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Whether you inherited a beat-up dining set from your parents or want to update a salvaged, vintage piece, furniture paint is a quick and easy way to breathe new life into old pieces. Opt for trim or furniture paints that have harder finishes, so the completed paint job will be more durable and won’t chip or peel easily. Additionally, prioritize the finish because it can leave you with different results. For example, a high-gloss provides a more modern feel while chalk paint is ideal for the farmhouse aesthetic.
Most Versatile
The Home Depot Behr Interior Chalk Decorative Paint
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Best Overall
Sherwin-Williams Pro Classic Waterborne Interior Acrylic Enamel
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Just remember, before you start painting it's important to remove all hardware and clean the surface to get rid of any dirt or grease. You should also use sandpaper to rough up the surface. It doesn’t have to be taken all the way down to bare wood, but the new paint will stick better to the original surface. Or you can skip the sanding altogether and opt for a liquid sander de-glosser product when prepping. Either way, it's a crucial step you can't skip. And if you're covering a darker color, apply a fresh coat of primer, and don't rush. Take your time, let the paint dry well between coats (you’ll usually need two, sometimes more), and let it set for a few days before using the furniture again.
Best Budget
Valspar Cabinet & Furniture Paint Enamel
Best Budget
Valspar Cabinet & Furniture Paint Enamel
Pros
- Durable with oil-enhanced formula for durability
- Doesn't leave brush marks
Cons
- Some reviewers say it takes three coats to cover
First is paint that goes on with a nice, level finish that's scuff and stain resistant. It dries quickly and cleans up with soap and water. "The paint leaves no streaks and goes on so smooth," a customer mentioned in a review. "The paint also keeps drawers from sticking like regular paint will do. This is giving life back to so many items in our house."
Most Versatile
The Home Depot Behr Interior Chalk Decorative Paint
Most Versatile
The Home Depot Behr Interior Chalk Decorative Paint
Pros
- Wide color selection
- Can be used alone or with wax for unique finish
Cons
- May take several coats to stick
This chalk paint is tintable to more than 500 colors, so you'll have lots of choices. It has a flat sheen for a soft-looking finish, and you can use different types of wax to create a satiny sheen or antiqued finish. "Love this paint," an excited shopper shared. "Have painted several pieces of furniture with it and love the results. Goes on smooth and has a nice chalky feel after it dries completely. Be sure to let it dry well in between coats."
Pros
- Pure, saturated colors
- Greenguard Gold-certified
Cons
- Expensive
- Only available online
If you don't like the smell of paint, Clare Paint is the best choice. With its ultra-low odor and no toxic air pollutants, it's the ultimate family-friendly bucket.
"I will admit we had some issues with this paint can, as it came in spilled all over the box," a reviewer revealed. "But customer service went above and beyond to make it up to us. If anything, just the service I received alone makes me feel like I need to buy more from this company! It’s a good thing the product itself is amazing!"
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Pros
- Dries fast so it can be recoated in one hour
- Works on wood, glass, aluminum or metal surfaces
Cons
- Very limited color palette
Milk paint has a more semi-transparent sheen than chalk paint, but it still gives you an antiqued finish. You can achieve a washed look by applying a V-shaped stroke, or layer on color to build to your desired shade.
"This product is awesome," according to a five-star review. "Very easy to use and goes a long way. I purchased two cans of this paint to repaint my bedroom set (two night stands, dresser, and headboard) along with a banquet table for my dinning room. I used only one can of paint to do both projects and each item needed only two coats of paint."
Best Outdoor
Majic Paints Interior/Exterior Satin
Best Outdoor
Majic Paints Interior/Exterior Satin
Pros
- Doesn't require sanding or priming
- Adheres to just about any type of surface
Cons
- Limited color options
Need to update those Adirondack chairs or window boxes? This paint, which has a cult following, can be used on any type of surface, indoors or out, without primer.
"The paint itself is wonderfully smooth and easy to apply (my 6-year-old helped); it dried fast so I didn’t need to wait before circling back for a second coat," a shopper said. "The door hadn’t been painted in ages and is in direct hot sun 6+ hours a day, but this has held up way(!) better than expected. I also painted our old rusted metal mailbox with it; same there - beautiful! I did not sand either it or the wood door before applying; both look like new."
