How would I go about painting a finished piece of furniture? What kind of paint would I use?

Question

I have a nice bedroom set in great condition but I hate the color of it... (oak)
I want to paint it a dark chocolate brown color. What kind of paint would I use to do this? Interior paint?
And how would I prep the furniture beforehand?

Answer 1

If the furniture has a shiny top coat you will need to scuff that up first, then pick a really good primer. Kilz is great and on the side of the can tells you what surfaces it adheres to the best. Interior paint is fine because it wont be exposed to any outdoor elements ie: rain etc. Then pick your color and sheen of paint. (flat, egg shell, satin, semi-gloss or gloss.) The higher the sheen the more durable your paint will be.

Answer 2

i understand that u don't like the color of the oak. so y not stain it a deeper color instead of painting it? But it would b a lot of sanding. IF sanding isn't really u'r cup of tea... then i would go w/ the Kilz/Bin/Zinseer primer... have them tint it the color that u would pick for the paint. B/c choc. brown will take several coats unless u have a primer. Make sure u have smooth strokes & don't go cheap on the brush.. it really does matter.

Then u can 1 of 2 things.. go w/ a flat paint & then use a semi-gloss or gloss acrylic varnish over it... or go w/ a semi-gloss or gloss paint.

Kilz makes a paint that is pretty thick which mite work good on u'r furniture so u won't have to use too many coats along w/ the primer.

Then when u r done, put a fan on it so it would dry esp. if it's humid where u live b/c the humidity will prolong the drying time.

do the drawers OUT of the dresser & make sure u take the handles off. Make sure it is completely dry... not tacky b/4 u put the handles on OR clothes back in or anything on it.

have fun!

Answer 3

You can buy a product called Kilz that you paint on and gives you a better surface for whatever color you choose. You would just use regular interior paint but for furniture I would go for something with a high gloss.

Answer 4

Wipe the furniture with denatured alcohol, to remove grease (from handprints, fingers, etc.). Paint with High gloss lacquer of your color choice. Spray-on produces better results. Apply in several thin coats, rather than heavier coats. It decreases your chance of runs. If it gets a run in it, wait a month or so (until the lacquer hardens), lightly sand out the run, and re-apply paint.

Answer 5

I've seen a commerical recently for a kind of spray paint that works well on furniture. My advice would be to go to your local home improvement store and check out what's in the paint aisle. I'm sure on the cans there would be instructions on how to.

Answer 6

i would strip it down to the natural wood and buy a darker stain, like dark maple or dark oak.