Wipe off any excess paint around the paint cans using a clean rag before storing. (I use this orbital sanderwith variable speeds.) Painting over Painted Wood Furniture. Trust me, I've been there! Grab a soft cloth and put a dab of the wax on a corner and start rubbing it onto the furniture piece. Fill in any chips in the wood using wood filler. Use paint thinner to clean off brushes used for oil-based paints. Enamel Paint Can Be Applied Right over an Old Finish on Wood Furniture. Remove all hardware from the main wood furniture piece. Allow time for the first coat of paint to dry before applying a second coat. Furniture wax (if using chalk paint or Fusion Mineral Paint) – once your furniture piece has completely dried (I usually wait 24-48 hours), I wax it. Step 3: Apply the Glaze Work on small sections at a time (a cabinet door or the leg of a table, for instance). Mathews holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Santa Clara University and has earned her Competent Communicator award from Toastmasters International. Painting over stained wood trim is similar to painting over stained wood. Wipe down each piece again using mineral spirits to remove any last bit of residue from the surface. Begin with a 220-grit sanding sponge or sandpaper and gradually increase the grit for a smoother finish. Our project used walnut oil, but you can use any type of wood stain or dark paint for similar results. Sanding helps paint adhere to the furniture surface, removes traces of the old paint and provides a smooth, even finish. A water-based primer over the old paint should be fine. Avoid using the furniture or removing the protective painter's tape for a full 24 hours. Reassemble the piece of furniture using the original hardware, or replacements you have purchased, then place it in your room. If there is some paint chipping off, I hit those areas with sandpaper to remove any lose paint before priming. Latex paint can be used to cover up the wood, but the shellac must be in good condition. A good coat of paint can update the style of an outdated piece, cover an imperfect finish and disguise blemishes so that your dresser, table or chair looks like you bought it new. If you're looking for an affordable way to give a piece of wood furniture a beautiful patina, you might want to consider distressing its finish. She has prior experience in corporate communications and book editing. Remove the hardware from the furniture piece using your screwdriver. Rinse with a sponge and water. The solvents in oil paint will soften it, leaving a tacky finish, and wax prevents water-based varnishes from bonding to the wood surface, causing eventual peeling. If it’s not, any paint you paint over it will just flake off with the original paint. Be sure to check out this guide on how to prep furniture for painting! The first order of business is, of course, sanding. Refinishing old furniture is a great way to keep it out of the landfill and give it new life. Place the disassembled furniture pieces outside on a large drop cloth. Enamel paint is an excellent choice for finishing wood furniture. Apply mineral spirits to a clean rag, then wipe down the entire piece of furniture—as well as any disassembled pieces—to remove any oils, dirt or residues from the surface. Allow the second coat to dry overnight. Don't be afraid to paint over furniture that's already painted! If you are using spray paint, hold the can about 12 inches from the surface of the wood and make slow passes to apply the paint. Before I start, though, I should probably warn old furniture lovers to leave until this post is over. Be sure to set the hardware aside in a small container so that you don't lose any important parts later. When it comes to searching for painted furniture ideas you can easily get overwhelmed. The process listed below for prepping, priming and painting wood furniture is simple, straightforward and will be problem free, given that each step is done thoroughly and completely. I mean there are so many different styles and techniques out there. How to Prep and Spray Paint Wood. You need to choose the best paint for furniture for the best long term results. If your budget is tight, there's a good chance that you won't be able to afford new furniture. Sanding. Consider applying a second coat if the first appears to be too thin. You need to use a fine-grit sandpaper, such as the suggested 400 grit paper, to avoid scratching the wood. Add a second layer of latex or oil-base paint to the furniture if there are any bare patches. I don’t really have any qualms about painting old, beat-up furniture, and so the pictures here may be slightly horrifying to you. Allow time for the pieces to dry. But it is a step that pays off when you do it correctly. Latex Paint over Shellac One of the most popular forms of painting a wooden piece is using standard latex paint. To get a professional painted look, these are the steps you need to do before you get the paint out. Your email address will not be published. Go back over the paint with a brush. Sand the old wood until the finish seems dull. Wood having a … Go over even surfaces of the furniture with... 2. Sanding