Recently, I decided to revamp my old dresser and give it a new look. I had never painted furniture before, so I did some research on what paint to use. The options were overwhelming, from chalk paint to milk paint to latex paint. After some trial and error, I learned what works best for furniture painting.
What Paint To Use On Furniture
When it comes to painting furniture, there are a few types of paint that work well:
Latex Paint
Latex paint is a popular choice because it is easy to find, affordable, and comes in a variety of colors. It dries quickly and can be easily cleaned up with soap and water. However, it may not adhere well to certain surfaces and may require multiple coats.
Chalk Paint
Chalk paint is a great option for furniture because it can adhere to almost any surface without sanding or priming. It also dries quickly and can be easily distressed for a vintage look. However, it is more expensive than latex paint and may require a wax or sealant to protect the finish.
Milk Paint
Milk paint is a natural and eco-friendly option for furniture painting. It is made from milk protein, lime, and pigment and creates a smooth, matte finish. It requires a bonding agent to adhere to certain surfaces and may require multiple coats. It also needs to be sealed with a wax or oil to protect the finish.
Step-by-Step Guide for Painting Furniture
Before starting, make sure to clean and sand the surface of the furniture. Then, follow these steps:
- Prime the surface if necessary.
- Apply the first coat of paint and let it dry completely.
- Apply additional coats as necessary.
- Distress the furniture with sandpaper or a damp cloth (if desired).
- Seal the finish with wax, oil, or polyurethane.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Painting Furniture
- Choose the right paint for the surface.
- Use a quality brush or roller for a smooth finish.
- Apply thin coats of paint to avoid drips.
- Let each coat dry completely before applying the next.
- Sand between coats for a smoother finish.
- Use a spray bottle to dampen the surface before distressing.
- Use painter’s tape to create clean lines or designs.
- Experiment with different techniques, such as stenciling or ombre effects.
- Consider using a darker color for the base coat and a lighter color for the top coat for a distressed look.
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match different paint colors and finishes.
Pros and Cons of Different Types of Paint for Furniture
Each type of paint has its own advantages and disadvantages:
Latex Paint
- Pros: Affordable, easy to find, comes in a variety of colors.
- Cons: May not adhere well to certain surfaces, may require multiple coats.
Chalk Paint
- Pros: Adheres to almost any surface without sanding or priming, dries quickly, can be easily distressed for a vintage look.
- Cons: More expensive than latex paint, may require a wax or sealant to protect the finish.
Milk Paint
- Pros: Natural and eco-friendly, creates a smooth, matte finish.
- Cons: Requires a bonding agent to adhere to certain surfaces, may require multiple coats, needs to be sealed with a wax or oil.
My Personal Review
After trying all three types of paint, I found that chalk paint was my favorite for furniture painting. It adhered well to the surface without sanding or priming and dried quickly. I was able to easily distress the finish for a vintage look and didn’t need to use a sealant. However, it was more expensive than latex paint. Overall, I was very happy with the results and would recommend chalk paint for furniture painting.
Question & Answer and FAQs
Q: Do I need to sand the surface before painting?
A: It depends on the type of paint you are using and the surface of the furniture. Chalk paint and milk paint can adhere to almost any surface without sanding or priming, but latex paint may require sanding for better adhesion.
Q: Do I need to use a sealant?
A: It depends on the type of paint you are using and the intended use of the furniture. Chalk paint and milk paint may require a wax or oil to protect the finish, while latex paint may not need a sealant.
Q: Can I mix different types of paint?
A: Yes, you can mix different types of paint for a unique finish. However, make sure to test the mixture on a small area first to ensure that it adheres well and dries properly.