How to paint furniture and get the perfect finish every time
With just a lick of paint and a little inspiration, you can give any piece of furniture a new look and fall in love with it all over again. Read on for our expert advice on prepping your surfaces, picking your paints, decorating the finished piece, and more.
On a practical note, if you need to update your painting kit, we've tried and tested a range of brush sets to find the best paint brushes. We have also put together a buyer's guide of the best painting tools - you're welcome.
Looking to stock up on painting supplies? Brewers has everything you need for your next DIY project, to make sure you get the perfect finish on your furniture every time – explore their range today.
How to prepare your furniture for painting
As the old saying goes, failing to prepare is preparing to fail. The best way to guarantee a great end result when painting a piece of furniture is to appropriately prep your surfaces.
Set the piece down and take a good look at it. What is it made from? Is it already painted or varnished? Does it need any repairs? Address these issues now to save yourself a headache later on.
Do you need to sand furniture before painting?
If your project is made of wood, it’s always best to start by sanding it all over, especially if it already has an old coating of paint or varnish. Many modern furniture paints boast of being ready-to-apply over previously treated surfaces, but you’ll still get the best results from stripping the item back to bare wood.
If you're planning to hand-sand your furniture, Oakley's Assorted Sandpaper General Purpose 5 Pack is a fantastic option. Plus, it's affordable!
To save time (and splinters), use an electric sander to strip off the old paint, starting with a coarser grit (around 80 works well) and finishing with a finer one, such as 150.
Once the old coating has been removed and the surface of the wood feels smooth, wipe the project down with a clean, lint-free cloth. As well as removing the old paint, the act of sanding will key the surface of the wood, making it easier for new colours to stick.
Should you prime the furniture before painting?
Next, you’ll need to prime your project. Not only does applying a layer of primer give the furniture a smooth, even surface, but it also makes it easier for paint to adhere to it and lessens the chances of it peeling away.
Find a primer that not only works well with the type of paint you’re going to be using but also the material your project is made from. Whether you’re working with wood, metal, plastic or ceramic, there’s a primer out there specifically made for you.
Use a mini foam roller to apply two coats of primer all over the project (or use a spray primer, if you’d prefer), then leave to dry. Once it’s completely set, rub the surface lightly with a fine 220-grit sanding block, then give it another wipe down to remove any residue.
Brewers sell a huge range of primers, which are perfect for all different types of furniture. The All Metals Primer is a water-based primer designed for both indoor and outdoor metal furniture. While the Zinsser BIN Primer Sealer is a shellac-based primer, ideal for preparing your wooden pieces for further painting.
What is the best kind of paint to use on furniture?
With your project prepped and ready to go, it’s time to start painting. With so many different options available, picking the perfect paint can be tricky. Here’s a few popular options to consider:
Chalk Paint
Made famous by interior designer Annie Sloan, chalk paint has gained popularity over the last few years, and for good reason. The matt-finish paint is easy to use and available in a huge range of colours.
Chalk paint is water-based and can be easily mixed, and can even be diluted to create sheer colour washes. Once dry, chalk paint should be sealed with a wax or lacquer to keep it safe from wear and tear.
Earthborn paint is also another popular brand with a wealth of colours. Loved for its eco credentials and high breathability, it’s a great option for both modern and traditional furniture projects. Earthborn’s Claypaint, in particular, provides a rich, velvety matt finish that’s ideal for achieving a soft, natural look.
Made without oils or acrylics, it’s virtually odour-free and perfect for use in homes with children or allergy sufferers. With over 70 shades to explore, from gentle neutrals to bold statement colours, there’s something to suit every style.
Acrylic Paint
Also water-based and available in a wide array of colours and finishes, acrylic paint (such as Albany acrylic paint) is another hugely popular option amongst upcyclers.
It can be applied to a variety of surfaces and is often available in miniature tins, making it perfect for smaller projects. It can be applied both with a brush and as a spray and is self-levelling.
Oil Paint
Perhaps the most durable of all furniture paints, oil-based colours (such as Crown Trade's Full Gloss paint) are also the most difficult to work with. Clean-up can be tricky. You’ll need white spirit to hand to clean the paint brushes, and it can be very thick, leading to unsightly drips. It also takes much longer to dry than water-based paint and has a strong odour.
