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Thinking about painting your cabinets with chalk paint? In this blog, I’m going to cover the pros and cons four years after I painted my cabinets with chalk paint. Let me tell you, you’re gonna want to read this if you’re considering chalk painting your cabinets!

Pros of Using Chalk Paint for Kitchen Cabinet

Let’s get right into some of the reasons I like chalk paint for kitchen cabinets. While chalk paint might not be the preferred choice for everyone, it does have several advantages.

• Appearance: Chalk paint is great for the smooth, matte finish that is so popular right now. It’s a great way to brighten your home and achieve the “country chic” look that so many interior designers love. With many brands of chalk paint available, there are dozens (or more) color choices; something to fit any decorating scheme.
• Easy Prep: Chalk paint is very thick and provides good coverage. Most brands of chalk paint advertise that no priming or sanding is needed. For big projects like kitchen cabinets, I think minimal priming is beneficial, but it’s still a lot less work than prepping your cabinets for more “traditional” paints. You might find you need fewer coats of paint using chalk paint. Because it is quite thick, it covers wood grain and imperfections easily.
  
• Characteristics of Chalk Paint: Chalk paint dries quickly, so you won’t have to wait as long to paint between coats. This also means you can have your kitchen back to a usable state much quicker than if you use more traditional paints. Also, chalk paint has a very low VOC (volatile organic compounds) content, which means you won’t have to smell any harsh paint fumes.

Cons of Using Chalk Paint for Kitchen Cabinets

Despite the immense popularity of chalk paint in home decor, there are a few downsides to consider before choosing this paint for your kitchen cabinets. 

• Painting with Chalk Paint: Chalk paint is a bit different from other paints. It has a thicker consistency, which provides nice coverage. However, it also makes it a little challenging to apply it evenly. If you spread it too thick, it will take longer to cure. When you’re painting carved or textured details, you want to be careful about spreading the paint too thick also. You’ll lose the details if your paint is applied too thickly.

Since chalk paint is water soluble, it can be thinned with water. However, you have to be very careful not to make it too thin, or you will end up with streaks and visible brush strokes. If this happens, you can “fix” it with additional layers of paint, but it means you might end up using more paint and taking more time.

• Chipping and Scratching: Chalk paint gets chipped and scuffed easier than other types of paint. That’s why it works so beautifully to create a distressed look on home projects. While you can distress your kitchen cabinets and drawers, you don’t want the paint to continue to chip. The best way to address this is to complete your painted project with a sealer. Even with a good sealant, chalk paint will scratch easier than other paints. It’s not a bad choice for the kitchen, but be aware that you will find yourself having to touch up spots more frequently than if another type of paint was used.

• Sealing Chalk Paint: If you use chalk paint for any area that will be frequently touched or moved, like cabinets or drawers, you’re going to need to apply a sealant coat. If you don’t, the paint will chip and scuff in a very short time. There are several options for how you want to seal your chalk painted surface. No matter which sealant product you choose, it means an additional step to the painting process and additional time for drying/curing.

How to Paint Wood Cabinets with Chalk Paint

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a huge project to take on yourself. It takes a lot of planning and preparation. If you think this is something you can knock out over a long weekend, guess again!  I’m not trying to sound discouraging, though. Doing it yourself is immensely satisfying, and can be more cost-effective than hiring someone else to do it.

Let’s break this project down into several steps, so it won’t seem so overwhelming.

 

Gather Your Materials

 

This may seem obvious, but the job will go a lot smoother if you have all your tools and equipment gathered before you start. It will save you time when you don’t have to periodically stop to look for something.