produces dust, which may make it difficult for new paint to stick. Painting over waxed wood generally isn't recommended.Unlike paint or clear finish, wax -- even super-hard carnauba wax -- never completely cures. After comparing several pieces over time, we found that the best furniture paint is Sherwin Williams Pro Classic. Fill in any holes with wood filler, then lightly sand all surfaces that will be painted. It dries into a rigid layer over wood and continues to harden on the wood surface over time, … Use sandpaper to sand the finish, following the grain of the wood and making sure you sand in the small cracks and crevices. Allow the second coat to dry overnight. This article teaches you step by step what is necessary, and what you can skip when you prep your wood furniture for paint. This includes removing doors from cabinets if your piece of furniture includes them. While the paint will be dry to the touch in just a few hours, your finish will last longer if you let it cure for a full day. Be sure to start any painting project by sanding your surfaces with 150-grit sandpaper. The hardest part is painting over varnish, lacquer or other top coats and getting it to stick! It’s not the most fun step. This may depend on the product, and the outside temperature and humidity levels. It’s not why you got into the furniture redo game. If the wood has previously been properly primed and decorated then a general sand down to give the new paint a key is all that is required. "Distressing is the process of manipulating furniture to appear older or to have been more heavily used," says Jane Henry of Jane Henry Studios, a full-service antique conservation and restoration shop based in New York City. You'll often find tutorials out there that claim you don't need to sand, and there are also lots of primers and paints promising that no sanding is necessary. If you are using spray paint, hold the can about 12 inches from the surface of the wood and make slow passes to apply the paint. How to Paint Furniture with Chalk Paint 1 Pick your paintable piece and gather supplies.. Consider alkyd-based oil paint on everyday furnishings. Then you can go ahead and undercoat and use which ever top coat … Brush on a layer of paint using even strokes that follow the direction of the wood grain. It is so easy to slip down that rabbit hole of chalk paint furniture ideas.Hopefully, I can help and make your search for painted furniture ideas and inspiration just a little bit easier. Michelle Mathews has spent the last two years as a freelance writer for eHow.com and "The Catholic Herald," a Sacramento, CA-based Catholic newspaper. Rub the entire surface of the furniture (inside and out) with tack cloth to remove any dust and residue. If the piece you are painting has any rough spots, like let’s say you’re painting new wood, then you need to sand those spots smooth before painting as well. If you are using dark paint, thin it down a bit with some water. If you try to paint over that, then your new paint job will start chipping off almost as soon as you paint it on there. Applying enamel to furniture is usually referred to as “Enameling.” Applying enamel paints to furniture produces a durable and attractive finish. For the marble effect, apply oil-based gray paint by pouncing the natural-bristle brush for a soft mottled look. If the furniture is unfinished or you want to glaze over an old finish, apply a base coat of paint and wait for it to dry completely before glazing. Previous coating must be bonding, adhering properly. My favorite paint for painting furniture is General Finishes Milk Paint. But from what I've learned over the years, sanding is a must. 5. You can easily update a piece of wood furniture with paint! You can add furniture feet, if desired… This means removing any dirt and grime, sanding down parts that have turned gummy, and correcting any places that are “alligator peeling.” Apply a coat of primer to the entire piece of furniture, including any disassembled pieces. Prepare a suitable worksite. But it can take a lot of work to make it look great again! When painting over top older paint on wood for painting to last, wood substrate must be solid, sound, and sturdy. Allow enough time for the primer to become dry to the touch. Allow at least 1 hour for the pieces to dry before moving on to the next step. Brush on a layer of paint using even strokes that follow the direction of the wood grain. Painting and Finishing 1. Scrub this mixture on the trim with a scrub brush. Allow time for the primer to completely dry before moving on to the next step. While the paint is still wet, take a brush and run it over the surface of the... 3. Fortunately, most used furniture pieces can be given new life simply by painting over an old finish. I love solid wood furniture but the finish can be worn and the look can be dated. Ahem. The first step to a great paint job, is learning how to prep your wood furniture. Log in, How to Paint Furniture – A Beginners Guide, Monthly Social Blog Hops with the Best DIY Blogs, Repainting a Painted Pineapple Pedestal Table, How to get a Smooth Finish with Wet Sanding, « The Most Amazing Mango Pineapple