye protection (optional) should be worn when painting furniture in order to protect your skin and eyes from any fumes or paint splatters.
This checklist will ensure that you have all the necessary supplies for painting furniture like a pro! With these items, you can successfully repaint your furniture and give it a fresh new look. Good luck!
7. Painting Furniture Technique Guide
Painting furniture is a great way to give an old piece of furniture some new life. It can be daunting for beginners, but with the right techniques and materials, anyone can easily repaint their furniture. This guide will walk you through all the steps of how to paint your furniture step by step. With just a few simple supplies, you’ll be able to transform any piece of furniture into something beautiful that reflects your personal style. So let’s get started!
Applying primer or sealer
Applying primer or sealer is the first step of how to paint furniture. Using a brush and roller, apply a thin layer of primer over the entire surface evenly, avoiding any drips. This will help prevent the paint from bubbling, fading or chipping in the future.
Spraying and brushing on the paint in even layers
Spraying and brushing on the paint in even layers will provide you with an even finish for your furniture. Start at the top and work your way down in overlapping strokes, lightly sanding between each coat. Be sure to leave enough drying time between each coat so that the paint won’t run off when touched or washed.
Working from top to bottom for the best result
Working from top to bottom is essential to get an even finish on how to paint furniture. Begin by spraying or brushing the top of the furniture and then move to each side. Work your way down until all of the furniture is painted evenly.
Scraping off excess paint with a flat blade if needed
Scraping off excess paint with a flat blade can help ensure a smooth finish when how to paint furniture. Using an even pressure, scrape away any leftover paint from crevices or corners that may have been missed during painting.
Rubbing in furniture wax when finished
Rubbing in furniture wax when finished will help protect your newly painted furniture from scratches, fading and chipping. Use a cloth or brush to apply a thin layer of wax over the entire piece and buff it into the wood for added shine and protection.
With these steps, you can learn how to paint furniture from start to finish like an expert. So get to work and create a fresh look for your home. Good luck!
What to do if the paint isn’t sticking
If the paint isn’t sticking, it’s likely that the surface wasn’t properly prepared beforehand. Sand down any rough patches and make sure you’ve used a primer to give the furniture a good base to adhere to.
Removing any lumps or bumps in the furniture surface
If there are lumps or bumps on the furniture, you can use a putty knife or sandpaper to smooth them out before applying your paint.
Checking for paint drips and how to remove them
Throughout the entire process of painting, keep an eye out for any paint drips and how best to remove them. Use a damp cloth or sponge with some detergent if needed and be careful not to rub too hard!
Once finished, your furniture will look as good as new – happy repainting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of paint do you use on wood furniture?
The type of paint you use on wood furniture depends on how you want the final result to look. Latex- or water-based paints work well for repainting and are usually recommended for furniture. Oil-based paints, enamels, and emulsions provide a glossy finish but can be less durable in high-traffic areas. Consider how often the furniture will be used when deciding upon the best paint type. Additionally, always make sure to clean and prepare the surface of the wood before painting!
How to paint furniture for beginners?
Painting furniture is a great way to give old pieces a quick, cost-effective makeover. First, prepare the furniture by cleaning and sanding the surface. Next, choose an appropriate primer to help protect the wood and promote long-lasting color. Then apply one or two coats of paint with a brush or roller, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. Finish off with a protective sealant for added durability. With these simple steps you’re all set for repainting your furniture!
Can you just paint over furniture without sanding?
Yes, you can paint over furniture without sanding. However, for the best results it is recommended that you do a light sanding of the furniture before painting. This will help to ensure that the new coat of paint adheres properly and has an even finish. To prepare the furniture for painting, begin by wiping down the surface with a damp cloth and use a medium-grit sandpaper to lightly scuff up any existing finishes. Then wipe away any dust residue with another damp cloth before applying your new paint layer. With these simple steps you’ll be on your way to repainting furniture in no time!
Is it better to brush or roll paint on furniture?
The most popular way to paint furniture is by using a brush or roller. Both methods have their advantages, so it’s best to decide based on the type of furniture being painted and how much time you have. Brushes are great for painting detailed areas and can provide better precision with less waste. Rollers are faster and can cover large sections quickly, but they require more skill to avoid streaks and drips. It is also important to use good-quality brushes or rollers that will help achieve a smooth finish. In the end, experimentation is key in finding the right painting technique for your furniture project!
What is the best kind of paint to use on furniture?
When painting furniture, it is important to choose a paint that is designed for use on such surfaces. Generally, latex or acrylic paint will be the best option for most types of furniture due to its durability and easy cleanup. Oil-based paints should also work but require more prep time and contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which can be hazardous. For outdoor furniture, use an exterior grade paint as it is designed to withstand harsher weather conditions. Additionally, consider using a primer before you start painting for longer lasting results. Despite how daunting painting furniture may seem, with careful planning and preparation anyone can achieve great results!
What paint do I use to paint furniture?
When it comes to painting furniture, you can use either latex or oil-based paint. Latex is the best choice for general repainting and requires little preparation and cleanup. Oil-based paints offer a better finish, but require more prep work and are harder to clean up. If you’re unsure which paint to use, your local hardware store should be able to advise you on choosing the right one for your project. In any case, make sure you buy quality paint that’s designed specifically for furniture. It will last longer and look better in the end!
Conclusion
Painting furniture can be a fun and rewarding project, no matter how experienced you are. With the right supplies and knowledge, you can make your wooden furniture look like new. Remember to use quality materials such as primer, sealer, paint and wax furniture polish for an extra layer of protection
Take the time to properly prepare the surface, apply the paint evenly and use a flat blade to scrape away any excess. Finally, finish off with furniture wax for an extra layer of shine and protection. With these steps in mind, you can repaint your furniture for years to come confidently. Good luck!