What is the best paint for furniture? There is a big difference when you want to give your furniture a new look. You want a finish that looks good and can handle daily use.
There are so many choices, though; how do you know which paint is really the best for your furniture? The paint you choose will affect how long it lasts, how easy it is to apply, and how it looks when it’s done, whether you’re restoring a cherished old item or changing the look of a thrift store find.
You’ll learn about the best paints that both professionals and do-it-yourselfers use, what makes them special, and how to choose the right one for your project. Read on to find the best paint that will keep your furniture looking great for a long time.
Types of Paint That Last
Choosing a paint for furniture that lasts will keep it looking good and protect it. Paints that last a long time don’t chip, scratch, or wear down. Even with daily use, they keep furniture looking new. Here are some of the best kinds of paint that will last for furniture projects.
Alkyd Enamels
Alkyd enamels give a finish that is hard and smooth and won’t get damaged. These paints dry to a hard surface, which is great for furniture that gets a lot of use. They stick well and look shiny. Water-based alkyds are easier to clean up and smell better than regular alkyds. Cabinets, tables, and chairs look great with alkyd enamels.
Mineral Paint Fusion
People know that Fusion Mineral Paint is very durable and easy to use. It sticks well without having to be sanded or primed. This paint won’t chip or peel, making it great for fixing up furniture. It dries to a hard, smooth finish that lasts for years. Fusion Mineral Paint is easy to use because it cleans up with water.
Paint that is made with oil
Oil-based paint gives a tough, long-lasting finish that can handle wear and tear. It covers wood surfaces well and makes them smooth. This kind of paint takes a long time to dry, which lets a hard, even coat form. Oil-based paints don’t get wet or stained easily. They work best on things that need a classic finish that will last a long time.
Paint that is water-based vs. paint that is oil-based
When painting furniture, it’s important to choose between oil-based and water-based paints. Both types have their own pros and cons. Knowing how they are different will help you choose the best one for you. Think about things like how long it takes to dry, how it smells, how easy it is to clean up, how it affects the environment, how it looks, and how long it lasts.
Time to Dry and Smell
Usually, water-based paint dries in less than an hour. This makes your project go faster and lets you coat it again quickly. It has low odor, making it better for indoor use. It can take oil-based paint 6 to 8 hours to dry. Without good ventilation, the strong smell can be uncomfortable. This longer drying time could slow down your work.
Cleanup and Effects on the Environment
You can easily clean up water-based paint with soap and water. There is no need for harsh chemicals. It is also less harmful and better for the environment. Cleaning up oil-based paint requires solvents like mineral spirits. These chemicals can hurt the environment, so they need to be thrown away carefully. Water-based paints make less waste and fumes.
Finish and Strength
Paint that is based on oil leaves a smooth, shiny finish that lasts a long time. It doesn’t scratch easily and lasts a long time. This makes it perfect for furniture that gets a lot of use. Paint that is water-based gives a more matte or satin finish. It might chip or scratch more easily, but it has gotten stronger over time. If you want a tough surface, choose oil-based paint. If you want to make it easy to work with, choose water-based paint.
Famous Paint Brands
The quality and look of your furniture projects are affected by the paint brands you choose. Picking the right brand makes sure that the application goes smoothly and the finish lasts. Each brand has its own formulas that work best with certain types and styles of furniture. Knowing about the best brands can help you choose paint that fits your needs and budget.
Things People Love at Home Depot
Beyond Paint is an all-in-one refinishing paint that Home Depot sells. It combines primer, paint, and topcoat in one can. This paint sticks well to laminate, metal, and wood. The finish is strong and doesn’t chip easily. It has a smooth texture and comes in a lot of colors. People often choose Beyond Paint to quickly change the look of their furniture.
Lowe’s Best Choices
HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Cabinet and Furniture paint is available at Lowe’s. This paint is made to be used on furniture and cabinets. The color is deep, and the finish is hard and protective. The paint dries quickly and is easy to sand between coats. Valspar Semi-gloss Enamel is also available at Lowe’s. It’s great for things that get a lot of use. Both paints cover well and look good for a long time.
Rockler and Country Chic make specialty paints.
General Finishes Milk Paint from Rockler is known for its matte, vintage look. It’s simple to use and cleans up with water. This paint works well on both raw and finished wood. Country Chic Paint has chalk-like paint that feels soft and velvety. It doesn’t take much time to prepare and sticks to a lot of surfaces. You can use these special paints to give your furniture a creative and detailed new look.
Finishes for painted furniture
The finish you choose for your furniture affects how it looks and how long it lasts. Paint finishes determine how shiny and smooth painted surfaces are. They also change how easy it is to clean the furniture. Knowing the different types of finishes will help you choose the right paint for each job.
Finishes that are matte and chalky
There is no shine to matte finishes, and they feel smooth. They do a good job of hiding flaws on the surface. Chalky finishes are very flat and have a soft, powdery look. Both finishes give a room a vintage or rustic look. They are great for furniture that is old or broken. These finishes may show stains more easily and need to be cleaned carefully.
Satin and semi-gloss
Satin finish has a soft shine that makes things look smooth and classy. It doesn’t get dirty easily and is easy to clean. Semi-gloss is shinier and bounces more light. Both finishes work well on furniture that is used every day. They are the perfect mix of beauty and strength. Most rooms and styles look good with satin and semi-gloss finishes.