Here is a quick checklist of the basic materials you’ll need for your kitchen cabinet painting project:

• Plastic sheeting and drop cloths. You’ll need these to cover your floor, countertops, and appliances. Basically, you want to cover everything around the cabinets and drawers you’ll be painting to protect from sanding dust and paint splatters.
• Painters Tape.  Painters tape, sometimes called simply masking tape, is absolutely essential to any large painting project. Don’t even think about trying to paint walls or cabinets without it! 
• Cleaning Supplies. Fortunately, chalk paint is water-based and easy to clean up. Keep a roll of paper towels, sponges, and a bucket of soapy water handy in case of any drips or spills. If you’re using polycrylic or polyurethane sealant, you’ll also need turpentine to clean the brushes you use to apply the sealant. A small hand-held vacuum is a good idea to help clean up the dust from sanding or drilling.
• Tools and Hardware. If you plan to change the hardware on your cabinets, or if you just want to remove the hardware before painting, you’ll need the proper size screwdriver. Keep small containers or zip-top bags to store all the hardware and nails so you’ll know where they are. If you’re installing new hardware, you’ll need a power drill and tape measure.
• Sandpaper and Wood Putty. Even though most chalk paint brands say they don’t require any prep before painting, light sanding always makes paint adhere better. This is crucial if you’re painting over a shiny or varnished surface. You’ll need wood putty if you are filling in any holes, or are going to paint over any wood with deep grain, such as oak.  Sandpaper is needed to give the cabinets a light sanding before applying primer or paint. You won’t need to strip wood cabinets completely, but sanding them makes the paint adhere better.
• Painting Supplies. Last but by no means least, you’ll need to have all your painting supplies ready. This means not only your paint, but primer (if using), brushes in several sizes, rollers (if using), and stirring sticks.

Prepping Your Kitchen

After you’ve gathered all your supplies, the next step is to make your kitchen safe for the painting process. You will probably not have much use of your kitchen for several days while working on your cabinets, so plan to have food in your refrigerator that you can prepare easily and quickly.

The first thing you’ll need to do is clear all the countertops of small appliances, canisters, food, etc. You don’t want anything to get contaminated by sanding dust or small paint splatters.

Cover the floor, appliances, and countertops with plastic sheeting. You can secure the plastic sheeting with tape.

If your kitchen is part of an open floor plan, you might want to hang plastic sheeting between the kitchen area and the living area of your home.

Prepping the Cabinets

To get your cabinets ready to paint, the first thing you should do is carefully remove the doors. Be sure to keep the hinges, handles, and nails in a container so that you’ll know where and what they are. The doors will be much easier to paint laying flat, rather than leaving them hanging on the cabinets.

You’ll also need to remove everything from inside the cabinets. Make sure the inside area is clean, and don’t forget to remove any shelf liner you might have in there.

Cleaning and Masking

Now it’s time to clean! You’ll need to clean the doors you removed, as well as the sides and even the inside of your cabinets. You should be able to get them perfectly clean with some dish detergent and warm water. Kitchen cabinets are inevitably going to have some residue that will need to be cleaned off, so take the time to make sure they’re spotless.

You really don’t need to paint the inside of the cabinets (unless you want to for some reason), so take more of the plastic sheeting and hang it across the front of the open cabinets. This will prevent any paint from getting on the inside.

Apply the masking tape around everywhere that the cabinets meet the wall. Take your time and make sure the tape is right up against the edge of the cabinet. This is going to be a little bit tedious, but it will help you achieve a professional result that won’t need much touching up at the end.

Sanding and Priming

If your cabinets have a glossy, varnished surface, you will need to lightly sand them to help the chalk paint stick. You don’t need to completely strip the surface of the wood, just scuff it up so that it’s not so perfectly smooth.

After sanding, you’ll need to clean the cabinets again. You want to make sure there is no sanding dust left on them!

If you’re going to replace the hardware and will be drilling new holes, this is the time to fill the old holes with some wood putty. You can also use the wood putty to smooth out any deep scratches or nicks in your cabinets.

If you’re painting over oak, or any hardwood with deep, noticeable grain, the paint will apply better if you put a very thin coating of wood putty over the grain. It won’t take much! Just smooth some over the surface and scrape it with a putty knife so it’s just filling in the wood grain. 

Even though many brands of chalk paint will say that primer isn’t necessary, I think it makes a noticeable difference. One coat of primer will help the paint apply more smoothly and evenly, and will also help hide any deep wood grain or imperfections. Since kitchen cabinets are so frequently touched, the primer coat adds another layer of protection that will keep your paint job looking great for years to come.

Time to Paint the Cabinets!

