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Your Beginner's Guide To Painting Furniture

If you’ve been wanting to give a beloved furniture piece a makeover or to learn how those online DIY-furniture-flippers do it, you’ve come to the right place. At Hoover Paint, we have a knowledgeable team that can help you achieve a picture-perfect finish on your paint projects, including recommending the best paint for furniture.

Person using a foam roller to add primer to their wood furniture to prep for painting

Here’s our quick guide on how to paint wood furniture.

How to Paint Wood Furniture in 6 Steps

To begin your project of painting furniture, follow these six steps:

1. Gather Your Supplies

The very first task is to collect all the supplies you will need for painting wood furniture. It’s best to prep everything and get it all in one spot before you begin, so you won’t be interrupted by having to pause and grab whatever you’re missing.

Here are the paint supplies you’ll need:

  • Wood soap
  • Drop cloths.
  • Tack cloths.
  • Primer.
  • Medium to fine sandpaper.
  • Wood filler.
  • Scraper.
  • Paint cans.
  • Paint trays.
  • Paintbrushes.
  • Foam rollers.
  • Topcoats or finishes.

2. Prep Your Furniture

Before you can begin painting, you need to prep your furniture. Start by removing the hardware, cleaning it with wood soap, removing any drawers, and sanding the furniture so the fresh paint can adhere smoothly.

The medium-grit sandpaper is ideal for this step. Between paint layers, sand with fine-grit sandpaper, and wipe it off with the tack cloth.

3. Add Primer to Your Furniture

You need to add paint primer to your wood furniture, whether it’s been finished previously and you’re redoing it, or especially if you’re working with unfinished wood. Primer creates a better surface for your paint to adhere to. It’s vital to complete this step, as unfinished wood can quickly absorb your paint layers, prolonging the process.

When you’re done priming, let it dry, and then sand with the fine-grit sandpaper.

4. Paint Your Wood Furniture

At last, it’s time to paint. Paint your piece in your chosen color. Use your foam roller to cover large areas, like a tabletop, and the paintbrush to cut in smaller, more detailed areas.

Eggshell, satin, and gloss finishes are best for wood, as they’re long-lasting and easier to clean. Be sure to let each paint layer dry, then sand it again before the next coat.

5. Add the Topcoat

Topcoat protects your paint job from scratches, spills, moisture, and everyday wear and tear. This step is a must after all your hard work.

6. Put Everything Back Together

Once your wood furniture has dried and cured, you can put all components back together. However, don’t do it too soon, or the drawers will stick.

This portion of the project is also a good time to replace the hardware if you want a total refresh. New knobs or cabinet pulls can be just as transformative as the paint itself.

What Is the Best Paint for Furniture?

Whether you’re a professional painter or want a pro-like finish, Benjamin Moore ADVANCE® is the best paint for furniture. It’s a high-quality paint that provides a fabulous finish. You can choose between semi-gloss and high gloss for your furniture.

Our Hoover Paint team also recommends Benjamin Moore BENWOOD® Clear Finish, in low-luster, gloss, or flat, for interior wood finishes.

Shop the Best Paint for Furniture Near Murfreesboro, TN

Don’t settle for furniture that looks less than its best. Whether your table needs staining, your chair needs painting, or you’ve been longing for a bold bookshelf, you can paint your furniture like the professionals with the help of our Hoover Paint team.

Drop by our Benjamin Moore paint store at 830 Memorial Boulevard in Murfreesboro, or contact us online, or give us a call at (615) 893-5756.

Hoover Paint proudly serves Murfreesboro and the surrounding Middle Tennessee areas, including Christiana, Lascassas, Rockvale, and Plainview.