by J. W. Nusz

Created on: May 27, 2009   Last Updated: May 28, 2009

These tips for painting furniture will ensure beautiful, lasting results.

Getting paint to properly adhere to furniture can be difficult. Most furniture is stained and clear-coated (finished), and clear coat will not allow paint to stick without preparation. If your furniture piece is clear-coated, you must either sand or strip the surface. Sanding is a temporary solution - it will create profile (roughness) which promotes paint adhesion, but you cannot expect the paint to last for its recommended lifespan. Stripping the surface using chemical or physical stripping methods will ensure the best paint adhesion.

If you plan on sanding, use rough sandpaper (80-100 grit). To strip the surface, use a stripping agent (my favorite is Strypeeze) or sand the clear coat completely off. Chemical strippers are easy to use - simply apply the stripper with an old natural bristle brush, allow it to penetrate for the recommended amount of time, and scrape the weakened finish being careful to avoid gouging the wood. To neutralize the stripping agent, just wash the surface very well with warm water and allow it to dry.

Furniture that has already been painted may not require sanding or stripping. Paint that is in good condition may simply be recoated, providing that paints of different compositions are not coated over each other (water and oil-based). Damaged paint should be scraped until no more paint is easily removed.

After sanding or removing the old finish, use carpenter's putty to fill nicks and gouges in the wood. Allow the putty to dry the recommended time. Next, primer should be applied. If you sanded finished wood for profile, but did not complete strip, you will need a strong primer like "bonding primer". You can find bonding primer at Sherwin Williams and other retailers. If the surface has been completely stripped, a good wood primer will work. Directly before applying primer, use a tackcloth to thoroughly remove dust particles from the surfaces. Apply the primer per the instructions.

To get the smoothest results, use a foam roller to apply the primer and paint. Foam rollers are intended for doors and trim which require very smooth finishes, and will leave beautiful results on furniture. When choosing paint, remember that alkyd (oil-based) paints will be the most durable, but good waterborne paints exist. Alkyd paints form very rigid, chip-resistant coats which are necessary on furniture. Inform the paint store clerk that you are painting furniture, and they will recommend the correct product.

If using alkyd paint, light sanding may be necessary between coats to remove dust particles which have settled in the wet paint. Use very fine (220 grit) sandpaper to lightly even the paint surface between coats. After sanding, use a tackcloth to remove dust particles before reapplying paint.

One final note - do not return furniture pieces to use until the paint has thoroughly dried. This is especially important for furniture with friction surfaces such as tables and chairs. Check the paint instructions for recommended curing time.

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