Published on Redfin's Blog
Painting your furniture is a unique way to give old pieces a fresh new look, adding personal style and breathing new life to an outdated staple. Regardless of whether the piece is a thrifted find or updating a beloved item, knowing the right steps is essential for achieving a smooth, professional finish when you decide to paint it.
From prepping and priming to selecting the right paint and sealing for protection, each step plays an important role in ensuring your furniture looks great and stands the test of time. Whether you’re transforming a piece for your apartment in Portland, ME, or Annapolis, MD, painting your furniture can be a fun, rewarding DIY project that enhances your home’s décor.
1. Choose the right products
Choosing the right products ensures a durable, long-lasting finish that resists wear and tear and helps achieve a smooth, professional look.
“In order to create beautifully painted furniture that will last for years to come, it’s important to choose quality products that are designed specifically for that purpose,” shares Country Chic Paint.
Some products that they recommend are chalk-style furniture paint, synthetic bristle paint brushes or sponges, and a durable, eco-friendly top coat or wax.
Thoroughly cleaning your furniture before painting ensures proper adhesion of the paint, preventing peeling or uneven coverage. It also removes dust, oils, and grime.
“When giving your furniture a makeover, start by thoroughly cleaning it with wood soap to remove any grime, ensuring ideal paint adhesion,” recommends Color Atelier.
3. Lightly scuff the finish with sandpaper
Sanding is a crucial step when repainting your furniture. It creates a smooth, even surface, allowing the paint to adhere better. It also helps remove imperfections, old finishes, or rough spots, resulting in a more polished appearance.
Ackerman & Sons Furniture Workshop says, “Begin by lightly scuffing the original finish with 150-grit sandpaper to get proper adhesion.”
“To streamline the process, we use a Festool dustless sander, which allows us to achieve a smooth, efficient finish with minimal mess. For professionals, it’s a highly recommended tool, while homeowners can easily rent it from a local hardware store to simplify their furniture painting projects,” adds Dambrak Painting.
4. Use high-quality oil and bonding primer
Using a high-quality oil or bonding primer prevents peeling or chipping.
“Use a high-quality oil or bonding primer for lasting adhesion, followed by a premium finish specifically designed for furniture, like those from Sherwin-Williams up to Fine Paints of Europe,” shares Davis Painting. “For a weathered look, gently sand edges and dilute your paint, then finish with a clear lacquer for durability.”
5. Apply even coats of paint
When painting your furniture, use a brush or roller to apply thin, even coats of paint. Even coats help prevent drips, streaks, and uneven coverage. Applying multiple thin layers also allows the paint to dry properly.
If you have it at your disposal, a paint sprayer allows for a smooth, even application of paint, helping you achieve a flawless, professional finish with minimal brush strokes or streaks.
6. Seal your furniture
Sealing your furniture after painting protects the finish from wear, moisture, and daily use. A good sealant, such as a clear wax or polyurethane, adds durability and helps maintain the paint’s appearance over time. It also provides an additional layer of protection against scratches, stains, and fading.
Bonus: For metal, have your furniture powder-coated
For metal furniture, powder coating is a highly durable option that provides a smooth, even finish resistant to rust, scratches, and weathering. This method involves applying a dry powder that is then baked onto the surface.
Crosslink Paints states, “If your furniture is made out of metal, a great option would be to have it powder coated. Powder coating is known to have long-lasting, durable, impact-resistant properties. Not only is it affordable but it can also be done quickly without having to wait days for the paint to dry unlike conventional painting methods.”
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