Finally, after all that prep work, it’s time to paint! Look over your cabinets and doors to make sure they’re completely clean, and that you didn’t miss any places that need primed or filled in.

Chalk paint goes on smoothly with a brush or roller. Paint rollers are best for broader surfaces, like the front of your cabinet doors. Smaller brushes are great for the sides and edges of your cabinets. I wrote a full article on the best chalk paint brushes you can check out to learn more.

Don’t be tempted to apply too much paint at once. Even if your first coat of paint looks a little bit “streaky”, let it dry and then apply a second coat. The second coat should cover any streaks and give you the smooth, pretty appearance that chalk paint is known for. Thin layers of paint will work best for a great finish. Be sure to allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next coat of chalk paint. Chalk paint dries quickly, but don’t be tempted to paint the next coat too soon. 

Is Chalk Paint Suitable For Creating A Worn Look For My Kitchen Cabinets?

Chalk paint is perfect if you want to achieve an “antiqued” or “distressed” look. The worn, well-loved appearance you can get with chalk paint can be absolutely charming. If you want this appearance for your kitchen cabinets, it’s fairly easy to do. Once your final coat of chalk paint is dry, lightly sand the areas you want to look “distressed”. Be careful that you don’t take off too much paint at once. Sanding slowly and with a light touch will get you better results.

The distressed look is very popular right now, and when it’s done properly it looks great! However, keep in mind that any area you distress is going to need to be sealed, and it shouldn’t be done to a part of the cabinet you’ll be touching frequently. Sealing is really important; you don’t want the paint to chip or flake off in the kitchen where you prepare food!

How to Protect the Color After Painting Cabinets with Chalk Paint

Before you reattach your hardware and start putting your kitchen back together, you’ll need to apply some kind of sealant to your chalk paint cabinets. A good sealant will not only keep the paint color looking vibrant, but will also protect your paint job from chips and scratches.

A big part of the appeal of chalk paint is its velvety matte finish. If this look is why you chose chalk paint for your cabinets, you need to choose a sealant that won’t add much glossiness to your finished project. Any finish that is described as “matte”, “satin”, or even “semi-gloss” is going to be the best choice to keep your painted cabinets looking smooth.

For the kitchen, there are basically three different types of sealants that are appropriate. Be sure to read the product labels and online user reviews of any sealants you’re considering. You’ll also want to make sure you know how to seal chalk paint before you start.

Polyurethane sealant is an oil-based product that produces a highly durable finish that you probably won’t ever have to touch up. It’s easy to apply with a brush, but you do have to use turpentine or another solvent to clean it up. Polyurethane also has a very strong odor and takes a long time to fully dry. This finish might not be a good choice if you’re sealing white or other very light colors, because it has a tendency to yellow over time.

Polycrylic sealant is water-based, so it cleans up easily with just soap and water. It provides a very durable finish that doesn’t yellow over time and has very little odor. If you want white or very light-colored cabinets to stay true to their original color, this sealant is your best choice. It applies easily with a brush, although the consistency is very thin so you have to be careful of drips. Polycrylic products are an excellent choice for protecting kitchen cabinets.

Wax sealants, sometimes sold specifically as chalk paint waxes, are clear or slightly tinted waxes that are buffed over the painted objects. The wax finish provides just a slight sheen, preserving the matte appearance of your chalk paint projects. Clear waxes will slightly deepen the paint color. Tinted waxes can be applied over paint to achieve a translucent “wash” of color over the base coat of paint. While wax finishes look gorgeous, it is very labor-intensive to apply. Also, a wax finish will need to be “freshened up” after a year or two. 

Can I Use Chalk Paint On My Kitchen Cabinets Without Sealing Them?

You can use chalk paint on your cabinets without applying sealant, but it’s not a good idea. I know sealing them seems like maybe it’s an optional step to this major kitchen project, and by the time you’ve applied that last coat of paint, you’re probably just ready to put your kitchen back together. Just trust me on this, it’s worth a little extra time to apply a sealant.

Chalk paint is a “soft” paint. That’s why it’s perfect for distressed finishes. It can be sanded off strategically, but it also can chip and scratch very easily if not protected. Kitchen cabinets are probably going to be touched and moved several times a day, every day, and all of that will slowly cause wear and tear on your painted surfaces. The final step of sealing the paint will make your kitchen makeover last much longer.

