Learn tips and tricks on painting furniture white the right way. Semi-gloss: This might be the best paint finish for furniture, since a semi-gloss paint reflects light well and stands up to washing and the demands of increased use. The best classic white paint color for furniture. "My old living living room was painted this super-cool white, and I loved it for the space," says Emily Henderson of her choice for the best white paint. Semi-gloss: This might be the best paint finish for furniture, since a semi-gloss paint reflects light well and stands up to washing and the demands of increased use. Once the primer is dry you can paint the large, flat surfaces with a small, foam roller. For this project, I’m creating a custom mixed white paint using both an off-white, and a stark pure white. Painting your furniture can breathe new life into a room at a fraction of the cost of buying new furniture. With the right preparation, high quality paint and the just-right paint colors, a makeover of your favorite piece is within reach.Repaint a dresser, chairs, a wooden bed frame or a battered coffee table, and your favorite painted wood furniture will enjoy a colorful second life. You can pick up a pint or gallon of latex paint at your local hardware store and choose from a variety of different brands and finishes. If you want to paint your furniture a stark, Scandi-esque white - and not spend too much while you're at it - then this furniture paint from … Acrylic paint goes on evenly and is self-leveling, making it easy to work with. It dries fast, but takes a long time to cure and retains a relatively ‘soft’ finish—which isn’t ideal for furniture that will be heavily used. Best spray paint for wood furniture is easy to use, and since it comes with its own applicators it is less messy than many other types of paint. The type of paint is the biggest consideration you’ll have to make, since there are oil, latex and acrylic paint options for furniture, along with specialty paints like chalky paint and milk paint. Use a paintbrush to paint the smaller areas. Ok, not so fast, the other part of selecting a new wall color is complementing the wood tone of current furniture. Mix some white paint right into your sealer. 05 of 10 High-gloss: A glossy paint finish will give your pieces the most drama and durability—but demands the most prep. It’s more expensive than conventional latex paint, but people love it for its unique look and silky smooth finish. For a more durable matte paint, you may also consider using chalky paint. The Spruce Best Home First Frost SPR-25 is a bright white that still has a warm undertone. A beginners tutorial on how to paint furniture white. Latex paint for furniture is a popular option since it’s easily accessible and available in nearly every color under the rainbow. 5. Give your furniture new life and a new look with a fresh coat of paint. Prestige Paints E500-T-SW7066 Exterior Paint and Primer in One. This water-based paint typically has latex as its base, but delivers a thicker, buildable texture. Select paint colors that go with the natural and artificial light in your space. First, I should say, there are soooo many brands of furniture paint on the market since I started painting furniture in 2012. To ensure more consistent results (and less chipping, since this is a water-based paint), it’s recommend that you use a bonder with milk paint. White Dove OC-17, Benjamin Moore For a true, classic white paint color, try White Dove from Benjamin Moore. Unfinished Wood Water-based latex paint with a gloss or semi-gloss sheen works best for furniture that gets a lot of use. Chalk Finish Paint is a reputable brand with years of experience in the market. Chalky paint is available from specialty retailers, though it’s becoming more and more widely available. Frankie & Stone Chic Furniture Paint 500ml, White Cotton, Quick Drying Chalk Finish, Suitable for Interior Furniture, Wardrobes, Shelves, Tables and Chairs 4.6 out of 5 stars 72 £13.99 £ 13 . But if you are painting furniture white, primer is always a good idea. Choose from the color chips on hand, or have the paint counter mix up a custom shade that will perfectly suit your furniture piece and décor. A unique feature of milk paint is that it’s typically sold in powder form. Pros: doesn’t need a topcoat ( I would still recommend a top coat for table and dresser tops. If you like the look of matte paint, but need a paint for furniture that is more durable, then satin paint may be the best choice for you. One of the big advantages of latex paint for furniture is the wide range of available colors. Overview: Acrylic paint dries to a hard finish and is good for cabinets or other furniture that will get heavy use. Chalky painting furniture has become a very popular thing to do, so even the learning process can become an enjoyable and rewarding hobby. Know that latex paint is prone to chipping or scratching under heavy use. However, the VOCs emitted by oil paint during and after the painting process require ventilation and cause concern for some. Use traditional latex paint on seldom-used furnishings. Spray paint can be used on just about anything including wood. She writes about home products for The Spruce and has also contributed to TechDigg and Smart Home Solver. 