A fresh coat of paint can give your furniture new life and a new look, but every project will require a different kind of paint depending on the item and its material. Whether you want to paint a chair, table, nightstand, or specialty piece, you'll just need a few basic supplies and an understanding of the best type of paint.
There are oil, latex, and acrylic paint options for furniture, along with specialty paints, including chalky and milk. Depending on the type of paint, you can paint with a brush and/or roller or even use spray paint. Each of these paints has a unique look and some are better suited for one type of project versus another.
Here are the pros and cons of the best paint for furniture.
Latex Paint
Latex paint for furniture is a popular option because it’s easily accessible. You can pick up a pint or gallon of latex paint at your local hardware store and choose from a variety of brands. There are also low or no-VOC (volatile organic compound) formulas, which are highly recommended for indoor painting projects.
Tips
For best results with latex paint, prep the surface with sanding and a primer—and know that you might have touch-ups to do in the future.
Latex paint is also available in multiple finishes, so it's important to select the right one for your project. You can choose from flat (matte), satin, semigloss, or gloss finishes for your project.
- 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. 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. For a more durable matte paint, consider using chalky paint.
- Satin: A paint with a satin finish reflects a minimal amount of light. (Eggshell finish is closely related.) If you like the look of matte paint but need a paint for furniture that is more durable, satin paint might be the best choice for you. If you opt for a washable formula, you’ll find it easier to keep clean.
- Semigloss: This might be the best paint finish for furniture, as a semigloss paint reflects light well and stands up to washing and the demands of use. The greater concentration of resins in a semigloss formula make this paint more durable for furniture you actually plan to put to work. Many people like the shiny finish, too.
- Gloss: A glossy paint finish will give your pieces the most drama and durability—but it demands the most prep. High-gloss paints reflect a lot of light, and their increased concentration of resins makes them able to withstand a lot of use and cleaning. But beware: A surface with this much sheen will amplify imperfections. So if you opt for this type of paint for furniture, you’ll need to make sure it’s prepped and that any imperfections have been remedied.
Popular Brands
Latex paint is made by all the big house hold paint names that you likely know. Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Behr, Valspar, and Farrow & Ball are just a few of the major brand names.
Cost
The average cost of a gallon of latex paint varies based on finish, brand, and quality, but you can expect to pay between $15 and $50 on average.
Best for: Pieces of furniture that won’t see a lot of action and when affordability is a top factor
Pros
Readily available with abundant color options
Easy to clean with soap and water
Available in different finishes
Cons
Doesn’t stand up to heavy use
Not all finishes can be washed
Long curing time
Prone to chipping and scratching
Chalky Paint
Reclaiming vintage furniture or giving newer pieces old-world charm has led to a rise in popularity for chalky paint, which gives items a sanded or distressed look. This water-based paint typically has latex as its base but delivers a thicker, buildable texture.
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Tips
Unlike other more conventional paint for furniture, there can be a bit of a learning curve when first using chalky paint. It dries fast, which is a plus, but this also means brush strokes can be seen if you revisit an area for a touch-up once the paint has started to dry. Prepare to practice some, or be flexible in the overall look of the finished product.
Popular Brands
Chalky paint is available from specialty retailers, though it’s becoming more widely available. The original is Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, though you can also find it from other brands including Rust-oleum, Joanna Gaines' line with KILZ, and Valspar.
Cost
Chalk paint will typically run between $23 and $40 per quart.
Best for: Refinishing antique pieces or achieving a rich, matte look on furniture you use every day
Pros
Adheres well to most surfaces
Fast drying time
Smooth finish
Cons
Brush strokes might be visible
Finish is subject to scratching or marking
Can be expensive with limited color options
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Milk Paint
With milk paint, you'll get a slightly thinner texture than chalky paint. This nontoxic paint is made from milk protein with an activator, typically lime or borax. Color pigments are added to change the tint of the paint
Milk Paint vs. Chalk Paint: Similarities and Differences
Tips
Milk paint can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, but the finish can vary and sometimes is inconsistent in terms of saturation. To ensure more consistent results (and less chipping, as this is a water-based paint), use a bonder with milk paint. This is also important on smooth surfaces, such as glass or plastic. You can age milk paint with light sanding—or leave it intact for a smooth, matte look.
Milk paint is often sold in powder form. Add water to mix up the amount of paint you need, and store the rest for later use or touch-ups. It’s typically less expensive than chalky paint but yields similar results. A top coat of wax or oil might be necessary to preserve the finish.