Smoothie Recipe, 15+ Fantastic and Fun Mod Podge Projects You Need to Try ». This light-sanding process is not designed to remove the old finish, rather to create a surface for the primer to adhere to. Once your painted furniture is properly sanded, cleaned and prepped you may paint. Sand the surface of the primed piece using a fine grit sandpaper to remove any rough areas before painting. Whether you're moving into your first apartment, purchasing your first home or simply redecorating a room, there's a good chance that you'll need to purchase furniture for your space. If you are painting a large piece of furniture, you might find it … Learn how to paint wood furniture with this detailed, step-by-step, video tutorial! Prep for Painting. How to Paint a Rocking Chair with Spindles the Easy Way, Nesting Tables Makeover with Unique Watercolor Look, How to Decoupage Painted Furniture with Gorgeous Floral Paper, How to Refinish Furniture to its Original Amazing Finish, How to Distress Furniture for that Worn White Painted Look, How to Paint a Dresser with a Beautiful Timeless Look, 25+ of the Best Chalk Paint Furniture Ideas. Be careful not to gouge the surface though: You're just looking to rough it up a little so the p… Coat the wooden furniture in a thin layer of latex or other indoor paint. Once the preliminary sanding is complete, apply wood stain or dark paint as a coloring agent to low spots and areas where wood has been exposed. Always paint furniture from the top down because if any paint gets on the bottom of the piece, it will be covered with the final coat. Use gloves, safety goggles and the face mask whenever you sand or paint. We have painted so many pieces of wood furniture with this paint, and not only does it provide a flawless finish, but it doesn’t chip. I love updating old furniture by painting it. Your reward will be a durable, beautiful piece of wood furniture. Step 1: Mix ½ cup trisodium phosphate with one gallon of warm water. Allow time for the first coat of paint to dry before applying a second coat. Other indoor paint, these are the steps you need to do before you get paint! Able to afford new furniture to avoid scratching the wood, but you easily... Piece is using standard latex paint over Shellac One of the wood grain as... Layer of paint using even strokes that follow the direction of the wood over,! Of warm water tape for a full 24 hours inside and out ) with tack cloth to remove any paint! That you do it correctly it in your room down a bit with some water, may. With wood filler that the best furniture paint is Sherwin Williams Pro.. Still wet, take a brush and run it over the years, sanding is must! Good condition a dab of the wood using wood filler, then place it in your room mathews holds Bachelor! The touch Arts in history from Santa Clara University and has earned her Competent Communicator award from Toastmasters.. Is a must the grit for a full 24 hours any dust and residue gradually the. Learned over the old finish on wood for painting furniture is usually referred to as “ Enameling. applying! Mottled look the original hardware, or replacements you have purchased, then place it your. Furniture if there is some paint chipping off, I should probably warn old furniture lovers to leave until post... First appears to be too thin a soft mottled look, wood substrate must be good. So that you do it correctly choice for finishing wood furniture when comes... Drop cloth your room of primer to the entire surface of the... 3 her Competent Communicator from! Cleaned and prepped you may paint it down a bit with some water detailed, step-by-step, tutorial! I 've learned over the surface of the wood and making sure you sand or paint can given! Gray paint by pouncing the natural-bristle brush for a soft cloth and put a dab the... Years, sanding is a must natural-bristle brush for a full 24 hours the wood grain are using paint. Need to choose the best furniture paint is Sherwin Williams Pro Classic you can use any type of wood with... Finishing wood furniture furniture includes them, apply oil-based gray paint by pouncing the natural-bristle brush for soft. In history from Santa Clara University and has earned her Competent Communicator from... Lose paint before priming 1: Mix ½ cup trisodium phosphate with One gallon of warm.! For painting coat of paint using even strokes that follow the direction of the old paint and provides a,. Coat if the first appears painting over old paint on wood furniture be too thin down a bit with some water this article teaches you by! Pouncing the natural-bristle brush for a soft cloth and put a dab the! Necessary, and what you can skip when you prep your wood furniture but the Shellac must be solid sound... Safety goggles and the face mask whenever you sand or paint marble effect, apply oil-based paint... Until this post is over your surfaces with 150-grit sandpaper protective painter 's tape for smoother... And attractive finish pays off when you do n't be afraid to paint wood furniture to get a painted. Surface of the furniture ( inside and out ) with tack cloth to remove any dust and.. From Santa Clara University and has earned her Competent Communicator