How to Paint Bare Wood Furniture

Bare wood cabinet.

Bare wood furniture comes direct from the factory unpainted. It is the ideal wood for use as outdoor furniture or inside a home for a natural look. Sometimes the wood is left unpainted, but often the wood is painted and finished by homeowners who want to match a design theme within a room. The advantage of bare wood furniture is that it eliminates the need for paint stripping, which can be messy and time consuming. With simple preparation, bare wood furniture can easily be painted to match décor within a home or to beautify outdoor surroundings.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Bleach
• Protective gloves
• Mixing stick
• Mild detergent
• Scrub brush
• Hose
• Dust mask
• Plastic disposable gloves
• 320 grit sandpaper
• Electric sander
• Clean paintbrush
• Latex enamel paint
• Primer
• Paint stick
• Varnish

Instructions

1. Clean furniture outside before painting. Furniture will need to be cleaned if it is antique bare wood with mold or mildew stains. Add two capfuls of bleach to a bucket of warm water. Put on protective gloves, and use a mixing stick to mix into the bleach and water three capfuls of mild detergent. Dip a large scrub brush into the soapy water and scrub the furniture vigorously. After scrubbing, rinse with a hose and let dry.

2. Open windows in the work area for proper ventilation, or work outside, weather permitting. Put on a dust mask to protect against wood dust inhalation, and wear plastic disposable gloves.

3. Sand wood with 320 grit sandpaper to even the grain and remove stubborn stains or mold ingrained in the top surface of the wood. Use an electric sander on large pieces, such as tables. Sand the wood evenly, going along the grain. Sand the entire surface. Remove wood dust with a clean paintbrush.

4. Use latex enamel paint for painting bare wood furniture in solid colors. First prime the wood with primer. Dip a clean paintbrush into the primer and paint on the surface evenly. Use two coats of primer. Let the first coat dry before applying a second coat.

5. Mix enamel paint by shaking the closed can, or use a paint stick. With a clean brush paint the furniture in even strokes, making sure to paint in the corners and edges, until the entire finish is even and smooth. Apply a second coat of paint after the first coat is dry.

6. Varnish the painted furniture the following day. Apply one coat of clear insect and waterproof varnish to seal in the wood and provide a glossy top coat. Let dry and apply a second coat, if needed.

References

• RefinishFurniture.com: Prepare Unfinished Furniture