Popular Brands
Popular brands of milk paint include Miss Mustard Seed's, Real Milk Paint Co., Rust-oleum, and Old Fashioned Milk Paint.
Cost
There's a wide range depending on the type of milk paint you buy. It can range from $20 to $200 a gallon.
Best for: Furniture you want to appear antiqued, weathered, or distressed
Pros
Nontoxic powder formula
Dries quickly
Can be used on most surfaces
Cons
Tough to achieve consistent saturation
Might chip or scratch without sealer
Bonder is sometimes required
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is a versatile, water-based type of paint for furniture that is closely related to latex paint. Color particles are suspended in an acrylic polymer and offer rich pigment with a smooth finish.
Tips
Acrylic paint goes on evenly and is self-leveling, making it easy to work with. However, a primer is a good idea if you want the paint to adhere better to the surface. 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. Clean-up is also easy with just soap and water, as it’s a water-based paint.
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 it is still best suited for pieces with light to moderate use.
Popular Brands
Some of the most popular brands of acrylic paint include Amy Howard, Rust-oleum, General Finishes Milk Paint, and Beyond All in One.
Cost
Expect to pay between $36 and $50 for a quart of acrylic paint.
Best for: Small furniture or accent pieces that need a quick, affordable coat of paint
Pros
Easy to apply and self-levels
Resilient finish that resists stains
Rich color
Cons
Needs a primer for best results
Typically sold in small containers
Long curing time
Oil Paint
Oil-based paint is one of the most durable paints to use on furniture. However, this durability comes at a cost. Oil-based paints are usually expensive, take a long time to dry, and have high levels of VOCs that require ventilation. It is banned in some areas due to its components.
Tips
Despite its drawbacks, painting furniture with oil-based paint adheres well to must surfaces and offers a resilient finish that won’t chip or scratch easily. You’ll need to have a natural bristle brush and mineral spirits or turpentine on hand as paint thinner and for clean-up. It saturates any porous surface and is self-leveling for easy application. Drying time between coats is long—up to 24 hours—but it does cure more quickly than water-based paints.
Oil-based paint can also be applied successfully over either water- or oil-based paint.
Popular Brands
Behr and Valspar both make oil-based paint for use on furniture.
Cost
You will typically pay between $30 and $60 for a gallon of oil-based paint.
Best for: Any type of furniture that is heavily used and needs a durable finish
Pros
Durable finish
Self-leveling formula
Can be used on most surfaces
Cons
High levels of VOCs
Long drying times between coats
Not available everywhere
Alkyd Paint
Alkyd paint is a water-based paint that dries to an oil finish, making it a popular choice for an easy-to-apply furniture paint that doesn't show brushstrokes and has a durable finish that doesn't require a top coat. You can also get it in multiple sheens, including matte and semi-gloss.
Tips
To make sure you've prepped your piece for easy application, sand it with 220 grit sandpaper first. Typically, you shouldn't have to prime the piece if it's been properly sanded. Additionally, no additional topcoat is necessary since the finish is durable
Popular Brands
Behr, Benjamin Moore, Dutch Boy, and Valspar all make alkyd paints.
Cost
Alkyd paint is more expensive than other types of paint, but it is easy to use and durable. You'll pay between $45 and $85 for a gallon of alkyd paint.
Pros
Easy to apply, doesn't show brushstokes
Comes in different sheens
Durable and chip-resistant
Cons
Can take a week to fully cure
Requires sanding before application
Can be expensive
Application Tips
- Aside from choosing the right type of paint for your furniture project, make sure you choose the right application method. You can select from natural bristle brushes (for oil-based paint) or synthetic bristle brushes (for water-based paint). There also are cloths, paint rollers, or sponges for specialty applications and effects. Or you can use a paint sprayer, especially for larger projects and projects where you want to avoid brush strokes.
- The stroke and finish you achieve will vary based on what type of applicator you use. A brush will give you broad coverage but might show strokes more easily (especially with water-based paint). A roller offers less control but even coverage. Application with a cloth or sponge is best for a unique textured finish.
FAQ
What is the best type of paint to use on furniture?
Each paint has its pros and cons (which you can see here!), though, often, latex paint is one of the most popular choices. Chalk paint is easy to apply, and alkyd paint is increasing in popularity for its ease and durability.
What kind of paint can you use on furniture without sanding?
Chalk paint and milk paint are the best options to use on furniture if you don't want to sand.
Should you paint furniture with a brush or a roller?
A roller will give you a more consistent, even look, though a brush is necessary on pieces with more detail.