How to Paint Furniture, From Dressers to Desks and Beyond
Sure, you could hire a professional to refinish that old chair that's been sitting in the basement for years. But learning how to paint furniture yourself isn't as daunting as it seems—promise. Learn how to do it yourself right here with our easy guide—it may just become your new favorite hobby. From dressers to desks and everything in between, here’s how to give furniture a makeover you’ll be proud to show off. Below, we'll show you how to prep furniture for painting, how to paint wood furniture, how to spray paint furniture, how to distress furniture with paint, and how to chalk paint furniture—plus all the tools you'll need. Happy painting! (Having trouble getting started? Check out the best paint brands and best neutral paint colors here for some inspiration.)
How to Prep Furniture for Painting
Use oil soap to clean all wooden surfaces on furniture. (If you’re painting a desk or dresser, remove drawers and clean those separately.)
Use medium-grit sandpaper to remove glossy finish from wood. It’s not necessary to strip the finish entirely.
How to Paint Wood Furniture
First, prime your piece. Dip a paintbrush into primer and tap to remove excess (for larger furniture, you can also use a roller). Apply paint in even strokes. Use a smaller angled brush to get in any crevices. Let dry.
Sand furniture again. Use tack cloth to remove excess dust before proceeding.
Next, paint your piece using an interior latex paint in a semi-gloss finish. Paint as many thin coats as necessary, remembering to sand and wipe piece clean between coats.
Once the last coat is applied, let paint dry for 24 hours.
Seal the furniture using a poly or wax sealant (for white paint, we recommend wax, as poly can yellow over time). Using a soft cloth, apply sealant, let dry for 10 minutes, and then buff with another cloth.
Handle furniture carefully over the next week or two as wax cures.
How to Spray Paint Furniture
When using spray paint, it’s best to work outside. If you’re working indoors, be sure the area is well ventilated (with fans on and windows open) and you’re using a large drop cloth. Also consider wearing a dust mask for safety.
Tape off and cover areas you don’t want painted.
Shake spray paint can according to package directions. Holding can 8-12 inches from furniture, apply a light coat across entire piece. Continue adding light coats until desired coverage is reached.
Allow piece to cure for 24 hours to prevent damage.
How to Distress Furniture With Paint
Buy two shades of paint in the same color family—one light and one dark.
Apply the darker base layer directly to sanded furniture, spreading paint thin enough to leave brush strokes visible. Let dry for 24 hours.
Next, create a watered-down paint solution: Mix the lighter paint with a tablespoon of water at a time until a thin wash is created (but not so thin that it bubbles).
Using a foam brush, apply the paint wash in sections, wiping some with a paper towel to achieve an antiqued look. Let dry for 24 hours.
Using a fine-grit sandpaper, sand edges of the piece to give furniture a naturally aged look.
How to Chalk Paint Furniture
Skip the sanding and priming steps—when you’re using chalk paint, there’s no need for either.
Using a chalk paint brush, apply paint in even strokes. Let dry.
If necessary, apply a second coat. Let dry.
Using a soft cloth, apply chalk paint wax. Buff, let sit for a few minutes, and use another soft cloth to remove excess.
While wax is curing (which takes a week or two), handle the piece carefully.
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