How to Prep and Paint Wood Furniture, According to a Pro
As MegMade owner Meg Piercy will tell you, paint is one of the quickest, most affordable ways to transform wooden furniture. Whether you want to reinvent an heirloom or freshen up a secondhand find, this tutorial takes you from start to flawless finish.
How to Prep and Paint Wood Furniture
Use Meg's simple instructions to rehab your old piece.
1. Remove Hardware
Store all hardware pieces in a plastic bag or bucket so you don't misplace them—it's easy to lose small screws.
2. Remove Doors and Drawers
Work in sequential order and label the doors/drawers for faster re-installment. Piercy likes to add little smileys or numbers to keep the positions straight.
3. Clean
Getting the grease and grime off your piece is super important to the overall finish. MegMade sells a wood cleaner called Clean Slate. To prevent your paint from chipping, steer clear of any product containing a wax derivative. Lightly sand all surfaces to improve paint adhesion, then wipe with a tack cloth.
4. Fix Imperfections
If you want a smooth finish or are replacing hardware with a different size, you'll need to do this step. Otherwise, skip. Piercy recommends Bondo, an all-purpose putty that mixes with a hardener, but any wood filler will do. The filler dries fast, so work quickly as you apply it. It's best to over-apply and sand off the excess. Remove all the sand dust before applying paint.
5. Paint
Apply a coat of chalk-finish furniture paint (it doesn't require a primer) with a foam brush, latex brush, chip brush, roller, or sprayer. Let dry. Depending on the color, you may need to do multiple coats. Piercy likes to lightly sand the surface between coats for a supersmooth finish.
Apply paint in a well-ventilated area while wearing a protective mask, gloves, and safety glasses/goggles. Cover any nearby wall and floor surfaces with a tarp or plastic sheeting. Paint the piece one side at a time, letting it dry before you flip it over.
Pro tip: Piercy preps her paint in a blender to give it smooth, easy-on consistency. She says to add a bit of water to the paint in the blender and use a low speed—you're not making a milkshake. If painting with a sprayer, use a strainer to remove any debris from the paint.
6. Finish
Once the paint is dry, add the finish of your choice for the desired sheen. Piercy typically applies a clear or colored wax, but you can also use a clear-coat spray. Glossy is her go-to for a dramatic look. Buff wax with steel wool or a rag to make it look shiny.
