The Beginners Guide to Painting Furniture
The Beginner’s Guide to Painting Furniture
Have you been thinking about giving your furniture a revamp? Painting furniture is a fun, creative, and cost-effective way to breathe new life into your old pieces - and it’s easier than you might think!
If you’ve never picked up a paintbrush before and you’re just not sure where to start, this guide will take you through how to get started. And don’t worry - I’ve got all the paints and supplies that you need for your upcycling projects right here at Thirteen Furniture.
1. Choosing the Right Piece
Start simple - a basic chest of drawers or console table are good pieces to start with. Avoid anything too detailed or pieces that have damaged until you’re feeling more confident.
If you are buying a piece from a charity shop or marketplace you need to make sure it is fully functioning. Check that the doors and drawers open and close as they should and make sure the piece isn't wobbly or in need of repairs. And look out for woodworm!!
Solid wood, veneer, and laminate can all be painted with the right prep!
2. Clean Thoroughly
Do NOT skip this step!
To ensure your paint adheres properly, use a quality degreaser to remove any grease and dirt. A clean surface is essential to start with.
Top Tip: For the best results, I recommend using Fusion TSP - you only need a capful diluted in water so one bottle will last a long time. Alternatively, you can pick up Elbow Grease or Sugar Soap from your local supermarket.
Cleaning with TSP
3. Sand
You do not need to strip your piece back to bare wood. A scuff with a medium-grit sand paper will help your paint to stick and give you a smooth surface to work on.
If your surface is glossy or slick (like laminate or melamine), I recommend applying an adhesion primer, we recommend Whitson's Superior Adhesion Primer, before you start painting. For certain wooden pieces, particularly red woods like mahogany, you might notice tannin stains bleeding through the paint. In this case, a stain-blocking primer is needed. You'll need Blockade for this.
For most applications you don't need to prime.
Not sure? Feel free to reach out to me, and I’ll be happy to guide you!
4. Choose Your Paint
This is the best bit! Choose the paint that suits the look you are wanting to achieve.
🖌️ Fusion Mineral Paint – A smooth, modern finish that’s self-sealing
🖌️ Alchemy by Fusion – A chalk-style paint ideal for layering, distressing, and creative finishes
🖌️ Annie Sloan Chalk Paint – This iconic furniture paint is known for its textured finish for a hand-painted, vintage, or rustic look
🖌️ Wise Owl OHE Paint – A durable satin finish that’s perfect for high-traffic areas. Great of you want a bit of sheen.
A selection of Fusion Mineral Paint in Greens
5. Apply Your Paint
Use a high-quality brush or roller to apply your paint.
For a hand-painted look with Alchemy or Annie Sloan, opt for a natural bristle brush, like the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Brushes.
If you’re aiming for a smooth, modern finish with Wise Owl OHE Paint, choose a flat synthetic brush—Cling ON! brushes are our favourite—or go for Two Fussy Blokes Rollers - Choose the smooth for a spray-like finish.
Be sure to let each coat dry completely before applying the next. Water-based paints should be dry within an hour.
You’ll find all my favourite tools here.
6. Protect with a Top Coat
Not all paints need sealing, but for high-traffic pieces like dining tables or kitchen cabinets, a top coat is a great idea.
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Fusion Mineral Paint is self-sealing, but you can add a top coat for extra durability or a different sheen.
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Alchemy and Annie Sloan Chalk Paint these porous, chalky paints need a wax or varnish to protect the finish. Wax looks great with these paints for a natural, hand-painted finish.
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Wise Owl OHE has a built-in top coat and doesn't need any extra protection. You can use OHE clear in matte or gloss if you want to change the sheen.
Varnishes come in matte, satin, and gloss finishes—choose the one that suits your style.
7. Finishing Touches
This is where your piece really comes to life!
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Add new handles or knobs to completely transform the look of your piece
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Try stencils or metallic accents for a creative flair
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Use coloured waxes, washes or glazes for extra depth and character
Stand back and admire your work!
White wax highlights the carvings on this piece
Share Your Projects!
Painting furniture is satisfying, addictive, and creates furniture that is totally individual to you. Whether you're upcycling a charity shop find or giving Grandma's dresser a second life, I'd love to see what you're working on.
Tag me on social media or reply to this post with your photos—you might just be featured in a future blog!
An oak cupboard painted in Fusion Mineral Paint - Acadia Pear
Ready to Start Your First Project?
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Happy Painting!
— Jen x