Buying furniture paint can be a daunting task. There are so many different kinds of paints available, and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.
The first thing you need to do is determine what kind of furniture you want to paint. Is it wood? Metal? Plastic? You also need to decide what type of finish you want: glossy or matte? Do you want a high-gloss finish or a low-gloss finish?
You should also think about the colors that will work best with your furniture. Some colors will make your furniture look better than others, and some colors may not work well with the color scheme in your room.
What type of paint do you buy to paint furniture?
Satin or semi-gloss paints are ideal for most furniture pieces. No matter whether you’re choosing an interior or exterior paint, you’ll see a range of sheens: flat (matte), eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss, in order of lowest to highest luster.[1]
Can I paint my furniture without sanding it?
Chalk paint is the best way to paint practically anything without sanding. It offers a gorgeous matte finish and no need to prepare the surface. Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint was the cornerstone of the painted furniture industry as we know it.[2]
What is the difference between chalk paint and regular paint for furniture?
Besides its matte finish, chalk paint differs from traditional paint in several other ways. One of the benefits is that it doesn’t require any prep work—it can paint right over most clean, dry surfaces (except for metal or shiny laminate), even if they’re already painted.[3]
Is there a paint for furniture?
There are two main types of furniture paint: Alkyd (oil-based) and latex/acrylic (water-based).[4]
What is the best paint to use on wood furniture?
Chalk paint is the most common choice of paint for wooden furniture and gets its name from the luxurious chalky finish it creates. ‘It’s a multi-purpose paint that applies to just about any surface, without the need for priming or sanding,’ says Annie Sloan, founder of Annie Sloan Paints (opens in new tab).[5]
What do professionals paint furniture with?
There are oil, latex, and acrylic paint options for furniture, along with specialty paints, including chalky and milk. You can paint with a brush and/or roller or even use spray paint. Each of these paints for furniture carries unique advantages, and some are better suited for one type of project versus another.[6]
Can I paint over varnished wood?
You can paint over varnished wood as long as you use the right materials and painting process. The best paint to use is a water-based acrylic one. If you’re using an oil-based paint only use an oil-based primer, not an acrylic one. “Sweet, this means it can be done![7]
Can I paint over varnished wood without sanding?
Can you paint over varnished wood without sanding? Yes. You certainly can.[8]
How do you paint furniture without leaving brush marks?
Start with a Smooth Surface. Use the Right Paint. Some self-leveling paints are:. Thin the Paint. Use a Quality Paint Brush. Use a Misting Bottle While Painting. How you Paint It On Matters Too. Sand Between Coats. Or Use a Paint Sprayer.[9]
Does chalk paint scratch easily?
While chalk paint is known for being durable, the paint alone won’t give you that tough outer layer. Without a protective topcoat, chalk paint can scratch easily. Waxing is a 2-part process that requires you to apply the wax with a brush and then clean and buff it to wipe away any excess wax.[10]
Do you have to sand before using chalk paint?
You can generally skip sanding and priming before applying chalk paint, even when working with varnished wood pieces, because the paint can adhere to most surfaces.[11]
What are the pros and cons of chalk paint?
Pro: No Prep Work. One of the most challenging parts of any painting project is the prep work. Pro: Good Coverage. Con: The Cost. Pro: It’s Water-Based. Pro AND Con: Dry Time. Pro: Durability. Con: You Have to Wax It.[12]