However, the sticky, thick nature of the paint means that it adheres well to almost any surface, lasts for a long time and can withstand knocks and scrapes well.
Is brush or spray paint best for furniture?
Many modern furniture paints come in both traditional brush versions and spray options too – but what’s the difference?
The main difference between brush and spray furniture paints is their application method and final finish. Using a brush to paint can take more time, but it gives you greater control and allows for a detailed finish. Aerosol sprays are great for small touch-ups, whereas spray systems are ideal for covering large surfaces quickly.
For many, using a brush to paint is the most affordable option. They're easy to use, the paint is readily available in many colours and finishes, and they're great for upcycling intricate furniture. There is a huge range of different brushes and rollers on the market, but always opt for the best quality you can. Ideally, choose natural fibre brushes over synthetic ones.
Brewers is a trusted retailer for those looking to transform their furniture with a brush and quality paint. Selling a huge range of brands including Farrow & Ball, Dulux Trade and Albany, they have a brilliant colour range which is ideal for those wanting to revamp their furniture!
Gemma Forkes, home expert from Brewers Decorator Centres, recommends using long, even strokes. "Brush marks can be one of the most frustrating parts of painting furniture, but with the right technique and quality brush, you can achieve a smooth, flawless finish that looks professionally done."
Alternatively, spray paints provide a quick and easy solution for furniture painting, allowing you to colour larger areas swiftly with a uniform finish. The Rust-Oleum Spray paint and Lacquer will cut your painting time in half and give your pieces a professional look.
If you opt for spray paints, prevent drips from forming by applying the paint in sweeping, even strokes from a distance of about 30cm.
How to finish and seal furniture
Once your paint has dried, it’s a good idea to add a finishing treatment. There are three options for this; wax, varnish or lacquer. This will protect it from wear and tear and keep it looking fresh. That is, unless you want to distress your furniture for a shabby chic look.
"Painting furniture ticks all the boxes when it comes to interior decorating! You can breathe new life into unloved furniture quickly and easily with so many fantastic products on the market, ensuring a quality finish," Gemma explains.
You can create a bespoke piece completely unique to you and your room scheme that doesn't break the bank, whilst also stopping a piece of furniture from going to landfill. Ideal as a weekend project, why not go hunting for a piece of furniture, find your perfect paint colour and unleash your creativity!"
Which is best for furniture - wax, varnish or lacquer?
Furniture wax
Furniture wax is typically applied over chalk paint using a soft, clean cloth. Then it is buffed across the entire surface of the project. As it sets and soaks into the paint, it forms a fine protective layer. This not only keeps the colour looking vibrant and fresh but also protects it from knocks and scrapes, too.
We love using Rustoleum Furniture Finishing Wax for this task. It is available in both clear and dark versions.
Lacquer
Lacquer can also be applied over chalk paint, and is intended to provide a more hard-wearing, longer-lasting finish. Polyvine's Multi-Surface Lacquer range is a great option for this treatment.
It’s normally applied with a brush (or in spray form) and is ideal for keeping high-traffic surfaces such as tabletops, countertops and dining chairs protected from scuffs and scrapes whilst still allowing the colour to take centre stage. It’s generally thought to be the hardest-wearing of the three treatments.
Varnish
Varnish can be applied over any type of paint and is typically thicker and slower-drying than both wax and lacquer. It’s applied with a brush and normally comes in clear or natural-coloured gloss or satin varieties, unlike lacquer which can be found in a wider range of colours and finishes.
Whilst it does protect painted furniture from knocks and bumps, it does wear over time. You will need to reapply your varnish over the years to keep it looking fresh. We recommend Albany's Varnish Eggshell Clear for keeping your furniture looking shiny and new.
Take your furniture to the next level with Brewers
When you're updating your furniture, or tackling a new upcycling project, choosing the right materials can be the difference between chic or shabby results. For quality painting supplies (and a finish you can be proud of!), head to Brewers to choose the ideal match for your furniture painting needs.
