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How to Paint Furniture to Renew Old Items?

Date: 07.02.2025 10:33
How to Paint Furniture to Renew Old Items?
Furniture painting is a decoration renewal method that is frequently resorted to and wondered by those who want a change in their home decor.

woman-painting-furniture

Furniture painting has recently become a frequently sought and curious decoration renewal method for those who want a change in their home. As it holds an important place in today's DIY (do it yourself) trend, those who want to paint their old items as a hobby also prefer furniture painting.

You can also give a new touch to your items that you have used for years but are now out of fashion or worn out, and practically recreate them. Here in this content, as Doğtaş, the address for timeless and comfortable furniture, we will answer the question of how to paint furniture and share the key points of furniture painting.

Before Starting the Furniture Painting Process

woman-painting-old-furniture

"Why don't we go straight to the painting process? Can’t we just paint directly with paint and a brush?" Those who think like this, unfortunately, are wrong. Of course, you can take a brush and paint your old items directly, but if you don't apply certain techniques:

  • The paint might not adhere to the furniture surface, especially if it is polished.
  • Cracks may occur in the paint after some time.
  • Unevenness may appear on the furniture surface.
  • After the furniture painting process, the paint can peel away from the furniture surface.

To avoid common mistakes in the furniture painting process and to achieve the desired results without encountering the above issues, follow the steps we will outline. So, how is painting furniture at home done with the right steps?

Preparation Phase

If you are going to paint furniture at home, first you should lay down a plastic sheet or a large cover to prevent damage to the floor and other furniture, otherwise you might end up struggling to remove spilled or splattered paint.

We will mention different furniture painting techniques, but if you plan to prepare the furniture surface with sanding, we advise conducting this process in a well-ventilated area, wearing a mask, or performing it outdoors.

If you prepare all the materials you will use, including paint, in advance, it will make the process more comfortable for you.

Additionally, if you can, disassembling the furniture before the painting process will make your work considerably easier. You can use paper tape to cover the parts you do not want to be painted.

Which paint should be used for furniture? For those curious, we will talk about the materials specific to the furniture painting techniques that we will share in detail.

First Technique: Sanding, Priming, Furniture Painting, and Polishing

woman-painting-furniture

It would not be wrong to say that the first furniture painting technique, which involves sanding, is a bit labor-intensive and challenging. However, despite its difficulty, if applied correctly, the results you achieve will be long-lasting and of high quality.

Furniture Painting Materials

  • 220 grit fine sandpaper
  • Primer paint and brush
  • Wide masking tape and scissors for those applying multiple colors
  • Paint and roller brush or suitable brush (a brush is not necessary for spray paint users)
  • Those applying solvent-based paint may need thinner
  • Polish and suitable polish brush (spray varnishes do not require a brush)
  • Paint tray for rollers

1. Determine the Color You Will Use

By giving a new color, you can evaluate your old furniture instead of discarding it. To do this, firstly, choose a tone that is compatible with the general decoration and color of the room where you will use your furniture.

2. Sand the Furniture Surface

woman-sanding-furniture

If you are not using a special type of paint that does not require sanding, it is essential to sand furniture that is already polished or glossy before painting. Otherwise, multiple coats of paint will be necessary to ensure the paint adheres to the surface, which prolongs the drying time and can result in cracking and peeling at the slightest impact.

Thus, for a proper furniture painting process, it will be beneficial for you to sand the surfaces to be painted with the help of sandpaper before applying paint. Admittedly, this process is quite burdensome.

A considerable amount of dust may occur during sanding. Nevertheless, it is helpful to remember that every perfect result requires effort.

After finishing with the sanding, ensure the surface is completely cleaned and free of residue to allow for better paint application.

3. Primer for Flawless Furniture Painting

If you want the color of the paint you purchased to appear as it does in the catalog, a primer should be applied to the furniture after sanding. Furthermore, a primer also extends the life of the furniture, increasing the adhesion of the paint to the surface.

In this way, the paint will not easily peel or crack from the furniture in case of any impact. If you apply sandpaper to the surface once again after putting on primer, it will make the surface smooth and ready for paint.

4. Furniture Painting Stage

woman-painting-furniture-with-brush

Since you have handled the tedious parts, it's time for the really fun part; painting. In the furniture painting process, the paint you will use can be water-based or solvent-based.

  • Solvent-based paints need to be thinned with a thinner, and they may emit a smell during application and drying. Therefore, the area should be ventilated while applying and drying solvent-based paints. Additionally, these types of paints take longer to dry compared to water-based ones.

It is not recommended for families with children, allergy sufferers, and asthma patients to use these types of paints. If you are going to use solvent-based paint, it would be wise to ask about the appropriate level of thinner to use at the time of purchase.

  • On the other hand, water-based paints are much more convenient to use. From this type of paint, acrylic paints are suitable for furniture painting processes. You can apply acrylic paint to the furniture surface with the help of a roller. While the roller is easier to use on broad surfaces, you can use a brush for details and edges.

5. Final Stage Polish/Varnish

In the furniture painting process, the final stage of the first method, polish or varnish, is optional. After your painted furniture is completely dry, you can apply liquid varnish with a brush or easily polish it with spray polish. Varnish/polish:

  • Provides a matte or glossy finish.
  • Increases the durability of the paint.

Second Technique: Furniture Painting and Varnish

young-woman-painting-furniture

The next home furniture painting technique is much less laborious compared to the previous one, as it does not include sanding and priming stages. The reason it does not require these extra processes is due to the quality of adhesion and coverage properties of paints specifically produced for furniture.

1. Paint

Acrylic and solvent-based paints are actually multipurpose paints. They are used for different purposes, from painting to fabric painting. However, furniture paints are specially produced for the purpose of making it easier for those who want to paint their furniture.

Specially produced furniture paints, which you can easily find on the market, provide the desired result on polished furniture with just one coat, thanks to their density. Therefore, you can apply "chalk" furniture paints directly onto the furniture surface.

2. Varnish/Polish

man-polishing-wood-table

As with the previous furniture painting technique, polishing or varnishing in this technique is completely optional. Spray or liquid varnishes can be chosen for a matte or glossy finish. However, you must do this after the paint on the furniture has completely dried.

If you disassembled your furniture before painting, you can reassemble it after ensuring the polish is completely dry and enjoy your renewed "old" furniture.

Furniture Painting Tips

Since we have answered the question, how is furniture painting done? Let's move on to small furniture painting tips to achieve a perfect result.

  • If you notice that you did not paint evenly or missed a spot, do not try to apply a second coat or paint the missed spot before the paint has completely dried. Otherwise, you may end up with an unwanted rough appearance and delayed drying.
  • Don't forget to use tape to protect the glass or mirrors when painting mirrored or glass furniture like a mirrored wardrobe to prevent the paint from damaging the glass or mirror.
  • If the sticky feeling on the painted furniture does not go away even after a long time, then your choice of paint was probably incorrect. With the correct choice of paint and application, you won’t experience this problem.

A properly executed furniture painting can double the style of your home. For example, an old table renewed through furniture painting can bring a whole new vibe to your balcony.

On the other hand, if you can't find the time to paint your old furniture or you want to refresh the look of your home, we definitely recommend checking out Doğtaş's elegant consoles, graceful coffee tables, modern TV units, which provide sophisticated furniture options suitable for every corner of your home.

Additionally, if you are interested in balcony decoration, our content titled “Balcony Decoration Ideas to Enhance Your Balcony Enjoyment” may also catch your interest.

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