1. The best way to stop bleed-through is to start with a coat of oil-based primer. It can be applied to a variety of surfaces, making it a versatile type of paint for furniture, however it’s often sold in smaller containers—making it a better choice for small-scale projects like console tables, picture frames, and other accent pieces. Use a paintbrush to prime the small areas. Reclaiming vintage furniture or giving newer pieces old-world charm has led to a rise in popularity for chalky paint. This formula makes your wood project much more comfortable to complete thanks to the fact that they combined paint and primer in one product. Drying time between coats is long—up to 24 hours—but it does cure more quickly than water-based paints. It is especially recommended for “top” surfaces such as tables, bar tops, cabinetry, and furniture. Paint with an oil-based primer using a small foam paint roller for priming the large, flat sides of your furniture piece. Color particles are suspended in an acrylic polymer and offer a pop of rich color with a smooth finish. Best For: Pieces of furniture that won’t see a lot of action and when affordability is a top factor. Chalk Finish Paint – Furniture & Cabinet Paint. Most people will find that a single coat of paint won't give the furniture that professional look that they're seeking. It should be noted that acrylic paint does have more elasticity to resist chipping or cracking than some other types of water-based paint, but is still best suited for pieces with light to moderate use. ), levels well, good coverage Cons: doesn’t distress well Best uses for acrylic paint: cabinets, tables, or other furniture that will get a lot of use Rustins Chalky Finish is our #1 pick, a chalk paint ideal for all interior woodwork and particularly suitable to upcycle furniture. Best For: Small furniture or accent pieces that need a quick, affordable coat of paint. So if you opt for this type of paint for furniture, you’ll need to make sure it’s prepped and ready and any imperfections have been remedied. The paint should be given plenty of time to dry between coats. Satin: A paint with a satin finish reflects a minimal amount of light (eggshell is a closely related finish). When placed next to a white freestanding tub, or white furniture, many white paints can suddenly reveal their color depths, appearing more yellow or blue or green in comparison to the tub." Acrylic Paint. It provides superior hardness, clarity, and durability. Many people like the shiny finish, too. There are over 30 hues available to choose from, and the paints cover well. Mix your first coat of sealer with 10-15% white paint and 85-90% sealer. Best For: Furniture that you want to appear antiqued, weathered, or distressed. Continue to 5 of 10 below. Instead of soaking into porous surfaces like oil-based paint, latex paint bonds to the surface layer of furniture. This level of choice makes it easy to find the paint shade that matches your vision—and your room. The best spray paint to use on wood is Rust-Oleum Satin Enamel Spray Painting wood with spray paint allows a smooth, even finish on wood furniture, unlike when painting with a paintbrush, there may be brush strokes. I use Zinsser Cover Stain oil-based primer all the time and it has never failed me. An attractive selection of pastels make this product perfect for a shabby chic interior, yet some choices are also ideal to use on traditional or modern furniture. It’s highly concentrated, meaning a little goes a long way with this paint, and you’ll find it’s slightly shinier than the standard satin paint. You can choose from flat (matte), satin, semi-gloss, or glossy finishes for your project. In fact, this paint has a long history of use for painting furniture, houses, and more before commercial paint was widely available. Oil-based paint, also sometimes called alkyd paint, is a durable type of paint for furniture. The whole reason for painting the room is to help show off the new bed! When it comes to the best clear oat for white paint, CrystaLac Premium Clear Top Coat is an exceptional environmentally safe resin for interior use. Don’t worry too much about brush strokes, just get … This water-based paint is a top choice for infrequently-used furnishings (e.g. Follow with a second and third coat that are 100% sealer for durability. 