Give your old wooden furniture a new life by stripping off the finish and painting it with colors that will match any room in which you place them. Use expert tips on how to get an even coat, plus some helpful hints for choosing just what color is right!
One of the best ways to renew old wood furniture is to give it a new coat of paint. This can brighten up any room and give your furniture a whole new lease on life.
Materials to paint old wood furniture
-Furniture stripper
-Paintbrush
-Sandpaper
-Tack cloth
-Primer
-Paint
-Clear topcoat
Before you begin painting old wood furniture, it’s important to remove any existing paint, stain or sealant. This can be done with a furniture stripper. You can also sand the surface of the furniture to help create a smooth foundation for the new paint job. If the existing finish is cracked or peeling, it’s best to remove it completely before beginning.
Strip the Finish
Once you’ve removed any loose paint or stain, you’ll need to strip the existing finish off of the furniture. This can be done with a furniture stripper. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using this product.
Sand the Surface
After you’ve stripped the old finish off of the furniture, you’ll need to sand the surface down. This will help create a smooth foundation for the new paint job. Use medium 80- to 100 grit sandpaper so you don’t damage the wood and sand the surface of the furniture until it’s smooth. Be sure to remove any dust created by sanding with a tack cloth.
If you don’t sand, the paint will not adhere properly and will likely chip and peel over time.
Clean the Surface
Once you’ve sanded the surface of the furniture, you’ll need to clean it off. This can be done with a tack cloth. Be sure to remove all dust and debris before proceeding.
Apply Primer
Now it’s time to apply primer to the furniture by using brush or roller. This will help the paint adhere to the surface better. Following the manufacturer’s instructions when applying primer.
1. Begin by applying primer to the areas that will be difficult to reach with a paintbrush. Use a small paintbrush for this task.
2. Next, apply primer to the rest of the furniture with a larger paintbrush.
3. Finally, use a roller to apply an even coat of primer to the furniture.
Choose a white primer under light color paint and a darker primer under darker color paint for uniform coverage.
The type of primer you use will depend on the type of paint you’re using and the color of the furniture. Light-colored paint is used for a white primer. Dark-colored paint is used as a darker primer. You can also buy specialty primers that are designed for use with specific colors of paint. These can be found at most hardware stores or home improvement centers.
Kilz Original Interior Multi-Purpose Oil-Based Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker is the best primer.
Apply Paint
Begin by painting the areas that will be difficult to reach with a brush. Use a small paintbrush for this. You may need to apply several coats of paint before you achieve the desired look. Be sure to allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next one.
We recommend Purdy’s Nylox Series No. 24 better than any other brush. It’s made with DuPont nylon that’s designed to resist wear and hold its shape, making it perfect for use with latex paint. The natural bristles are tapered to a chiseled edge for precise application of paint, and the ergonomic handle provides comfort during extended use.
It’s important to consider the overall look you’re trying to achieve. You may want to choose a color that matches the other furnishings in the room, or you may want to use a contrasting color to make the furniture stand out. Once you’ve chosen a color, be sure to test it out on a small area of the furniture before painting the entire piece.
For best results, use a high-quality latex paint non-toxic making it a good choice for families with small children or pets. It’s easy to work with and dries quickly, making it a good choice for beginners. You may also want to consider using a color wash or glaze to give your furniture an extra bit of character. Experiment with different techniques until you find the perfect look for your old wood furniture!
Oil paint dries slowly, so you have more time to work with it. This can be an advantage if you’re not an experienced painter. However, oil paint is more difficult to clean up and can be toxic.
Recommend wood paint:
- Dulux Quick Dry – Brilliant White: Best wood paint for classic perfection.
- Johnstone’s Trade – Quick Dry Wood Primer & Undercoat: A best wood primer for projects big and small.
- Farrow & Ball – Full Gloss Paint: Best high-gloss paint for a luxe look.
- Crown Trade – Quick Dry Satinwood: Best satin paint for a mid-sheen finish.
- Ronseal – Diamond Hard Floor Paint: Best paint for wooden floors.
Clear Topcoat
After you’ve applied the final coat of paint, you’ll need to apply a clear topcoat. This will help protect the paint job and make it last longer. Apply a thin layer of clear topcoat with a brush or roller. Allow it to dry completely before using the furniture.
Once you’ve applied the desired number of coats of paint, you’ll need to finish off the job with a clear topcoat. This will help protect the paint and keep it from chipping or peeling. Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane is the best clear topcoat.
Can you use chalk paint on old wood furniture?
This type of paint is perfect for creating a distressed look. Simply apply the paint and then sand down some of the excesses to reveal the underlying wood grain.
How do you paint wood furniture without sanding?
You can use a product like Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Ultra Cover Paint. This type is specially formulated to adhere to surfaces without sanding. Simply apply the paint and allow it to dry for a smooth, durable finish.
Can you paint over varnished wood without sanding?
Just be sure to use a primer designed for use on varnished surfaces. We recommend Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer. This will help the paint to adhere properly and provide a smooth finish.
