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refresh your furniture with these paint from top brands like Behr , Annie Sloan , and Krylon .
Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
When you are look tomake over your interior decoration on a budgetor give a fresh look to some old professorship or cabinets , the easiest and cheapest mode is with anew coat of paint . But not so fast — it may not be wise to slosh your piece of furniture with the same paint you ’d put on your walls .
It ’s ripe to choose for a key specially formulated for article of furniture and cabinets . Philippa Radon , rouge , color , and blueprint specialiser at C2 Paint , says , “ It is important to select a paint that has a good bonding broker for the open of the article of furniture and also one that admit a hardener to protect against wearable and binge . ”
To find which are the best rouge for furniture , we research lots of dissimilar brands , considering factor like can size , available finish , and dry clock time . We also consulted expert for their advice on which paints are most suitable for your DIY and home interior decoration projects .
Credit: Annie Sloan
Paint Type
Most furniture paints are water - based latex , acrylic , or alkyd . There are also oil - based paints , whichNicole Gibbons , beginner and CEO of Clare , says are not often deal these day due to the high degree of VOCs . “ Oil - base paint is almost phased out of usual usage , with the exception of certain specialty paints . ”
Despite the name , latex paint pigment might seem to not contain condom . What it refers to is the character of resin ( or binder ) that ’s used in the formula . grant to Gibbons , the two most common resin used in key formulas are acrylic and vinyl group .
For article of furniture , acrylic rouge is the higher-ranking selection because it run to bewilder better and is generally more durable . “100 % acrylic resin is the highest - calibre binder that will offer the best performance , while vinyl group rosin is much less expensive and is often blended with acrylic to keep cost down . ”
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Alkyd paints are often used for storage locker because they give off a lasting , enamel finish that is comparable to an oil goal . Another choice is chalk pigment , which is popular because it ask no primer coat or sanding , but you do have to make certain the surface is clean prior to painting .
Size
blusher used for furniture typically run for in small sizes . You ’ll often see them in half - pint , dry pint , and Imperial gallon size . The reason for this is that you do n’t call for a whole lot of pigment formost DIY projects .
“ A gallon of paint is more than enough to paint furniture , ” Bailey allege . “ You typically only need a dry quart or less for a culture medium to tumid slice of furniture . you could even practice a pint for little pieces of article of furniture , ” she adds .
Finish
Typically , you ’ll ascertain the good furniture pigment in flat , matte , satin semi - gloss , and gloss finishes . Whenchoosing a refinement , “ think about the use of the patch being paint , ” Radon says . “ For table tops , consider a satin . ” She also likeseggshell“because it has a highly durable refinement . ”
Jernigan like using a tinted wax sealant at the end for DIY furniture projects to get a gorgeous downcast - luster lustrelessness sheen . “ But the caution to this is that it will be tedious to later transfer [ it ] if you need to repaint it , ” she notes .
Dry Time
Typically , you should lease rouge dry for two to four hours between coat , though this will differ slightly depending on the trade name and your specific paint . Some formula need up to 24 hour to to the full dry before applying a 2d coat .
You should also factor out in temperature and humidity . Warm conditions causes paint to dry faster , so Jernigan advises you assure the temperature is at least 55 ℉ if you want the piece to be fully cured at the appropriate fourth dimension .
On the other helping hand , she also says that it ’s not ideal to tackle DIY projects when it ’s humid and to void very high-pitched temperatures as both factors can negatively affect the finish .
Credit: Amazon
What We Researched
We evaluated several paints for furniture on theiroffered sizes , finishes , number of colors , anddry clip .
Our Top Picks
Indoor Furniture Paint
For nightstands , dresser , tables , and other indoor piece of furniture piece , water - ground latex paintandchalk paintsare some of the serious option . Latex paints are monetary value - effective and are safer to use indoors becausethey have lower VOCs . They also typically have a across-the-board range of coloration to select from .
The downside is that they run to peel ; this can be better prevented if youuse a ground and sealant . Interior designer and avid DIYerSam Jernigan’sfavorite case of paint for indoor article of furniture is chalk key because it can be applied on any surface , including leather .
“ Chalk blusher also produce the perfectmatte coating for wood piece of furniture , and I especially sleep together using it whenrescuing period piecesthat have unsightly surfaces , ” Jernigan say .
Credit: Amazon
Best Overall
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
It is an easy key to work with for give piece of furniture of most materials an updated look .
Although it does n’t need a primer , you have to implement a sealer afterward .
Annie Sloanis known as the originator of chalk paint , which countenance you paint furniture without ask to sandpaper or apply a priming coat first . It ’s also one of the in effect options for refinish hard-pressed vintage furniture and transform it into a raw statement piece .
Credit: Home Depot
Many painters and DIYers love it because of how easy it is to use . “ It is beyond singular in its transformative qualities and goes on anything , ” Jernigan state .
The paint can be used on a ton of Earth’s surface include metals , material , floor , and glass . Itcomes in 43 colorsincluding gentle pastels and bright hues . Also , you may commingle colors from the pallet to create a customs shade . The paint is usable in one - cubic decimeter and 120 - milliliter size .