Glossy And High-gloss Options
Glossy finishes shine brightly and highlight details. The finish with the most shine and durability is high-gloss. These finishes give a clean, modern look. They do a good job of keeping moisture and stains out. Scratches and fingerprints show up better on glossy paints. They fit furniture in stylish living rooms, kitchens, or bathrooms.
Tips for Getting Ready and Using
To get a smooth and long-lasting finish on furniture, you need to prepare it properly and apply it carefully. If you skip these steps, your paint may peel, have an uneven color, or feel rough. Use these simple tips to get the most out of your painting project.
Cleaning and sanding the surface
Start by cleaning the furniture surface well. Remove dust, dirt, and grease with a mild detergent or cleaner. Allow the surface to dry completely before moving on.
Next, sand the surface using fine-grit sandpaper. Sanding removes old paint and creates a smooth base. It also helps the new paint stick better. Wipe away sanding dust with a damp cloth.
Priming Needs
Primer creates a strong bond between the furniture and paint. Use a primer designed for the furniture material, such as wood or metal. Apply a thin, even layer and let it dry fully.
Priming also blocks stains and prevents paint from soaking in unevenly. For glossy surfaces, primer helps improve adhesion. Skip primer only if using a paint with built-in primer.
Applying Paint And Topcoats
Apply paint in thin, even coats with a brush or roller. Thin coats dry faster and reduce drips or brush marks. Wait for each coat to dry before adding another.
Use a high-quality brush or foam roller for the best finish. After painting, add a protective topcoat like polyurethane or wax. This layer shields the paint and extends furniture life.
Best Paints For Specific Furniture
Choosing the right paint for certain pieces of furniture will make them last longer and look better. Different kinds of furniture need different kinds of paint. This guide focuses on the best paints suited for kitchen tables, cabinets, doors, and outdoor furniture. Each kind of paint has its own advantages that make it good for the furniture’s use and setting.
High-traffic pieces and kitchen tables
Furniture that gets a lot of use, like kitchen tables, needs paint that is tough and won’t get scratched or stained. Acrylic enamel paints are good because they dry hard and are easy to clean. To hide marks, look for paints with a satin or semi-gloss finish. These finishes make the surface smooth and can handle being wiped down often. A long-lasting topcoat can make the paint last even longer. This kind of paint keeps furniture looking new even after daily use.
Doors and Cabinets
Paint that gives cabinets and doors a smooth, even finish and doesn’t chip is good for them. Enamel paints that are either oil-based or water-based are the best. They give a tough, long-lasting coating. Satin or semi-gloss finishes make cabinets and doors look better while hiding flaws. These paints also do well in humid conditions, which is important in bathrooms and kitchens. To get a perfect finish, you need to prepare the surface correctly.
Furniture for the outdoors
Paint for outdoor furniture needs to be able to stand up to the weather, moisture, and sun. For this, exterior acrylic latex paints work really well. They are flexible and won’t crack or peel. To keep colors from fading, look for paints that protect against UV rays. A primer made for outdoor wood makes it stick better and cover more area. A clear sealer gives you extra protection against dirt and rain. This paint mix keeps outdoor furniture looking good for a long time.
Price and availability
When choosing the best paint for furniture, price and availability are very important. The cost of paint varies. Some are easy to find, but others might be hard to find or need to be ordered in bulk. You can choose the right paint by weighing quality against price.
Affordable Options
Acrylic and latex paints are often less expensive than specialty paints. These kinds are good for a lot of furniture projects. They are simple to use and clean up with water. A lot of cheap paints come with primers already in them. This cuts down on extra steps, which saves time and money.
Rust-Oleum and Valspar are two well-known brands that make good products at low prices. You can find these paints at most hardware stores. For the price, they give a smooth finish and last a long time.
Premium Choices
High-end paints usually cost more, but they cover better and look better. Chalk paint and milk paint are two examples of this type of paint. These paints make one-of-a-kind colors and textures. To last longer, they often need special topcoats or sealers.
Farrow & Ball and General Finishes are two brands that make high-quality paints. Their products have more pigments and go on more smoothly. These paints are good for fine furniture or things that are meant to last a long time.
Where to Get
Many hardware stores, like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart, carry paints for furniture. They have both cheap and expensive options. You can also buy paints online from stores that sell them or from paint stores that only sell paints.
When you choose a local store, you can see the colors in person. You can find more options and read customer reviews when you shop online. For your convenience, see if the store offers free delivery or in-store pickup.
Questions that are often asked
What is the Best Paint for Furniture
Alkyd enamel is the best paint for furniture because it gives a hard, long-lasting, and water-resistant finish. When sealed properly, specialty paints like Fusion Mineral Paint and high-quality lacquers are also very durable. These paints last longer and look better than regular latex paints.
Should you use a brush or a roller to paint furniture?
Brushes give you precise control over small parts of furniture, while rollers quickly cover large flat areas. Pick based on how the furniture looks.
What kind of paint should you use on furniture that doesn’t need to be sanded?
Beyond Paint and Heirloom Traditions are two examples of all-in-one furniture paints that come with a primer. They stick together well without sanding.
Is it better to use chalk paint or regular paint to paint furniture?
Chalk paint is easier to prepare and gives things a matte, old-fashioned look. Regular paint lasts a long time and gives smooth finishes. Pick based on your style and what you need to wear.
Final Thoughts
The best paint for furniture depends on how you want it to look and what you need. Alkyd enamel protects things well and for a long time. Mineral and lacquer paints leave a smooth, long-lasting finish. Before you paint, always get your furniture ready. Choose a paint that works with your project and your budget.
Your furniture can look new and last longer if you use the right paint. Have fun painting!