Painting wooden furniture: everything you need to know for a successful makeover

Looking to give your wooden furniture a new lease of life without breaking the bank?

Whether it’s an antique wardrobe, a dining table, or a sideboard, painting is the perfect solution to refresh your pieces and add a personal touch to your home!

In this guide, I'll explain everything you need to know to give your furniture a second life, without any hassle!

Paint types, mistakes to avoid, and step-by-step instructions… find all the info you need in one article!

❌ 5 Mistakes to avoid before getting started

Before starting anything, take a moment to read the table below.

It’ll help you avoid having to restart your entire project from scratch!

Mistake	Description	Solution
1/ Skipping surface preparation	Skipping this step can lead to poor paint adhesion, flaking, or bubbling.	Always clean, sand, and repair any imperfections before applying paint. A well-prepared surface ensures better adhesion and a smooth finish.
2/ Using paint unsuited to the furniture or environment	Choosing the wrong paint can impact the durability and appearance of your furniture, especially in specific environments like kitchens or bathrooms.	Select a paint suited to the type of wood and the furniture’s intended use. For example, opt for moisture-resistant acrylic paints for bathroom furniture.
3/ Ignoring drying times	Applying additional paint layers without sufficient drying time can lead to drips, bubbles, or an uneven finish.	Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on drying times between coats. Make sure each coat is completely dry before applying the next.
4/ Painting in unsuitable conditions	Environmental factors like high humidity or extreme temperatures can affect paint drying and adhesion.	Paint in a well-ventilated area, at a stable temperature, and avoid days with high humidity. Ideally, work in a workshop or a sheltered space.
5/ Forgetting to protect unpainted areas and your workspace	Not protecting surrounding areas can lead to paint splashes and mess.	Use tarps, masking tape, and covers to shield unpainted areas.

Choosing the ideal paint: A key first step!

Selecting the right paint is essential for ensuring both the durability and aesthetic appeal of your revamped furniture.

Here’s a look at the different types of paint available and how to choose the best one for your needs.

Pros and cons of each type of paint

Type of paint	Pros	Cons	Recommended uses
Acrylic	Dries quickly, easy to clean, wide range of colours	May require several coats for a perfect finish	Kitchen furniture, bathroom, high-use areas
Alkyd (oil-based)	Glossy finish, very durable	Emits VOCs, requires solvent for cleaning	Cabinet doors, sideboards, heavily used furniture
Chalk Paint	Vintage look, no sanding needed, easy to apply	Less durable without additional protection	Decorative furniture, shelves, vintage chairs
No-Sanding Paints	Simplifies preparation, adheres to smooth pre-painted or varnished surfaces	Limited colour options	Melamine furniture, laminate, already-finished surfaces
Specialty Finishes (limed, metallic, etc.)	Creativity and customisation, various finishes	May require specific techniques	Decorative furniture, accent tables

🪵 Choosing paint based on wood type

For untreated wood furniture

If you have untreated or freshly sanded wood furniture, like oak or pine, the ideal paints are:

• acrylic paints
• chalk paints

These adhere well and provide a smooth finish with minimal effort.

Practical tip: Ensure the wood is clean and dry before starting. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

For finished wood furniture

For pre-varnished or lacquered furniture, such as cherrywood or teak, it's crucial to choose paint that will adhere well to smooth, sealed surfaces.

Therefore, opt for:

• no-sanding paint
• alkyd (oil-based) paint

Important step: Apply an undercoat or primer to enhance adhesion, especially for hard woods.

Practical tip: If using alkyd paint, prepare your area with drop cloths and wear gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling fumes.

🏠 Choosing based on room type

Each room in the home has specific needs in terms of humidity, traffic, and usage, which influence paint selection.

Best paint types for the kitchen

In the kitchen, where furniture is exposed to moisture and splashes, it's best to use water-resistant and easy-to-clean paints:

• acrylic paints
• alkyd (oil-based) paint

These paints provide durability and resist staining.

Best paint types for the bedroom

For the bedroom, where aesthetics and a soft ambiance are important, ideal choices include:

• chalk paints
• matte acrylic paints

These create a warm atmosphere and can be easily matched with the room’s decor.

