If you are looking for the best paint for outdoor wood furniture, you must consider this ultra-premium paint from Prestige Paints. 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. Satin: A paint with a satin finish reflects a minimal amount of light (eggshell is a closely related finish). Paint with an oil-based primer using a small foam paint roller for priming the large, flat sides of your furniture piece. Once I began to build furniture pieces, I realized that nobody appreciates the quality and craftsmanship of a piece of furniture when it’s covered by a crappy paint job. Many people like the shiny finish, too. One of the big advantages of latex paint for furniture is the wide range of available colors. The Best Paint for Furniture (and raw wood) Once upon a time I painted an oak bench and did a terrible job at it. Divine theme by Restored 316, 3M 9000NA-20-CC Sandpaper Aluminum Obyide, 9-Inch by 11-Inch, Very Fine, Purdy 144024420 White Bristle Series Adjutant Angle Sash Paint Brush, 2 inch, FoamPRO 184 Finest Finish Mini Roller (High-Density Foam) 4", KRUD KUTTER PC326 PC32 Prepaint Cleaner/TSP Substitute, 32-Ounce, Original Version, General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat, 1 Quart, Satin, Zinsser 03504 Cover Stain Interior/Exterior Oil Primer Sealer, 1-Quart, White, Last Day! You can pick up a pint or gallon of latex paint at your local hardware store and choose from a variety of different brands and finishes. Always paint a large test patch—about three feet square—before deciding on the best white paint … You need to choose the best paint for furniture for the best long term results. It’s typically less expensive than chalky paint, but yields similar results. For the low price, it is easy to use this paint on all of your household projects without breaking the bank. This non-toxic paint is made from milk protein with an activator, typically lime or Borax. To ensure more consistent results (and less chipping, since this is a water-based paint), it’s recommend that you use a bonder with milk paint. Instead of soaking into porous surfaces like oil-based paint, latex paint bonds to the surface layer of furniture. "My old living living room was painted this super-cool white, and I loved it for the space," says Emily Henderson of her choice for the best white paint. The best way to stop bleed-through is to start with a coat of oil-based primer. It can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, but you should know that the finish can vary and sometimes is inconsistent in terms of saturation. Painting Furniture: How To Get High Gloss Finish on Wood. Latex paint ($20 to $50 per gallon) labeled for exterior use is best for outdoor furniture from wooden or metal patio sets to plastic lounge chairs. The best paint depends on how you use the furniture and the type of finish or style you want to achieve. The greater concentration of resins in a semi-gloss formula make this paint more durable for furniture you actually plan to put to work. Apply a second coat of paint after at least six hours. You’ll need to have a natural bristle brush and mineral spirits or turpentine on hand as paint thinner and for clean-up. Latex paint is also available in multiple finishes. Continue to 5 of 10 below. entryway tables or … You might also consider oil-based paint if you don’t know what type of finish is currently on a piece of furniture. The Creative Home Projects Bundle, when you need to use primer and when to skip it, General Finishes High Performance Top Coat, « 25 Amazing DIY Curtains Anyone Can Make, How to Stencil on Wood with Beautiful Results Every Time ». The advantage to oil paint for furniture is that it can be applied over most surfaces and adheres well, since it saturates any porous surface and is self-leveling for easier application. Mix some white paint right into your sealer. Each of these paints for furniture carries unique advantages, and some are better suited for one type of project versus another. There are so many different types and brands of paint out there. A brush will give you broad coverage but might show strokes more easily (especially with water-based paint). Is spray paint OK to use on wood? You may be unsure as to which white furniture paint to use for your painted furniture project. Use a paintbrush to paint the smaller areas. Zeke Ruelas Photography ; DESIGN: Emily Henderson Cool whites are great for those who gravitate towards blue colors. A roller offers less control, but even coverage. It dries fast, but takes a long time to cure and retains a relatively ‘soft’ finish—which isn’t ideal for furniture that will be heavily used. Mix your first coat of sealer with 10-15% white paint and 85-90% sealer. Once the primer is dry you can paint the large, flat surfaces with a small, foam roller. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of which type of paint is best for furniture projects you have in mind. Use several very thin coats of sealer. For better results, prep the surface with sanding and a primer—and know that you might have touch-ups to do in the future. Chalky painting furniture has become a very popular thing to do, so even the learning process can become an enjoyable and rewarding hobby. Readily available with abundant color options. Likewise, an affordable buy can be made to look more expensive with a good coat of paint – especially as part of a whole decorating scheme. ... A shellac based primer is best if you are painting a red wood that is notorious for bleed through. Among other numerous brands, Chalk Finish Paint is perhaps the most-respected and widely-known furniture paint. High-gloss: A glossy paint finish will give your pieces the most drama and durability—but demands the most prep. Selecting Paint for Wood Toned Furniture. Best For: Pieces of furniture that won’t see a lot of action and when affordability is a top factor. Semi-gloss: This might be the best paint