Do I Have To Seal Chalk Paint With Wax?

Many brands of chalk paint also sell their own wax finishes, but you don’t necessarily have to use wax to seal your cabinets.  I love the look of a satiny wax finish on chalk-painted furniture, but I didn’t choose it for my kitchen cabinets.

Applying a wax sealant is a lot of work, especially compared to how easily polyacrylic sealants can be brushed on. Over time, the wax will break down a little bit and need to be reapplied. That’s a major home project every few years to keep your painted cabinets looking nice. My other concern about using a wax finish is that they do have a tendency to yellow after a while, and I wanted my white cabinets to stay looking as white as possible.

Is Chalk Paint or Milk Paint better for Cabinets?

Both chalk paint and milk paint have similar qualities. There’s always a big debate about chalk paint vs milk paint for different projects. They’re both water-based and have low VOC content, which means no to low odor. Both paints dry quickly, and they are both great choices for creating a distressed appearance on whatever you’ve painted. There are two areas where milk paint has a slight advantage over chalk paint. 

The first advantage milk paint has over chalk paint has to do with durability. Although both of these paints can be sanded for an antiqued/chipped look, milk paint will actually get stronger over time. The casein proteins in milk paint create a stronger bond to the surface the longer time goes by. Also, most brands of milk paint also sell a bonding agent that can be mixed into the paint for extra durability. With proper care, this means you’re less likely to have problems with scratches and scuffs if your cabinets are painted with milk paint.

The other area where milk paint has an advantage is that it’s easy to touch up any chipping that may occur. Milk paint is sold in a powdered form that you mix with water. The powder has an almost indefinite shelf life if stored in an airtight container. So if you find the need to touch up an area that has become noticeably chipped or scuffed, you can simply mix up a little of the milk paint powder to touch it up. Save a little of the powder from your original paint job, and you won’t have to buy additional paint for touch-ups! Not all mixes are high-quality so you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the best milk paint from a reputable brand.

Choosing a Color Palette

In my opinion, there is no such thing as the “perfect” color palette for any kitchen. The color(s) you choose should make you happy and should reflect your personality.

That being said, the current trend for kitchen cabinet colors tends to be whites, pale neutrals, and shades of soft grays and blues. Whatever color you choose, keep in mind that whites and lighter shades will open up a space, and make your kitchen seem larger and brighter, Conversely, jewel tones and darker colors will make your kitchen feel a bit more closed in.

Once you’ve narrowed it down to two or three color choices, purchase small cans of each paint shade that you’re considering. Then, paint a piece (or two) of posterboard with each color, and tape the boards to the front of your kitchen cabinets. Leave these color swatches up for a couple of days so you can see if one color appeals to you more than the other. Be sure to look at your posterboard swatches from different angles and distances before making your final decision.  

After I Painted the Wood Cabinets White

My kitchen cabinets were originally a lovely, dark wood with noticeable wood grain. They didn’t look bad, but I felt like they were starting to look a little “dated”. I eventually chose a “true white” shade with cool undertones to paint them.

The white paint transformed my narrow kitchen into a space that seemed brighter and somehow larger. I didn’t realize how the dark wood cabinets were dominating the look of the kitchen. Once the cabinets were painted white, it seemed like other areas of the kitchen were more noticeable.

I should mention that my lovely white cabinets do seem to show every speck of dust or dirt more noticeably. I know we all keep perfectly clean kitchens all the time, right? Of course we do! But, I’ve got to admit I feel like I’m wiping “stuff” off the cabinets a lot more frequently since they’ve been painted white!

How My Chalk-Painted Cabinets Have Held Up After Four Years

My chalk-painted kitchen cabinets still look good, but not quite as good as I’d like them to be.  In spite of my careful application of a polyacrylic sealant, there are some tiny chips and scuff marks on the cabinets. They’re not noticeable unless you are looking for them up close, but I’m a bit disappointed they’re even there. The tiny chips are near the side of the cabinet doors; near the hinges. It’s an area that experiences a lot of movement, so it’s not that surprising. On the cabinets under the kitchen sink, there are one or two very faint scuff marks. These are barely visible, but I worry about them becoming more noticeable over time.