One liter should be enough to cover a small toilet table . Just be aware that the blusher needs to be sealed with wax or lacquer subsequently , which can be expensive . Also , avoid using it on Tectona grandis or other oily woods .
Credit: Clare
Sizes Available:1 liter and 120 cc |Finishes : Chalk |Number of Colors:43 |Dry Time:24 hours
Key Terms to Know
Best Spray Paint
Krylon Color Maxx Spray Paint and Primer for Indoor/Outdoor Use
The paint dries to the touch after only 25 minute and totally dries after two hours .
Since it ’s not weewee - establish , you ’ll need to use a solvent cleaning solution on messes .
Krylon Color Maxx Spray Paintis Jernigan ’s go - to for both exterior and interior projection . In general , spraying key facilitate target tough - to - reach spots . “ Spraying is unremarkably the easy and most uniform mode to cover a surface with a lot of detail like , say , an Adirondack chair , ” Jernigan read .
One spray of this pattern cover up to 25 straight foot . It also acts as a primer , so aside from sanding and cleaning , you do n’t have major prep work to do . It come in a variety of finishes including satin , color , matte , and semi - flat .
The formula adhere to wood , metal , wicker , spyglass , plaster , andplastic , score it a great choice for out-of-door patio piece of furniture . The firebrand claims that the rule is five times potent than the intermediate blusher ; it ’s also rust fungus - immune and can protect your furniture piece in the longsighted run .
After 25 hour , the paint will be dry to the mite . It completely dries in two time of day , which is dissolute than steady piece of furniture paint . It ’s not H2O - based , so you call for asolvent cleaning solutionif you pour forth it . fag a mask when applying spray paint , and be sure to do so in a well - ventilate domain .
Sizes Available:12 ounce or 15 oz. |Finishes : Satin , dental floss , matte , semi - flat |Number of Colors:100+|Dry Time : Two hour
Outdoor Furniture Paint
For outdoor article of furniture , reckon for conditions - repellent latex paints that wo n’t peel off or fade from rain or sun exposure . you’re able to also use spray paints , which also volunteer aegis because they are rust - resistant and have long - lasting color .
Jernigan allege thatwhen using spray paint , make certain the temperature is at least 55 ℉ and not too humid , as this will pretend how the pigment cures .
Best for Outdoor Furniture
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Ultra Cover Latex Paint
It help to protect out-of-door article of furniture from the elements and is resistant to fading .
The rouge is not loggerheaded — you may take a few coats to cover a surface completely .
DIYers will love theRust - Oleum Painter ’s Touch Paintbecause it features a special formula that protects outdoor patio professorship and tabular array from the elements . It ’s also expert - approved and one of our top option for keeping outdoor furniture in honorable shape .
The Rust - Oleum formula comes in satin , gloss , metallic , and clear land up andworks on metal , wood , unglazed ceramic , and plaster Earth’s surface . However , it ’s not meant to be used for countertops , shower , or story . Each quart covers up to 120 square metrical unit .
Before use , sand the areawith 180/200 sandpaper andclean thoroughly with a degreaserfor smooth , even results . Primer is recommended , specially if you ’re working on Natalie Wood or metallic element . Keep in psyche that it is not a one - coat paint ; it ’s pretty thin and may need multiple coat for total coverage .
That say , it dries completely in two to four hours . The paint is a water - based acrylic fiber , which means it ’s washable as long as the pigment is still wet .
size Available:1 dry quart or pint |Finishes : Satin , Gloss , Metallic , Clear |Number of Colors:9 |Dry Time : Two to four hr
Fabric Paint
material paint can give your upholstery a whole new look at a inexpensive price than reupholstering or buying new . It ’s easy than you think , and you may get long - lasting results if you take the time to do it right .
Best for Upholstery
FabriCoat Dark Fabric Paint
One 17 ounce bottle is big enough to paint an full armchair .
It takes a mountain of time and effort to paint fabric exhaustively .
piece of furniture paint is not only for the shape — did you jazz that you could paint upholstery , too ? TheFabricoat Dark Fabric Paintis one of the skilful paints for furniture because it helps give your chairs , couches , or curtains a whole new look .
The paint is articulate to restore people of colour to faded fabric , enshroud stains , or change thecolor of your upholsterywithout altering the grain . This means that your furniture ’s material will not become stiff or hard after applying multiple paint coats .
It comes in sixteen pigment including black , black racy , green , and dark Thomas Gray . The material should be juiceless enough to touch after an hour , but it ’s better to wait overnight before you put the piece to use to insure it wo n’t stain or skin or clothing .
One 17 - troy ounce bottle is enough to paint an armchair . To achieve the best results , you must really take the time to work the paint into the fabric and check that it is completely covered . It ’s a more time - intensive procedure than paint other materials .