finish for furniture, since a semi-gloss paint reflects light well and stands up to washing and the demands of increased use. Best Paint for Furniture – 10 Great Options . However, a primer is a good idea if you want the paint to adhere better to the surface. Fill in the old holes with wood filler and sand smooth. A beginners tutorial on how to paint furniture white. Ok, not so fast, the other part of selecting a new wall color is complementing the wood tone of current furniture. Don’t worry too much about brush strokes, just get … Rust-Oleum 329598 Chalked Ultra Matte Paint Next up is the Chalked Ultra Matte Paint from the house of Rust-Oleum that works on multiple surfaces including metal, wood, ceramics, and canvas. Drying time between coats is long—up to 24 hours—but it does cure more quickly than water-based paints. This formula makes your wood project much more comfortable to complete thanks to the fact that they combined paint and primer in one product. I love painted wood furniture. Pros: doesn’t need a topcoat ( I would still recommend a top coat for table and dresser tops. But let’s focus on the top 10 that I’ve known and used. 99 Reclaiming vintage furniture or giving newer pieces old-world charm has led to a rise in popularity for chalky paint. Whether you want to paint a chair, table, nightstand, or specialty piece, this is a great DIY project that can give your furniture a unique look with just a few hours of work and some basic supplies. In fact, some states have banned the sale of oil-based paint altogether. Unfinished Wood Water-based latex paint with a gloss or semi-gloss sheen works best for furniture that gets a lot of use. Painting Wood Furniture White & Step Three. However, this durability comes at a cost—oil-based paints are usually more expensive, take longer to dry, and have high levels of VOCs that require abundant ventilation. You can select from natural bristle brushes (for oil-based paint), synthetic bristle brushes (for water-based paint), or cloths, rollers, or sponges for specialty applications and effects. A top coat of wax or oil may be necessary to preserve the finish. If you like the look of matte paint, but need a paint for furniture that is more durable, then satin paint may be the best choice for you. Frankie & Stone Chic Furniture Paint 500ml, White Cotton, Quick Drying Chalk Finish, Suitable for Interior Furniture, Wardrobes, Shelves, Tables and Chairs 4.6 out of 5 stars 72 £13.99 £ 13 . Add water to mix up the amount of paint you need, and store the rest for later use or touch-ups. It's a great paint for a living room with lots of reds, oranges or yellows because it will reflect the hues without darkening the space. Clean-up is also easy with just soap and water, since it’s a water-based paint. When placed next to a white freestanding tub, or white furniture, many white paints can suddenly reveal their color depths, appearing more yellow or blue or green in comparison to the tub." The type of paint is the biggest consideration you’ll have to make, since there are oil, latex and acrylic paint options for furniture, along with specialty paints like chalky paint and milk paint. Some people have even found success making their own chalky paint, but the best and most consistent results come from buying a commercially available formula. 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. A unique feature of milk paint is that it’s typically sold in powder form. A primer is also a necessity for painting dark furniture white. 05 of 10 Whether it’s going bold with a bright accent piece, crisp and clean with a fresh white statement maker, or adding elegance and refinement with a darker shade, a piece of painted furniture can fit in every room. In fact, this paint has a long history of use for painting furniture, houses, and more before commercial paint was widely available. Chalky paint is available from specialty retailers, though it’s becoming more and more widely available. White Dove OC-17, Benjamin Moore For a true, classic white paint color, try White Dove from Benjamin Moore. So What’s the Best Paint for Furniture? After comparing several pieces over time, we found that the best furniture paint is Sherwin Williams Pro Classic. She writes about home products for The Spruce and has also contributed to TechDigg and Smart Home Solver. Rustins Chalky Finish is our #1 pick, a chalk paint ideal for all interior woodwork and particularly suitable to upcycle furniture. You can choose from flat (matte), satin, semi-gloss, or glossy finishes for your project. So if you opt for this type of paint for furniture, you’ll need to make sure it’s prepped and ready and any imperfections have been remedied. Application with a cloth or sponge is best for a unique, textured finish. 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 is still best suited for pieces with light to moderate use. ), levels well, good coverage Cons: doesn’t distress well Best uses for acrylic paint: cabinets, tables, or other furniture that will get a lot of use This water-based paint is a top choice for infrequently-used furnishings (e.g. Remove any hardware you don’t want painted. This makes it tougher to find oil-based paint for furniture, since it isn’t widely available in big box home improvement stores. First, I should say, there are soooo many brands of furniture paint on the market since I started painting furniture in 2012. I absolutely love a lot of Pottery Barn Kids & Restoration Hardware Baby & Child furniture, but I’m not at all in love with the prices. Select paint colors that go with the natural and artificial light in your space. Oil-based paint, also sometimes called alkyd paint, is a durable type of paint for furniture. Spray paint can be used on just about anything including wood. Know that latex paint is prone to chipping or scratching under heavy use. With the right preparation, high quality paint and the just-right paint