Best paint types for the bathroom

Bathroom furniture requires paints that are resistant to moisture and mould:

• acrylic paints specially made for damp rooms
• alkyd (oil-based) paint

These are recommended to ensure lasting protection and a flawless finish.

✅ Essential steps to paint wooden furniture

Careful preparation and precise application are key for a professional and long-lasting result.

Here’s a simple, effective guide to follow step-by-step:

Step 1: Prepare the furniture

Here, you need to take two essential actions:

Cleaning and degreasing

Start by cleaning the furniture with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove dust and grease.

For kitchen furniture, a specific degreaser might be needed. Ensure the furniture is thoroughly dry before continuing.

Sanding and repairs

Lightly sand the surface with 120-grit sandpaper to improve paint adhesion, especially for raw or varnished wood.

Fill cracks and holes with wood filler, let it dry, and sand again for a smooth surface.

Step 2: Apply the primer

Primer is crucial for a durable paint job. It enhances adhesion, evens out the colour, and extends the paint's life.

Choose the right primer:

• Raw wood: Use a universal or specific primer for raw wood.

• Varnished wood: Opt for an alkyd-based primer for better adhesion on smooth surfaces.

Step 3: Finally, painting the furniture!

Now, onto the most exciting step. Here are some essential tips:

Choosing the right tools

Use:

• high-quality brushes for details,
• rollers for larger surfaces,
• a paint sprayer for a flawless and ultra-smooth finish (like a car-body effect).

Application techniques

Apply several thin coats rather than a single thick coat, and always paint in the direction of the wood grain for a more natural finish.

Let each coat dry thoroughly between applications, following the manufacturer’s recommendations (usually on the paint can).

Tips to avoid drips

• Don’t overload your brush or roller.

• Work quickly and continuously.

• Paint in a well-ventilated area with stable temperature.

Step 4: Finishing and protection

For this step, two very important points:

Respect drying times

Allow each layer to dry completely before moving to the next and before using the furniture.

Apply a protective layer

Choose between:

• Varnish: For robust protection against scratches and stains.

• Wax: For a soft, natural finish, perfect for decorative furniture.

• Lacquer: For a smooth and glossy finish, ideal for a modern look.

Protecting the furniture

Use felt pads under items to prevent scratches and apply a protective varnish on high-traffic areas.

Avoid direct exposure to light and excessive humidity to help preserve the paint longer.

My tips for painting different types of furniture

Each type of wooden furniture has its own specific needs.

Here are my essential tips to help you successfully transform some particularly unique furniture pieces.

Painting a wooden table

To paint a wooden table, start by:

1. Thoroughly cleaning it to remove dirt and grease.
2. Lightly sanding with medium-fine sandpaper (120 grit) for a smooth surface.
3. Applying a suitable primer, then choosing a stain-resistant acrylic paint.
4. Applying several thin coats in the direction of the wood grain. Finish with a matte or satin varnish to protect the surface.

Painting an antique wooden bed

Antique beds require delicate preparation:

1. Thoroughly clean and lightly sand with fine sandpaper (180 grit) to avoid damaging carved details.
2. Mask decorative elements before applying a specific primer for older wood.
3. Use chalk paint for a vintage effect and apply it with a high-quality brush. Seal with wax or protective varnish to maintain the look.

Painting a wardrobe or sideboard

For a wardrobe or sideboard, start by:

1. Thoroughly cleaning, then sanding with medium-grit sandpaper (100 grit) to remove old finishes.
2. Applying a primer compatible with hardwood, especially for dense woods like oak. Choose a glossy and durable enamel paint for a polished finish.
3. Using a roller for large surfaces and a brush for detailing.
4. Protecting with a clear varnish suited to the furniture.

Painting IKEA melamine furniture

Melamine furniture requires special preparation:

1. Clean with a mild detergent.
2. Lightly sand with extra-fine sandpaper (220 grit) to avoid damaging the surface.
3. Apply a primer specifically for melamine.
4. Choose an acrylic paint.
5. Apply thin, even coats with a roller or paint sprayer to avoid drips.
6. Finish with a durable clear varnish to reinforce longevity.