Sizes Available:8.5 ounces or 17 ounces |Finishes : N / A |Number of Colors:16|Dry Time:24 hour
Cabinet Paint
Painting your kitchen or bath cabinets offers an exigent upgrade . To get the hope results it ’s of import to opt paints that can nonplus to wood andlaminate surfaces .
“ house painting cabinets require more prep workplace with sanding , cleaning , and priming the surface , ” saysDede Bailey , a paint expert and possessor of Designed Decor . “ Whenusing cabinet blusher , you do n’t have to use a top pelage , which is helpful when postulate to touch up , ” she tote up .
Best for Cabinets and Doors
BEHR Premium Interior/Exterior Cabinet, Door & Trim Paint
This water - soluble acrylic rouge is a breeze to clean house up with Georgia home boy and water system .
There are no matte end .
disregardless of whether you ’re doing cabinets , furniture , or room access , theBehr Premium Interior / Exterior , Door & Trim Paintoffers a smooth finish at a notecase - well-disposed price . Besides wood , it also sticks to non - wood surface such as metal , vinyl , and drywall .
practice a paintbrush , sprayer , orroller to apply . The paint is formulated with a mainsheet - costless plastic film that keep paint surfaces from bond together . However , this is not an all - in - one option — it need you to prime and sand your surface before you start .
It covers up to 100 square metrical foot depend on the program andhow porous the surface is . Plus , it ’s tight - drying and will be quick for recoating in about two hours ( though drab colors or humid climate may unfold the dry out sentence ) .
This paint is available in satin and semi - gloss finishes ( no matte option ) . It ’s water - soluble and cleans up easily with soap and water if paint splutter on your floor . We also like that it ’s formulated to resist mould and mildew . It ’s only available in one - dry quart or one - congius size .
size Available:1 quart or congius |Finishes : Satin , Semi - Gloss |Number of Colors:58 |Dry clip : Two hours
Best Washable
Clare Semi-Gloss Trim Paint
The down in the mouth odor formula contains zero VOCs or EPA chemicals of business organisation .
Swatches be $ 3 a piece .
If you ’re look for a unflawed finish for your cabinets , consider theClare Semi - Gloss Trim Paint . It ’s a sustainably made acrylic paint formulated withoutEPA chemicals of concernor VOCs . It is also mildew - repellent , so it ’s a good option forhumid areas like the bath .
The paint is also washable and scrubbable — you do n’t have to worry about the paint peeling if you’reremoving bell ringer from storage locker — and specially made for eminent - dealings orbit like the kitchen and living room . This is another reason it ’s a top pickaxe for cabinets , which tend to get a lot of use .
The fast - drying formula dries to the touching within 30 to 60 minutes , with a total dry fourth dimension of two to four 60 minutes . Although it is a self - fuse selection , you ’ll still need a primer if you’repainting over a dark coloror glossy finish .
Note that although you may find gorgeous semblance options , you ’ll have to give $ 3 a pop for colour swatches to see if a color is right for you before committing . The paint is useable in gallon and quart sizes .
Size:1 quart or Imperial gallon |Finishes : Semi - gloss |Number of Colors:77 |Dry Time:2 to 4 time of day
Your Questions, Answered
Does furniture paint need primer?
reckon on the blusher , you may have to useprimer as a base coatto help the paint stick to the open better . Primer is also useful if you need to exchange from a darker to scant colouring material . The exception to this shabu rouge which can be used directly on any surface with no primer needed .
What paint can you use on furniture without sanding?
“ Most article of furniture paint is formulate so that you do not have to sandpaper prior to using , ” Bailey says , though you should observe that some of the formulas we recommend here do explicitly urge sanding .
search for “ all - in - one ” key that include ground and bonding agent and take into account you more flexibility and less preparation work . These paints are strong enough to adhere to any surface and can obscure imperfection even if you do n’t sandpaper first .
That being say , take into consideration the condition of the piece that you are painting . “ Some older and miss piece of piece of furniture will need some sanding if the exist finish is gravely chipping or shedding , ” Bailey says .
And , harmonize to Radon , it ’s still a just thought to sand after you put on a priming and before you bestow a top coat if you require an “ optimal refinement . ” She read , “ Proper homework is the key to a successful key problem . ”
What is the best type of paint for wood?
Most usual interior pigment are desirable for Mrs. Henry Wood . However , the cay to placid program lies in primer and houseclean before house painting . “ Unfinished wood is very holey so if it is n’t prepped by rights you ’ll have a very splotchy , uneven result , ” Gibbons advises .
“ Using a high - quality undercoat to varnish the surface and make a uniform groundwork for pigment is the most important step , ” she adds .
Who We Are
Nor’Adila Hepburnis a writer who differentiate in write in - depth buying guides for Better Homes & Gardens . She specializes in home and life-style niches .
To find the good paint for article of furniture she researched the top intersection from various paint brands . She also received tips fromDede Baileya key expert and proprietor of Designed Decor , Sam Jernigan , interior designer at Renaissance Design Consultations , Philippa Radon , a key colour and design specialist , at C2 Paint , andNicole Gibbons , CEO and father of Clare .
