Just because your favorite dresser has lost its shiny finish or your beloved garden furniture has gotten weathered, it doesn’t mean you should discard them. In fact, you can breathe new life into your wood furniture yourself! Why spend hundreds of dollars on new pieces when a dash of paint can transform your old furniture and make it shine again? Here are some tips to help you DIY this project!
Let’s Start With the Supplies
Every DIY project starts with gathering the supplies you’re going to need. In this case, you’ll have to get:
- Plastic bag
- Screwdriver
- Palm sander
- Drop cloth
- Sandpaper
- Anti-vibration gloves
- Damp cloth
- Primer
- Paint
- Paintbrushes (a 2-inch high-quality brush is a great default to have, but it’s good to get a range of small, medium, and large brushes as well)
- Sealant
How to Paint Wood Furniture
Prep Time
Now that you have the essentials, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work! You will need to start by removing any hardware and drawers from the wood furniture you’re about to paint. Store any knobs, pulls, latches, and other pieces in a plastic bag. If you’re repainting a desk, make sure to pull out the drawers because you’ll be painting them separately. Roll out a tarp or a drop cloth to set up your working area. Put the furniture at the center of it to ensure any paint splashes would drop to the cloth.
Sanding and Cleaning
Then, it’s time to sand the furniture. Experts recommend starting with an 80 grit, then 120, and finishing with a 220 grit for a smooth finish. Be prepared that this step may take up to a few hours. Once ready, wipe the wood pieces with a damp cloth to remove any particles.
Priming and Painting
Apply one or two coats of primer before the actual painting. Then, mix your paint, dip the brush into the bucket, wipe any excess paint, and let the fun begin! Your goal is to apply a thin layer and follow the drying time instructions. Slightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper before applying a second coat.
To finish things off, you can use a sealant (wax, oil, etc.), although this is optional. Reassemble your wood furniture and enjoy its new, chic look!