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How to: paint furniture


Looking for a step-by-step plan for painting (wooden) furniture? Here you will find useful tips and an overview of all the necessary products. You will find a clear step-by-step plan to give your furniture a fresh look. Whether you want to know which paint to use, which materials to use or how to tackle old layers of paint, we have all the answers for you! Read on quickly for the complete step-by-step plan and useful tips.


Step 1: preparation

Let's start with the first step in refurbishing your furniture: preparation. Click on the tabs to read what you can do to give your furniture the perfect preparation before painting it.

Repair possible damages

Start by checking the furniture for damage, loose parts or old, loose layers of paint. By inspecting the furniture thoroughly, you can find out what you need to fix before you start refurbishing, so you can start from a good base for your paint job.

Try glueing or replacing loose parts, for example. Small holes or cracks can be closed with a wood filler. To level or repair the (wooden) surface, you can use Jansen Acryl Quick FillerPolyfilla One Fill Hout of Polyfilla Houtvuller

To remove old layers of paint, you have several options: 

  1. Can you get the paint off very easily? Then use a paint scraper to gently scrape the paint residue off the furniture. Make sure not to press too hard to avoid damaging the wood. This method works well with thick layers of paint.
  2. Does the old paint not come off so easily? Then stripper can help dissolve and remove the paint. Apply the stripper to the paint residue according to the instructions on the packaging. Then you can carefully remove the paint with a paint scraper or an old toothbrush. Make sure you work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective clothing and gloves. 
  3. If the old paint layer is quite thin, or if the methods above are not effective, you can try lightly sanding the furniture. Use medium-grit sandpaper and make sure you sand the surface evenly to avoid stains and damage.

Preparing the surface

Clean and degrease

Thoroughly clean and degrease the furniture with a mild detergent or degreaser. Make sure you remove all grease, dirt and dust. Berdy Clearline degreaser and Solarine Cleaning Liquid are ideal for this purpose.

Make sure you clean all surfaces thoroughly, including the hard-to-reach areas. Sometimes it helps, for example, to take out the sliders, dismantle doors, etc.

Sanding

Perhaps you have already sanded the furniture to remove old paint, or maybe it has been painted before and is still in good condition. In that case, a thorough cleaning will suffice and you can skip this step further. 

However, if you want to refine the surface a little, for instance after filling up holes or if you start from untreated wood, it is advisable to get out a sheet of (fine) sandpaper and sand the surface lightly. This will create a smooth surface for the new paint layer.

After sanding, don't forget to dust your furniture again. The Progold dusting brush half moon can help you with that!

Mess-free painting

If you take the furniture apart to paint it, you may already be able to work very neatly. Lay cardboard under the furniture to protect the floor or ground from paint splashes.

It may also be necessary to protect certain small parts if you cannot dismantle the furniture or do not wish to do so. Think of a handle, hinges or a keyhole.

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Berdy Clearline - Degreaser
From €9.95 
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Jansen Acrylic Quick Filler
From €12.45 
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Polyfilla - One Fill Hout
From €13.14 
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Polyfilla - Houtvuller
From €8.15 
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Progold Cardboard Protection
From €33.75 
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Progold Cover Foil
From €2.05 
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3M Golden Masking Tape
From €6.95 
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ProGold Beige Masking Tape with Foil
From €5.95 
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Progold Scraper Triangle
From €6.95 
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Progold Sandpaper
Variants from €1.15 
From €1.25 

Image source: Levis

Step 2: painting

Use a paint brush and paint roller to apply the paint evenly. Paint in the direction of the wood grain for best results.

Applying primer

If the furniture has not been painted before, apply a water-based primer specially designed for wooden surfaces. The primer helps the paint adhere better, improves coverage and reduces paint absorption into the wood. Examples of primers you can use on wooden furniture are: Sigma Tigron Aqua PrimerSikkens Rubbol BL Primer or Trimetal Permacryl PU Primer

You can also opt for a one-pot system, such as Levis Simply Refresh Furniture Satin. In that case, you don't need a separate primer and apply the first coat of paint now.

If you want to paint furniture (or and part of it) that is not made of wood, for example a metal cabinet or a plastic toy rack, then use a multiprimer, such as Trimetal Multiprimer Aqua Protect or Sigma Multiprimer Aqua.

Applying lacquer

After you have applied the primer and allowed it to dry, it is time to finish with lacquer paint. For furniture, a scratch-resistant, skin-fat-resistant lacquer is of interest. After all, you don't want quick scratches on your newly painted tabletop, or shiny spots around the handles of your refurbished cabinet. Trimetal Permacryl PU Matt and Satin, for example, are scratch-resistant lacquers. Sikkens lacquers Rubbol BL Rezisto Satin and Mat can also withstand damages pretty well and are resistant to skin grease at the same time, as are Sigma Tigron Aqua MattSatin and Gloss

Using a finer paintbrush, first paint edges, corners, grooves, etc. Larger areas are best painted with a roller. Always roll vertically first and then horizontally, and preferably finish the furniture from top to bottom. After the first coat has dried completely, you can check whether a second finishing coat is needed. 