99 Wait for the first coat of paint to dry (overnight is best, but at least six hours), and then hit it with another coat of the same paint. A wonderful way to revitalise old furniture and have everything matching together well in a room is to paint everything white. Chalky paint can be sanded or distressed to create a weathered look, so the product is popular among people looking for a more "vintage" or "shabby chic" look. You need to choose the best paint for furniture for the best long term results. However, this durability comes at a cost—oil-based paints are usually more expensive, take longer to dry, and have high levels of VOCs that require abundant ventilation. If you are looking for the best paint for outdoor wood furniture, you must consider this ultra-premium paint from Prestige Paints. It can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, but you should know that the finish can vary and sometimes is inconsistent in terms of saturation. Latex paint ($20 to $50 per gallon) labeled for exterior use is best for outdoor furniture from wooden or metal patio sets to plastic lounge chairs. Milk paint for furniture is popular for its eco-friendly ingredients with no chemicals or added fumes. Finish is subject to scratching or marking, Can be expensive with limited color options. Acrylic paint is another water-based type of paint for furniture that is closely related to latex paint. If you opt for a washable formula, you’ll find it easier to keep clean. So What’s the Best Paint for Furniture? Tips For How to Spray Paint Wood Furniture. This non-toxic paint is made from milk protein with an activator, typically lime or Borax. Whether you want to paint a chair, table, nightstand, or specialty piece, this is a great DIY project that can give your furniture a unique look with just a few hours of work and some basic supplies. The stroke and finish you achieve will vary based on what type of applicator you use. Painting Furniture: How To Get High Gloss Finish on Wood. It’s easy to age the finish of milk paint with light sanding on the corners or edges—or leave it intact for a smooth, matte look. Best For: Refinishing antique pieces or achieving a rich, matte look on furniture that you use every day. Each of these paints for furniture carries unique advantages, and some are better suited for one type of project versus another. A primer is also a necessity for painting dark furniture white. It’s typically less expensive than chalky paint, but yields similar results. Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch isn’t just for wood furniture. Aside from choosing the right type of paint for your furniture project, make sure you choose the right application method. Clean the entire piece using a mixture of hot water and TSP; Fill imperfections using Bondo Spot Putty; Sand all surfaces with 220 grit sandpaper (an electric orbital sander is best, I have this Mirka and … While water-based paints will have a tough time adhering to a surface previously painted with oil paint, this type of paint can be applied successfully over either water-based or oil-based paint. The greater concentration of resins in a semi-gloss formula make this paint more durable for furniture you actually plan to … Spray painting wooden objects like patio furniture is a quick way to give the pieces a refreshed and updated appearance. If you’re looking for a natural paint for furniture with a slightly thinner texture than chalky paint—but plenty of character—then milk paint might be the right type for you. Zeke Ruelas Photography ; DESIGN: Emily Henderson Cool whites are great for those who gravitate towards blue colors. Best Paint for Furniture – 10 Great Options . Prepare to practice some, or be flexible in the overall look of the finished product. For the low price, it is easy to use this paint on all of your household projects without breaking the bank. I absolutely love a lot of Pottery Barn Kids & Restoration Hardware Baby & Child furniture, but I’m not at all in love with the prices. Fill in the old holes with wood filler and sand smooth. Even still, painting furniture with oil paint is something to consider if you want a resilient finish that won’t chip or scratch easily. This makes it tougher to find oil-based paint for furniture, since it isn’t widely available in big box home improvement stores. Repeat with 2-3 coats of paint, allowing the paint to dry completely between coats. Rust-Oleum 329598 Chalked Ultra Matte Paint Next up is the Chalked Ultra Matte Paint from the house of Rust-Oleum that works on multiple surfaces including metal, wood, ceramics, and canvas. Is spray paint OK to use on wood? The best paint depends on how you use the furniture and the type of finish or style you want to achieve. Unlike other more conventional paint for furniture, there can be a bit of a learning curve when first using chalky paint. Erica Puisis is a writer specializing in interior design. The Best Paint for Furniture (and raw wood) Once upon a time I painted an oak bench and did a terrible job at it. As a result, this layer of paint can be damaged relatively easily. Thick, gloppy coats are much more prone to yellowing. There are so many different types and brands of paint out there. 