colors, a makeover of your favorite piece is within reach.Repaint a dresser, chairs, a wooden bed frame or a battered coffee table, and your favorite painted wood furniture will enjoy a colorful second life. The stroke and finish you achieve will vary based on what type of applicator you use. As a result, this layer of paint can be damaged relatively easily. Color pigments are added to change the tint of the paint. There are over 30 hues available to choose from, and the paints cover well. Proper preparation is also important in getting an attractive and durable finish. It’s more expensive than conventional latex paint, but people love it for its unique look and silky smooth finish. General Finishes Milk Paint in Snow White, DecoArt Americana Decor Chalky Finish in Everlasting, Wise Owl Chalk Synthesis Paint in Antique Villa. However, the VOCs emitted by oil paint during and after the painting process require ventilation and cause concern for some. Use it on baskets, doors, cabinets, metal furniture, shutters, trim, and plaster as well. An attractive selection of pastels make this product perfect for a shabby chic interior, yet some choices are also ideal to use on traditional or modern furniture. It’s increasingly used instead of … 7 Best Cabinet Paint Brands for a Flawless Finish, The 10 Best Paints for Interior Walls of 2021, 21 Tips and Techniques for a Great Paint Job, Best Trim Paint to Use for Windows, Doors, and Baseboards, Guide to the Type of Paint to Use for Which Room, The Best Type of Paint for Kitchen Cabinets, How To Paint a Dresser To Make It Look Like New Again, Choosing the Right Interior Paint Finish for Your Home, How to Refurbish Particleboard Furniture With Paint. Semi-gloss: This might be the best paint finish for furniture, since a semi-gloss paint reflects light well and stands up to washing and the demands of increased use. Best For: Any type of furniture that is heavily used and needs a durable finish—but you’ll need to be prepared for the long drying times and fumes that come with this type of paint. Soft yet bright, it's ideal for moldings and trim but looks great as an all-over white paint color, too. Chalk Finish Paint is a reputable brand with years of experience in the market. I just want it done. So if you want a royal, velvety matte appearance on the furniture, you can rely on this premium quality paint to do a splendid job without fail. Wait for the first coat of paint to dry (overnight is best, but at least six hours), and then hit it with another coat of the same paint. 1. Best For: Refinishing antique pieces or achieving a rich, matte look on furniture that you use every day. And yes, you can use any paint over an oil-based … Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch isn’t just for wood furniture. We 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 is especially recommended for “top” surfaces such as tables, bar tops, cabinetry, and furniture. Latex paint for furniture is a popular option since it’s easily accessible and available in nearly every color under the rainbow. Use a paintbrush to prime the small areas. Some homeowners with dark wood furniture are choosing to paint it white to update its look and increase its longevity. Here’s a quick run down of the steps involved in painting with high gloss. While water-based paints will have a tough time adhering to a surface previously painted with oil paint, this type of paint can be applied successfully over either water-based or oil-based paint. But if you are painting furniture white, primer is always a good idea. Tips For How to Spray Paint Wood Furniture. When it comes to the best clear oat for white paint, CrystaLac Premium Clear Top Coat is an exceptional environmentally safe resin for interior use. This level of choice makes it easy to find the paint shade that matches your vision—and your room. Acrylic Paint. To be honest, I tend to rush it when it comes to paint. Use traditional latex paint on seldom-used furnishings. Pair it with dark gray or … Unlike other more conventional paint for furniture, there can be a bit of a learning curve when first using chalky paint. The best classic white paint color for furniture. It dries fast, which is a plus, but also means that brush strokes can be seen if you revisit an area for touch-up once the paint has started to dry. It provides superior hardness, clarity, and durability. Choose from the color chips on hand, or have the paint counter mix up a custom shade that will perfectly suit your furniture piece and décor. If you’re looking for a natural paint for furniture with a slightly thinner texture than chalky paint—but plenty of character—then milk paint might be the right type for you. The best spray paint to use on wood is Rust-Oleum Satin Enamel Spray Painting wood with spray paint allows a smooth, even finish on wood furniture, unlike when painting with a paintbrush, there may be brush strokes. Milk paint for furniture is popular for its eco-friendly ingredients with no chemicals or added fumes. If you want to paint your furniture a stark, Scandi-esque white - and not spend too much while you're at it - then this furniture paint from … Aside from choosing the right type of paint for your furniture project, make sure you choose the right application method. Acrylic paint goes on evenly and is self-leveling, making it easy to work with. This water-based paint typically has latex as its base, but delivers a thicker, buildable texture. Most people will find that a single coat of paint won't give the furniture that professional look that they're seeking. Some of these links are affiliates. It can be applied to a variety of surfaces, making it a versatile type of paint for furniture, however it’s often sold in smaller containers—making it a better choice for small-scale projects like console tables, picture frames, and other accent pieces. 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