If you are working with a one-pot system, now is the time for your second and possibly third coat of paint! 

If you have taped off parts of the furniture, remember to remove the tape after you have applied the final coat, when the paint is still wet.

Applying chalk paint

Chalk paint is a popular choice for pimping furniture. In fact, you can get a really nice effect with it. However, painting with chalk paint requires a little extra attention. 

We often advise you to "paint with paint", i.e. not to be too economical with the amount of paint you apply, but with chalk paint you really don't have to hold back. It's okay to apply a bit more of this than you would otherwise. Use a flat brush, and start at the edges. If you want to give the furniture a vintage look, you can choose to paint it completely with a brush. If you want a more even look, it's best to roll the paint open further with a velvet roller

Usually you need two layers of chalk paint, but you don't need to apply a separate primer beforehand. What we do recommend is applying a protective layer afterwards, so your refreshed furniture will look just as fresh for a long time. 

Want to know more about what exactly chalk paint is? Then be sure to read our blog!

Sikkens Rubbol BL Primer 1L at Tintrio
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Sikkens Rubbol BL Primer
From €24.95 
Bestseller
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Sikkens Rubbol BL Rezisto Satin
From €40.95 

An extremely scratch-resistant and skin grease-resistant finishing paint for interior use.

An extremely scratch-resistant and skin grease-resistant finishing paint for interior use.

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Levis Ambiance Protector
From €37.45 
Tintrio Reviews with ekomi.nl
Trimetal Multiprimer Aqua Protect
From €33.45 

Water-based anti-rust and insulating, universal acrylic bonding primer for indoor and outdoor use.

Water-based anti-rust and insulating, universal acrylic bonding primer for indoor and outdoor use.

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Sigma Multiprimer Aqua
From €20.45 

Waterborne, corrosion-resistant universal adhesive primer for inside and outside based on acrylic resin.

Waterborne, corrosion-resistant universal adhesive primer for inside and outside based on acrylic resin.

Image source: Levis

Do you prefer a natural look?


Perhaps you're looking to upgrade your wooden piece of furniture without changing its colour. In that case, you can just as easily protect and refresh it with a colourless or lightly tinted product, such as oil or varnish. They preserve the wood's natural beauty while providing it with durable protection against wear, stains and aging. Make your wooden furniture the eye-catcher it was originally meant to be. 

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Xyladecor Meubel Vernis
From €13.95 
Quick-drying water-based varnish for indoor use. 2-in-1 system: primer and finish in one.
Quick-drying water-based varnish for indoor use. 2-in-1 system: primer and finish in one.
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Traelyx Naturel Ultra Mat
From €46.95 
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Traelyx Project Furniture Lacquer
From €12.45 
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Sigma Varnish Matt
From €26.45 
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Ciranova Maintenance Oil
From €31.45 
Universal quick-drying maintenance oil for the maintenance of oiled wooden surfaces. Dull or worn finishes are refreshed with the application of Ciranova maintenance oil. Applying on a regular basis can avoid expensive and time-consuming renovations.
Universal quick-drying maintenance oil for the maintenance of oiled wooden surfaces. Dull or worn finishes are refreshed with the application of Ciranova maintenance oil. Applying on a regular basis can avoid expensive and time-consuming renovations.
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Sigma Woodprotect 2In1 Matt
From €27.45 

High-quality transparent durable stain, the 2-in-1 formula ensures that the product can be used as both primer and topcoat.

High-quality transparent durable stain, the 2-in-1 formula ensures that the product can be used as both primer and topcoat.

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Ciranova Liquid Wax
Variants from €24.45 
From €28.95 

Traditionally made wax based on natural raw materials, this natural wax nourishes your antique furniture and gives a beautiful, deep shine.

Traditionally made wax based on natural raw materials, this natural wax nourishes your antique furniture and gives a beautiful, deep shine.

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Sigma Varnish Satin
From €26.45 
Tintrio Reviews with ekomi.nl
Xyladecor Meubelolie
From €19.45 
A water-based, protective oil for wooden furniture with a matt effect. Protects against dirt and stains.
A water-based, protective oil for wooden furniture with a matt effect. Protects against dirt and stains.
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V33 Meubelvernis
From €13.95 

Offers high resistance to scratches, shocks, stains and water.

Offers high resistance to scratches, shocks, stains and water.

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V33 Onzichtbare Afwerking
From €17.45 

The varnish offers a high resistance that preserves the natural appearance of wood.

The varnish offers a high resistance that preserves the natural appearance of wood.


Checklist

  • Repair and prepare

  • Apply the right primer

  • Paint with a brush and roller

  • Respect drying times

  • Unleash your creativity!

Useful tools

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ProGold Paintbrush Round Classic 7520
From €4.95 
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Progold Paint Tray
From €0.85 

Need help?


If some of the steps aren't entirely clear to you, or if you are in a specific situation that isn't covered in our how-to guide, then our experts will be happy to help.


Contact us