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. It dries fast, which is a plus, but also means that brush strokes can be seen if you revisit an area for touch-up once the paint has started to dry. I love painted wood furniture. Among other numerous brands, Chalk Finish Paint is perhaps the most-respected and widely-known furniture paint. Here’s a quick run down of the steps involved in painting with high gloss. To be honest, I tend to rush it when it comes to paint. Some of these links are affiliates. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of which type of paint is best for furniture projects you have in mind. It's a great paint for a living room with lots of reds, oranges or yellows because it will reflect the hues without darkening the space. After comparing several pieces over time, we found that the best furniture paint is Sherwin Williams Pro Classic. Always paint a large test patch—about three feet square—before deciding on the best white paint … Likewise, an affordable buy can be made to look more expensive with a good coat of paint – especially as part of a whole decorating scheme. It’s difficult for me to invest in pieces where they grow & transition so rapidly, but there’s more than one way to achieve the same aesthetic! However, it won’t be a very durable finish that can stand up to a lot of bumping, touching, and washing—so save this finish for a project that isn’t going to be under heavy use daily. There are also low or no-VOC (volatile organic compound) formulas, which are highly recommended for indoor painting projects. Painting furniture is not difficult, but can take several days to do properly. Prep the furniture piece by giving your furniture a good cleaning. This is also important on smooth surfaces like glass or plastic. In fact, some states have banned the sale of oil-based paint altogether. Your email address will not be published. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. The greater concentration of resins in a semi-gloss formula make this paint more durable for furniture you actually plan to put to work. A roller offers less control, but even coverage. A top coat of wax or oil may be necessary to preserve the finish. General Finishes Milk Paint in Snow White, DecoArt Americana Decor Chalky Finish in Everlasting, Wise Owl Chalk Synthesis Paint in Antique Villa. A brush will give you broad coverage but might show strokes more easily (especially with water-based paint). 7 Best Cabinet Paint Brands for a Flawless Finish, The 10 Best Paints for Interior Walls of 2021, 21 Tips and Techniques for a Great Paint Job, Best Trim Paint to Use for Windows, Doors, and Baseboards, Guide to the Type of Paint to Use for Which Room, The Best Type of Paint for Kitchen Cabinets, How To Paint a Dresser To Make It Look Like New Again, Choosing the Right Interior Paint Finish for Your Home, How to Refurbish Particleboard Furniture With Paint. Whether it’s going bold with a bright accent piece, crisp and clean with a fresh white statement maker, or adding elegance and refinement with a darker shade, a piece of painted furniture can fit in every room. So read on to learn about choosing one paint over another and what the pros and cons are that you’ll need to consider. Latex paint is also available in multiple finishes. Readily available with abundant color options. Flat: Without any resins in the formula, this type of latex paint won’t reflect much light and will have a matte—almost velvety—appearance. Some homeowners with dark wood furniture are choosing to paint it white to update its look and increase its longevity. You may be unsure as to which white furniture paint to use for your painted furniture project. I just want it done. You can select from natural bristle brushes (for oil-based paint), synthetic bristle brushes (for water-based paint), or cloths, rollers, or sponges for specialty applications and effects. It’s increasingly used instead of … Drying times are short for acrylic paint, so you can apply several coats in a relatively short period of time—but you will need to give it plenty of time to fully cure once the project is complete. Best For: Any type of furniture that is heavily used and needs a durable finish—but you’ll need to be prepared for the long drying times and fumes that come with this type of paint. 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