Do: Prepare the Furniture's Surface
By preparation, we mean to ensure the surface is ready to be painted. This means smoothing and cleaning the surface – removing dirt, grime, or old finishes. You might want to use a degreaser or sandpaper to get rid of any residue and wipe down your piece with a damp cloth to remove any dust. If you're painting over a glossy surface, it's also a good idea to rough it up with sandpaper so the paint can adhere better.
Don't: Skip the Primer
Many paint jobs end up a mess because people did not apply the primer. The primer is a crucial step that comes after surface preparation. Primer helps the paint adhere to the surface better and can also help cover up any stains or discolorations. It is doubly important when painting a dark piece of furniture a lighter color because it prevents the old color from bleeding through. It helps to use a high-quality primer and let it dry completely before you start painting.
Do: Choose the Right Paint
Quality is not a compromise if you want to love the finished product of your project. It means using the highest quality wood for the furniture, the best tools for preparing and creating the items, and the right paint.
The right paint implies one that is durable, easy to clean, and will hold up over time. But it helps to note that each project will have different paint as the right choice. For example, chalk paint is a popular choice for such projects because it's easy to use and can create a distressed look, but it may not be the most durable option.
On the other hand, latex paint is a good choice for furniture that gets a lot of use, and oil-based paint is great for pieces that need to be very durable, like outdoor furniture.
So, look for paint specifically designed for furniture or have a hard, enamel-like finish. More importantly, research thoroughly to ensure you have the right paint for the particular project.
Don't: Rush the Drying Time
Paint has an interesting chemistry. It requires a specific duration to dry properly before the surface is ready for an additional coat. Please note that each paint type has a particular period for drying, so ensure you conduct exhaustive research; read labels carefully, and, if necessary, contact the manufacturer.
Rushing the drying time may lead to various problems, such as the paint cracking or peeling. Such issues will ruin all your hard work. If you're in a rush, you can use a fan or a hair dryer to speed up the drying process, but make sure you don't overdo it.
Don't: Skip the Primer
Many paint jobs end up a mess because people did not apply the primer. The primer is a crucial step that comes after surface preparation. Primer helps the paint adhere to the surface better and can also help cover up any stains or discolorations. It is doubly important when painting a dark piece of furniture a lighter color because it prevents the old color from bleeding through. It helps to use a high-quality primer and let it dry completely before you start painting.
Do: Choose the Right Paint
Quality is not a compromise if you want to love the finished product of your project. It means using the highest quality wood for the furniture, the best tools for preparing and creating the items, and the right paint.
The right paint implies one that is durable, easy to clean, and will hold up over time. But it helps to note that each project will have different paint as the right choice. For example, chalk paint is a popular choice for such projects because it's easy to use and can create a distressed look, but it may not be the most durable option.
On the other hand, latex paint is a good choice for furniture that gets a lot of use, and oil-based paint is great for pieces that need to be very durable, like outdoor furniture.
So, look for paint specifically designed for furniture or have a hard, enamel-like finish. More importantly, research thoroughly to ensure you have the right paint for the particular project.
Don't: Rush the Drying Time
Paint has an interesting chemistry. It requires a specific duration to dry properly before the surface is ready for an additional coat. Please note that each paint type has a particular period for drying, so ensure you conduct exhaustive research; read labels carefully, and, if necessary, contact the manufacturer.
Rushing the drying time may lead to various problems, such as the paint cracking or peeling. Such issues will ruin all your hard work. If you're in a rush, you can use a fan or a hair dryer to speed up the drying process, but make sure you don't overdo it.
Do: Use the Right Tools
Using the right tools yields the best results. It can make all the difference when it comes to painting furniture. So, invest in high-quality brushes and rollers designed for the type of paint you're using. For example, if you're using latex paint, use synthetic brushes and rollers, and if you're using oil-based paint, use natural bristle brushes. A good quality paint sprayer can also be a game-changer if you're painting a lot of furniture.
Don't: Overdo it with Distressing
Distressing is a popular technique for giving the furniture a shabby chic or vintage look, but it's important not to overdo it. If you distress too much, your furniture can end up looking like it's been through a war, and not in a good way. So, it helps to use sandpaper or a scraper to weather the edges and corners of your piece. Most importantly, focus on areas that would naturally wear over time, like the legs and corners.
Using the right tools yields the best results. It can make all the difference when it comes to painting furniture. So, invest in high-quality brushes and rollers designed for the type of paint you're using. For example, if you're using latex paint, use synthetic brushes and rollers, and if you're using oil-based paint, use natural bristle brushes. A good quality paint sprayer can also be a game-changer if you're painting a lot of furniture.
Don't: Overdo it with Distressing
Distressing is a popular technique for giving the furniture a shabby chic or vintage look, but it's important not to overdo it. If you distress too much, your furniture can end up looking like it's been through a war, and not in a good way. So, it helps to use sandpaper or a scraper to weather the edges and corners of your piece. Most importantly, focus on areas that would naturally wear over time, like the legs and corners.
Through: Shutterstock