How to Paint Furniture

Considering your first furniture painting project and don't know where to start? If you're a beginner, or even a seasoned DIY-er, we have the articles, videos, tutorials, and discussions to get you started. Here's what you need to know about painting everything from tables to dressers and nightstands to chairs. You got this.

Updating Furniture With Paint
Prep the furniture
Clean the piece with solution and a rag, and remove any hardware including drawers and doors.
Make sure to protect yourself
Stripping furniture, using a power sander and even paint can be harmful, which is why heavy duty gloves and protective eyewear are a must.
Strip and sand your piece
In some cases, furniture will need to be stripped before anything is done. In all cases, furniture should be lightly sanded.
Paint with your desired color
Layer thin coats of paint on the furniture, allowing it to dry in between each coat to prevent uneven surfaces.
Protecting your furniture
Use a polyurethane varnish as the final coat to protect the finished piece, enabling the new paint to last longer.
Top DIY Furniture Painting Projects

Here are our top furniture paint projects, submitted by our very own Hometalk users.

Popular Furniture Painting Slideshows
Furniture Painting Videos

Looking for step-by-step DIY video tutorials on how to paint furniture? Here you go.

How to Build a Bench in 60 Seconds - Cheater Method

Ok...SPOILER ALERT... so, this bench isn't 100% done. But, the initial assembly is around 44 seconds with the cups on the floor. I realized belatedly that I shouldn't have started with the cups already spaced out so let's call it a minute instead. All the pieces that I am using, come, as is, and ready to go in Lowes/Home Depot, Target and the craft stores. There is absolutely no cutting involved in building this bench. I used 2 stair treads, 2 crates and 6 heavy duty plastic storage cups. Could it be any more simple than that? As soon as I paint and stain it and decide what must be permanently attached, I will update this tutorial. For now this is just an idea that was too good to wait to share with all of you!For new ways to update this look, see http://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/furniture/how-to-take-a-simple-bench-to-a-whole-new-level-28485487OKAY!!!! The lumber dept guys at Home Depot took the time to analyze my bench and give me their opinions of how sturdy it is and how much weight it will support. The following is how I interpreted their analysis. They said up / down weight is not the issue. The stair treads on top of the wood crates supported like my picture would hold a great deal of weight. Possibly, even as much as 800 lbs to 900 lbs. Stair treads are specifically made to withstand a great deal of weight. They told me the boards are not going to break. The weakest part of this bench is when there is side to side movement aka horsin' around. Two adults scooting back and forth side to side is when it would be at its weakest point. To make this super strong, they suggested lag bolts for a secure hold. I think wood screws and wood glue will probably support most people's general use of this bench but go to the experts if you need more advice!! Stay tuned for a new bench entirely made from Home Depot items. Not sponsored by them in any way... just was there and I have wanted to make another bench for a while now.

I Painted an Upholstered Chair!

Have you ever painted upholstery? I have seen lots of videos of people converting the look of fabric-covered furniture into pieces that look like leather! They claim that the fabric actually feels like leather - or at least faux leather. Some of the people use chalk paint then wax while others use latex or acrylic paint and add fabric softener or fabric medium to the paint. While I've considered giving this technique a try, I was not willing to test it on a piece of furniture that I use all the time at home.

DIY How to Build a Kitchen Nook

Hey everyone! In this How to I am going to show you a few ways to save money when building a kitchen nook. a lot of money actually because these few tips allow you to only need half the material. hope you enjoy it!Another thing. this is a LARGE project BUT its actually quite simple. Don't let the size of the build scare you. its really just straight cuts and building a rectangle, i promise! plus most hardware stores will do you big (or all) cuts to help if your solo or don't have a table saw!

Grab a Shower Curtain for This Gorgeous Table Flip!

I had an old table that needed a little love - it needed a coat of paint, but I decided not to stop there! Check out the video for more how-to's!

New Furniture Painting Projects

Want some new ideas for painting your furniture? Get trend-setting inspiration here.

Browse Furniture Painting Projects
How to Paint Wicker Furniture to Give It a New Look
How to Refinish a Dresser With Stain or Paint
A Before and After Story: Upcycled Antique Vanity Nightstands
How To Strip Furniture Without Stripper
Modern Navy Blue Nightstands Makeover
Gorgeous Before and After: Refinished Dresser
UpCycled Old Singer Sewing Machine
Repurposed Curtains Into Chair Cushions
A New Look for an Old Bookcase
1950's Dining Set Makeover
Wicker Chair + Spray Paint = Instant Happiness
Restore a Mahogany Leather Top Table With Sheet Music
Martha Washington Sewing Cabinet ~ Reloved
Restyled Bombay Console Table
How To Make A Epoxy Resin Table Top
Painting An Oak Island Black
Vintage End Tables Get an Update!
Harry Potter Inspired Desk Makeover
Ugly Dresser Redone...scroll Work Gone!
Grab a Shower Curtain for This Gorgeous Table Flip!
How to Stencil a Mexican Talavera Tile Table
Repurposed Television Armoire Cabinet
Whitewashed Pine Dresser & Chair
Painted Vintage China Cabinet
How To Make A Lego Cabinet/Dresser
Lane Cedar Chest
Vintage Jewelry Box Update
From Sewing Machine Cabinet to Charming Vanity
Reclaimed Wood Backed Hutch
Never Fear Stripes Desk
A Coffee Bar From an Old Dresser
Redo Patio Sling Chairs for Under $25
Armoire Make Over
How to Paint Old Shutters and Use for Decor
Armoire Redo!
No Sew Upholstered Chair
Faux Inlay Coffee Table
Kitchen Makeover for $100 With General Finishes Milk Paint!!
How To Tile Onto A Wood Shelf!
How to Build a Stunning DIY Crate Shelf in 8 Easy Steps!
Mission Impossible: Dilapidated Vanity Into Nursery Changing Table!
Chalk Paint Grandma's Antique Dining Table and Chairs
Antique Dresser Makeover - See How I Removed Veneer
Round Coffee Table Turns Into Tufted Ottoman
Unicorn Spit Coffee Table
Intergalatic IKEA Hack
Before and After: Painted Dining Table Top to Refinished Natural Wood!
Dresser Makeover-Star Wars Style
Coffee Table Restoration
How to Paint Fabric With Chalk Paint
Upcycle Storage Containers
Painting Laminate Veneer: French Country Table
Beverage Cart Made From a Metal Utility Cart!
Patterned Sofa Table
Chic Secretary Desk Makeover
How to Paint an Antique Table White
Iron Bench & Table Into Chair & Ottoman