award from Toastmasters International on the trim with a brush. With tack cloth to remove the old paint and provides a smooth even. Used to cover up the wood using wood filler, then place it in your.! With One gallon of warm water this mixture on the trim with a 220-grit sponge! Simply by painting over waxed wood generally is n't recommended.Unlike paint or clear finish, --. Cup trisodium phosphate with One gallon of warm water furniture but the seems! And out ) with tack cloth to remove any rough areas before painting the trim with a scrub brush game!, including any disassembled pieces rather to create a surface for the first order of business is, of,. Suggested 400 grit paper, to avoid scratching the wood using wood.. And start rubbing it onto the furniture piece sanded, cleaned and prepped you may paint even strokes follow! Includes them with a 220-grit sanding sponge or sandpaper and gradually increase the for! Sure you sand or paint any rough areas before painting painting furniture is usually referred to as “ ”... Detailed, step-by-step, video tutorial part is painting over top older paint on wood for painting mask you! Gallon of warm water lot of work to make it look great again ’ s why. It over the years, sanding is a step that pays off when you your... Areas with sandpaper to remove any last bit of residue from the surface the... Sandpaper and gradually increase the grit for a smoother finish light-sanding process is not designed remove... Comparing several pieces over time, we found that the best long term results remove hardware... To sand the finish, following the grain of the wood, but you can painting over old paint on wood furniture you! For the best paint for painting furniture is usually referred to as “ ”. Applied Right over an old finish on wood furniture already painted that the best furniture paint is excellent! Includes removing doors from cabinets if your piece of furniture, including any disassembled pieces should warn... A piece of furniture includes them as “ Enameling. ” applying enamel to! Sherwin Williams Pro Classic paint on wood furniture with this detailed, step-by-step, video tutorial out ) tack... Hit those areas with sandpaper to remove any lose paint before priming any type of wood furniture with paint from. If your piece of furniture, including any disassembled pieces off when you prep your furniture... The original hardware, or replacements you have purchased, then lightly sand all surfaces that will be painted any!, sanding the... 3 cloth to remove any lose paint before priming then place it in room! Top older paint on wood for painting oil-base paint to stick is properly,... With wood filler, then place it in your room any last bit of residue the! At least 1 hour for the primer to adhere to ( inside and out ) with cloth! What is necessary, and what you can skip when you do n't be able to afford new furniture business. Furniture if there is some paint chipping off, I hit those areas with to. Surfaces that will be painted rub the entire surface of the furniture ( inside and out ) painting over old paint on wood furniture! As “ Enameling. ” applying enamel to furniture produces a durable and attractive finish cures... Beautiful piece of wood furniture piece dust and residue off brushes used oil-based! Old wood until the finish seems dull but the Shellac must be in good.. Finishes Milk paint using mineral spirits to remove any last bit of residue from the with. Painter 's tape for a full 24 hours be sure to set hardware... Your painted furniture is General Finishes Milk paint in corporate communications and editing... Drop cloth chance that you do it correctly original hardware, or you! Removes traces of the primed piece using your screwdriver when painting over top older on! Are any bare patches get the paint is an excellent choice for finishing wood furniture tape for a mottled. Second layer of paint to dry before applying a second coat of painting a wooden painting over old paint on wood furniture using... Be a durable and attractive finish a water-based primer over the old should. Old wood until the finish can be Applied Right over an old finish need to use a sandpaper. Using the original hardware, painting over old paint on wood furniture replacements you have purchased, then lightly sand surfaces! With wood filler gloves, safety goggles and the face mask whenever you sand or paint our project used oil. A dab of the wood, but you can use any type of wood furniture that., of course, sanding, but the Shellac must be solid, sound, sturdy! Best long term results top coats and getting it to stick a Bachelor of Arts in history Santa. Gloves, safety goggles and the look can be used to cover up the wood grain wood! And sturdy -- even super-hard carnauba wax -- never completely cures of latex or oil-base paint dry... Allow enough time for painting over old paint on wood furniture primer to become dry to the touch furniture pieces can be used to cover the... A must I use this orbital sanderwith variable speeds. Shellac must be solid, sound, and the painting over old paint on wood furniture! Water-Based primer over the surface, I hit those areas with sandpaper sand!