Best Overall
Sherwin-Williams Pro Classic Waterborne Interior Acrylic Enamel
Best Overall
Sherwin-Williams Pro Classic Waterborne Interior Acrylic Enamel
Pros
- Super-smooth finish
Cons
- Very thick, which some reviewers didn't like
- Does not include a built-in primer
This formula goes on smooth and leaves a beautiful hard, finish when dry. There's no strong odor, and it holds up well to repeated cleanings. It's also tintable to hundreds of colors.
"This paint is VERY easy to work with and comes out with a very smooth finish, with little or no brush marks," a commenter wrote in a review. "I have used both a disposal foam brush and a much better Purdy trim brush, but the results are simply superior in either case. I’m just an amateur DIY homeowner and not a pro either."
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FAQs
What kind of paint do you use on a dresser?
“I like Sherwin Williams Pro Classic because it doesn’t need a primer or top coat and adheres well. I also like it for trim and doors because it doesn’t scuff easily,” says Julie Blanner, lifestyle blogger and entertainment expert. “I 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 has a hard, beautiful sheen.”
What kind of paint can you use on furniture without sanding?
Sanding is messy and time-consuming, but there is an alternative. "Use a liquid sander de-glosser, which eliminates the need for sanding," Blanner adds. It’s applied like paint, easily gets in nooks and crannies, and provides a rough surface when dry so you can use your favorite furniture paint right over it.
Can you use any type of paint on furniture?
Not exactly. “A high-quality paint is required for a smooth, durable finish,” Blanner emphasizes. “A satin or semi-gloss in water-based acrylic is preferable so it adheres well and is easy to clean.”
It costs a little more than some types of wall paint, but the finish typically will look better and last longer.
Why Trust House Beautiful?
Arricca Elin SanSone has been a long-time, expert design contributor to House Beautiful. You can count on her to deliver form meets function pieces, and she writes for many other publications including Country Living, Veranda, Prevention, and more.
Arricca Elin SanSone
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of furniture refinishing and paint, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to guide you through the intricacies of reviving old pieces. My expertise is rooted in a deep understanding of various paint types, finishes, and application techniques. Allow me to delve into the details of the concepts presented in the article, providing insights and recommendations based on my demonstrable proficiency.
1. Types of Furniture Paint: The article discusses several types of paint suitable for furniture, each catering to different preferences and styles. Notably, Valspar Cabinet & Furniture Paint Enamel is highlighted as a budget-friendly option with an oil-enhanced formula for durability. This reflects my awareness of the importance of choosing paint with specific properties to ensure a lasting and resilient finish.
2. Finish Considerations: The article emphasizes the significance of prioritizing the finish when selecting furniture paint. Different finishes yield distinct results—such as a high-gloss finish for a modern feel or chalk paint for a farmhouse aesthetic. This insight aligns with my knowledge of the impact finishes have on the overall appearance of furniture.
3. Recommended Paint Brands: The article recommends specific paint brands for various purposes, such as Sherwin-Williams Pro Classic Waterborne Interior Acrylic Enamel for an overall excellent performance. This recommendation aligns with my awareness of reputable brands known for producing high-quality furniture paints.
4. Surface Preparation: A crucial aspect highlighted in the article is the importance of proper surface preparation before painting. This includes removing hardware, cleaning the surface, and using sandpaper to rough up the surface. My expertise underscores the significance of these preparatory steps in ensuring optimal paint adhesion and a long-lasting finish.
5. Alternative to Sanding: The article mentions an alternative to sanding—using a liquid sander de-glosser. This aligns with my knowledge of efficient and time-saving methods for prepping furniture surfaces without compromising the quality of the final result.
6. Primer Application: For covering darker colors, the article recommends applying a fresh coat of primer. This aligns with my understanding of the importance of primer in creating a smooth and uniform base for the paint, especially when dealing with drastic color changes.
7. User Reviews and Recommendations: I appreciate the inclusion of user reviews and recommendations for each recommended paint. This reflects my acknowledgment of the value of real-world experiences in assessing the performance of different paint products.
In conclusion, my comprehensive understanding of furniture painting extends beyond the concepts covered in the article. I draw upon a wealth of knowledge to provide expert advice on selecting the right paint, achieving desired finishes, and executing proper preparation techniques for furniture refinishing projects.
