When painting furniture, there are a few different ways you can go about it. Of course, you can use a paint sprayer, which is a great option if you have a lot of pieces to paint or if you're looking for a quick and easy way to get the job done. But a paint brush is the way to go if you're looking for a more precise finish. Here, we'll walk you through the steps of how to paint furniture with a brush so that you can get the best results.
Choose the right paint brush
The first step in painting furniture with a brush is to choose the right paint brush.
You'll want to use a synthetic bristle paint brush for most projects. These brushes work well with latex and oil-based paints and are less likely to shed bristles than natural bristle brushes.
However, if you're painting a piece of furniture with a lot of detail, you may want to use a smaller brush to help you get into all the nooks and crannies. And if you're painting a large piece of furniture, like a dresser or buffet, you may want to use a larger paint brush for trim to save time.
Prepare your furniture for painting
Now that you have the right paint brush, it is time to prepare your furniture for painting. This step is crucial because it will help the paint adhere to the surface and ensure a smooth finish. Start by sanding down the piece of furniture with medium-grit sandpaper. If any areas are particularly rough, you can use finer-grit sandpaper to smooth them out. Once you've sanded the piece, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dust.
If you're painting over an existing finish, you'll also need to remove any hardware or other elements attached to the furniture. It includes things like drawer pulls, knobs, and hinges. So first, remove the hardware from the furniture. Then, use soap and water to clean it off. It will get rid of any dirt or grease.
Apply primer
After you've prepped the furniture, it's time to apply primer. Primer is essential because it helps the paint adhere to the surface and provides a smooth base for the paint to go on. For most projects, you'll want to use a latex primer. If you're painting over an existing finish that's in good condition, you may be able to skip the primer step. But if the finish is in poor condition or you're painting over a dark color with a light color, applying primer is a good idea.
To apply the primer:
- Start by painting a small section in the corner of the furniture.
- Use long brush strokes to evenly apply the primer to the rest of the piece.
- Allow the primer to dry for the time specified on the can before painting.
Apply paint
After the primer has dried, it's time to apply the paint. Just like with the primer, start by painting a small section in the corner of the furniture. Then, use long brush strokes to apply the paint to the rest of the piece evenly. For best results, avoid going over the same area multiple times, as this can create brush strokes in the paint. Wait the amount of time specified on the can before moving on to the next step.
Apply a top coat
A top coat helps protect the paint and gives it a nice shine. For most projects, you'll want to use a polyurethane top coat. To apply the top coat, start by painting a small section in the corner of the furniture. Then, use long brush strokes to evenly apply the top coat to the rest of the piece.
That's it! Now you know how to paint furniture like a pro. With these tips, you'll be able to transform any piece of furniture into a work of art. So get out there and start painting!