I’m not sure if I didn’t apply enough sealant, if the sealant I used wasn’t durable enough, or if this is just the nature of chalk-painted cabinets. Regardless, it’s disappointing that my paint job looks less-than-perfect after a few years. 

If I were to re-paint the cabinets, I don’t think chalk paint would be my first choice again. I’m crazy about the matte look, but its apparent chalk paint might not be up to the daily wear and tear of my kitchen. I would probably use a satin finish latex paint or perhaps milk paint (with sealant) if I were to repaint the cabinets today.

In spite of the mild disappointment in how they’ve held up, I really do love the look of the painted cabinets. I’m still a fan of using chalk paint to transform furniture from something nondescript into something more exciting. I hope my experiences have helped you decide if painting your kitchen cabinets with chalk paint is a project you want to tackle. If not, here are some of the most common questions I hear about using chalk paint in the home:

Should you roll or brush the paint?

The answer to this question is simple: you should do both! Using a roller or a brush is really determined by what it is that you’re painting. Rollers are perfect for wide flat areas while using a brush works better for small areas, or for areas that aren’t perfectly flat.  Which of these tools to use, or to use both, is really determined by the project you’re working on.

What is the best chalk paint to use?

There are so many brands of chalk paint available right now; it can be a little overwhelming to pick which is “best”. As always, I recommend reviewing the color selections, prices, and online user reviews to help decide which paint will work best for your project.

One of the more popular choices for interior painting is Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint. It’s available in a great variety of colors and isn’t too expensive. Rust-Oleum is a trusted brand with a great reputation among people who like to do DIY home painting projects. 

Retique It Chalky Finish Paint is another great choice, especially if you’re looking for a wider color selection. This paint is a bit more expensive, but it’s known to apply smoothly and dries to the touch in less than an hour.

If you’re looking for fun color choices with the absolute best coverage, you should check out the best chalk paints to see which is right for you. This paint is affordable and is one of the few paints I would truly say might not need a primer coat. 

What color is best for kitchen cabinets?

It’s hard to say what color is “best”! Choosing a color for anywhere in the home is such a personal choice. I would say pick a color that makes you happy, especially when you consider how much time you spend in your kitchen.

That being said, whites and neutrals are trendy for kitchens right now and I love that aesthetic! Soft, light colors make the kitchen appear more “open” and inviting, even if your kitchen isn’t very large to begin with. You can add a pop of color by painting the trim around doors and windows in a more vibrant color. 

Did you seal your cabinets with wax or poly?

I love the look of wax sealant on chalk-painted wood furniture and home accent pieces. But for my kitchen cabinets, I chose to use a clear matte polycrylic sealant. The reasons for this choice were simple. First, it’s easier to apply than wax sealant. Wax also has a tendency to “break down” over time, and I didn’t want to have to re-wax all of my cabinets after a couple of years. The second reason for choosing a polycrylic sealant is that it’s easier to clean. For the most part, it wipes clean with just soap and water. 

Have you had to re-wax?

Since I didn’t use wax on my kitchen cabinets, I haven’t had to re-wax them. However, I’ve painted wood furniture with chalk paint that needed to be re-wax after a couple of years. It’s a little labor-intensive, but the furniture looks great! When re-waxing, you only need to apply one coat, so it won’t take quite as long as when you originally applied the wax sealant.

Did you paint the hinges?

Painting cabinet hardware is a great way to do a simple dIY upgrade and update your existing handles and hinges to create a fresh look! I didn’t paint the hinges on my cabinets, because they’re the “hidden” style that no one can see. I did, however, paint the cabinet handles and am very happy with the results. Painting them a dark color to stand out against my white cabinets looks great!

Should you paint the sides of your drawers or the insides of doors?

This is really a matter of choice for you. Personally, I painted the inside of the cabinet doors so they would appear the same as the outside when opening them. I could have stopped at painting the edges of the doors and it would have looked just fine, though.