Colour ideas and creative tips for painting your wooden furniture

Adding a fresh colour to your wooden furniture can transform your interior.

If you want to match your furniture with your current decor or add a creative touch, here are some ideas for a unique and personalised makeover.

Colour ideas based on furniture type

Each type of furniture has its own characteristics and can benefit from specific colours to enhance its design and function.

Type of furniture	Recommended colours	Associated styles
Dining Tables	Off-white, matte black	Modern, industrial, contemporary
Wardrobes and Sideboards	White, anthracite grey, navy blue, sage green	Classic, vintage
Headboards	Powder pink, mint green, pastel blue, light grey	Shabby chic, romantic, vintage
Kitchen Furniture	White, matte black, anthracite grey	Scandinavian, contemporary
IKEA Melamine Furniture	White, grey, navy blue, beige	Minimalist, Scandinavian

Creative tips for giving your furniture a makeover

Going beyond simple painting can give your wooden furniture a unique character. Here are a few creative tips to elevate your newly refreshed furniture.

Painting wooden furniture white for a distressed Effect

Painting furniture white with a distressed wood effect can give it a vintage charm.

Apply a white paint in thin layers, then use a slightly damp sponge to gently remove some paint, revealing the wood beneath for a patinated look. Seal with a matte varnish or wax to protect the surface while preserving the appearance.

Painting only the handles and accessories

Adding a touch of colour to the handles and accessories can transform the look of a piece of furniture with ease, without repainting the entire surface!

Choose contrasting or complementary colours, like gold on white.

Use a fine brush to apply the paint precisely, and allow it to dry fully before reinstalling the handles.

Adding patterns with stencils

Stencils allow you to give your wooden furniture a truly unique personalisation!

Select simple patterns like flowers, geometric shapes, or abstract designs, depending on the desired style.

Secure the stencil onto the furniture surface with tape, then apply the paint with a brush or stencil sponge, ensuring you don’t go over the edges. Remove the stencil before the paint dries completely to avoid smudges!

Considering hiring a professional to paint your furniture?

Painting your wooden furniture can be an exciting project, but it also requires time, patience, and a bit of expertise.

If you’d like to achieve a flawless finish without the hassle of DIY, hiring an expert to paint your furniture is the best option.

How do I know?

Because the furniture painting service offered on Yoojo has already helped over 1,000 people find the ideal painter to breathe new life into their interiors.

Here are 5 reasons why you should delegate this task:

1/ It’s trickier than you might think

Painting furniture yourself can quickly turn into a real headache!

Between cleaning, sanding, applying coats of paint, and finishing touches, the process requires time and patience... you’ll likely spend several hours on it!

2/ Painting isn’t one of your passions

Hiring a professional to paint your furniture lets you reclaim your weekends and dedicate your free time to other activities.

If painting isn’t a passion for you, hiring a painter for the job (see top-rated profiles here) will help you avoid endless hours of sanding and painting.

3/ It’s affordable

Hiring an expert guarantees a high-quality finish, often better than what you can achieve through DIY.

Additionally, professionals already have the right tools and materials, making the overall cost-effective compared to buying all the materials yourself for just one DIY project.

Personalised advice

A qualified professional can offer you advice on the best techniques, colours that match your interior, and ideal finishes for each type of furniture.

This personalised expertise helps you select the most harmonious and attractive options, perfectly aligned with your tastes and specific needs.

No stress or mess at home

Painting furniture can create mess and stress, especially if you’re new to it!

By hiring a professional, you avoid paint splatters, intense clean-up, and general clutter.

The professional takes care of everything in a controlled environment, leaving your home clean and tidy once the job is done.

Conclusion: That’s it, now you’re all set!

If you've read this far, you now have all the information needed to repaint your furniture like a pro!

Just remember to carefully think through each step, and everything should go smoothly… take your time and don’t rush.

And if you don’t have the time, feel free to explore other options!