How to Paint Furniture
When you have a new home, the expenses can add up fast. Then add in the pressure from HGTV, Pinterest, Instagram etc and you feel like it should be picture perfect immediately. One of my favorite hobbies is to try and create a designer look for a lot less money. Check out my latest project here!When you have a new home, the expenses can add up fast. Then add in the pressure from HGTV, Pinterest, Instagram etc and you feel like it should be picture perfect immediately. One of my favorite hobbies is to try and create a designer look for a lot less money. I'm going to begin sharing my project and all of the things I learn with you!
A great way to update your existing furniture is to paint it. I know I see tons of great posts on Pinterest about how to easily do this. My Grandmother recently passed down her vanity chair to me. We have a great spot the master bedroom of our 1965 barn-style home for a vanity and I am so excited to incorporate her chair! She used this chair at her vanity which I remember spending time at as a young girl. So, it is so special to have something passed down from her. Here is a pic of the unpainted chair.My husband refinished our 1940's Drexel mid-century modern dining room table (see a pic here!) as my Mother's Day gift last year but, I wasn't very involved in the process. So, this project is a new one for me. I started off trying to sand the chair on and off over the last few weeks. But, it was clear that this could take a lifetime. So I pulled the paint stripper out of the shed and got to work.This stuff is really strong so I highly recommend wearing gloves for safety and even pants and close-toed shoes. Once you see what it does to paint you will understand why you don't want it on your skin. Here are other items I recommend having on hand before you get started:Click on any of the images below to purchase.
- Protect your surface. You will need a drop cloth, sheet or large sheet of plastic to protect whatever surface you are working on. This is messy! This stuff is also dangerous so if you have pets or little kids do it in a place and at a time of day where you are unlikely to be disturbed.
- Pour the stripper solution into a small container or plastic cup.
- Use the sponge brushes to apply the solution generously to the entire piece of furniture.
- Wait 15-30 mins.
- When you return the paint should be bubbled up and easily scraped from the surface. This may however require a second coat. If there is still a lot of paint remaining apply a second coat of the solution and wait again. Then scrape.
- Use the medium grade sand paper to remove any remaining paint. Then use the steel wool to make the surface really smooth.
- Now you are FINALLY ready for the fun part which is the paint. I chose a mint colored milk paint. It's a very matte surface but, I was debating between this and something high gloss. In the end I just went with my instinct.
- The problem I encountered while painting was pretty bad brush strokes. I found out online that you can sand in between coats of paint as well as add a little water to the paint to obtain a smoother finish.
- Once the paint looks smooth and you have applied enough coats that it looks solid apply Minwax Polycrilic protective finish to protect the paint and make it last longer.
- Lastly, I think that like most projects you learn through experience. My chair is not perfect but, I am pretty happy with the result. I know exactly what to do differently the next time I paint a piece of furniture!
Here are a few pics from the process and the finished product!!