What Paint to Use on Wood Furniture

Knowing what paint to use on wood furniture can be the difference between a long-lasting project and one that crackles and peels. Paint is good to use wood because it seals and protects it. Many factors need to be taken into account when choosing a paint type, including the condition and age of the wood and whether paint was used on the furniture previously.

Primer

Once wood is sanded and smooth, use a water-based enamel primer. Apply a light layer and allow it to dry, according to instructions from the manufacturer.

Imperfections

Check for any imperfections on the furniture. Touch them up if needed.

Latex Paint

Water-based or latex paint is ideal to use on wood once it's primed. According to BobVila.com, it dries much faster than oil-based paint, is almost odor-less and allows for easy clean up (see link in Resources).

Function

Latex paints keep their color better over time and are more elastic than oil-based paints. You can expect the piece of wood furniture to not need repainting for a long time.

Application

Make sure to apply 2 coats of latex paint to wood furniture. Use a synthetic bristled brush, focusing on light coats to avoid runs or drips.

Seal

To seal the wood, apply 2 light layers of water-based polyurethane to the furniture. Between coats, lightly sand the wood with sandpaper that has a 400 grit (or higher) and remove the dust.

Resources

• BobVila.com