How to Paint Wood Furniture (Step by Step)
Quick answer
To paint wood furniture: clean it, lightly sand it, apply a bonding primer, then two thin coats of paint, letting each coat dry fully. Finish with a clear topcoat on surfaces that get a lot of use. Supplies for one dresser usually cost about $40 to $90.
Painting an old dresser, side table or chair is one of the easiest ways to get a new piece of furniture for very little money. The secret to a finish that lasts is in the prep, not the paint.
Supplies you need
| Supply | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Degreasing cleaner | $5 – $10 |
| Sanding sponge or 120 – 220 grit sandpaper | $5 – $15 |
| Bonding primer (1 quart) | $15 – $25 |
| Paint (1 quart) | $15 – $30 |
| Clear topcoat (water-based polyurethane or wax) | $15 – $25 |
| Foam roller and good angled brush | $10 – $20 |
Step by step
- Remove hardware. Take off knobs and pulls and put the screws in a bag.
- Clean well. Old furniture often has grease and polish on it. Wipe with a degreaser and let it dry.
- Fill and fix. Fill dents and holes with wood filler. Tighten loose joints.
- Scuff sand. You don’t need to remove the old finish. Lightly sand to dull the shine so primer can grip. Wipe off the dust.
- Prime. Use a bonding primer. It helps paint stick and stops old wood stains from bleeding through.
- Paint in thin coats. Use a foam roller on flat areas and a brush in corners. Two thin coats look better than one thick coat.
- Lightly sand between coats. A quick pass with a fine sanding sponge makes the finish smooth.
- Seal. Add a clear topcoat on tops and drawer fronts that get daily use.
- Let it cure. Paint can feel dry in hours but takes days to fully harden. Go easy on it for about a week.
- Add hardware. Reuse the old pulls or swap in new ones for a fresh look.
Which paint should I use?
- Chalk-style paint: very easy, matte look, usually needs wax or a topcoat.
- Cabinet or enamel paint: hard, durable finish. Great for dressers and tables.
- Latex wall paint: works with good primer and a topcoat, but is less durable on its own.
- Spray paint: fast and smooth on chairs and small pieces with lots of spindles.
Common mistakes
- Skipping the cleaning step
- Painting thick coats that drip and take forever to dry
- Using the piece too soon before the paint cures
- Painting in a very cold or humid space
Looking for furniture to paint? See our thrift store shopping tips.