As for painting the sides of your kitchen drawers, I don’t think it’s really necessary. Also, with drawers being frequently moved, I think the paint (especially chalk paint) would be very prone to getting scratched and chipped. 

Finishing Touches

Once your cabinets are painted, sealed, and ready to be put back together, paying attention to a few remaining small details can add a bit more style to your project.

How to Refinish the Hinges And Handles

If you’re using the same hardware, you can give it a fresh new appearance by painting the hinges and handles. This is super easy to do, and requires almost no prep work!

Assuming the hardware is made of some kind of metal, you’ll want to use spray paint that is formulated to adhere to metal. Rust-Oleum Universal Metallic Spray Paint is an excellent choice for painting cabinet hardware. 

You’ll want to make sure your cabinet hardware is clean and free from any trace of grease.  When using spray paint, make sure to work either outdoors or in a very well-ventilated area. Be sure to shake the can of paint vigorously to get the paint mixed thoroughly. Then, it’s simply a matter of lightly spraying one or two coats of paint. Be sure to allow the paint to dry between coats, and don’t forget to paint any screws that will be visible.

Cleaning the Brushes 

Fortunately, since chalk paint is water-based, cleaning brushes is easy! Before the paint starts to dry, you can clean your brushes with dish detergent and warm water. Be sure to rinse your brushes thoroughly after you wash the paint from them. You don’t want to leave any paint residue or soap in the bristles.

Either let your paint brushes dry flat, or hang them to dry. This will help keep the bristles straight and minimize any shedding or breakage.

Cleaning Any Drips/Spills

Just like with cleaning brushes, it’s easy to clean up if you have any paint spills or drips while working. Keep a roll of paper towels, some sponges, and a bucket of soapy water on hand while you’re working, “just in case”. 

Cleaning up chalk paint drips while the paint is still wet is easy. All you have to do is wipe it up with some soapy water! If the paint has dried before you noticed the drips, use one of those kitchen “scrubby” sponges with some dish detergent on it to gently scrub away the drips. If the dried paint is more stubborn, try using a small amount of a gentle abrasive cleanser, such as Soft Scrub or Bon Ami brands. Easy cleanup is one of the big advantages of using chalk paints.

Looking for the best paints for furniture? Great. I’m going to make this as quick and easy as possible for you if you’re short on time and then go into detail (probably too much detail) to help you make the best choice for YOU.

Painting furniture is a great way to bring new life to existing pieces or transform thrift store finds. The right colors and finishes can change a boring chair or end table into the focal point of any room.

Can You Use Any Paint For Furniture?

No. You can’t use any paint for furniture. You need to choose the right type of paint for the type of furniture you’re painting.

Choosing the right paint for the job can make the difference between something that looks like a designer piece and something that falls flat—just ask any interior painting company with years of hands-on experience.

There are a variety of paints that can be used for furniture. However, there are also some that won’t be a good choice.

The easiest way to see if the paint you have is suitable for the furniture you want to paint is simply to read the label.

Paint that is formulated for plastic or metal is not going to adhere well to wood. Any paint labeled as “high temperature” is great for painting an outdoor grill or vehicle, but will eventually flake off of wood or wicker. 

Why It’s Important To Choose The Right Wooden Furniture Paint

Choosing the best paint for your wooden furniture is crucial to keeping it looking good over several years.

It would be so disappointing to have your painted furniture showing scratches, chips, or stains after you spend time (and money) working on them.

Before choosing your paint, give consideration to how much daily use and what interactions your piece of furniture will have. Let’s say you have a basic wooden table that you want to paint.

You could choose from a number of different types of paint for this project, and with the right technique they could all turn out looking great. So how do you choose?

First, keep in mind that a table is a piece of furniture that is going to get a lot of regular use. You might be eating meals at this table, or playing games, or maybe you’ll use it just as a space to pay bills and check your email.

Regardless, the table will constantly have a number of items on the tabletop, as well as wear and tear from people touching it.

When choosing a paint for a piece of furniture like this table, you want to choose a paint and finish that will be durable enough to stand up to daily use. It would be a shame to spend the time and money to paint this table beautifully, only to have it scuff and chip within a year or so.

If you are going to paint something like a cabinet, end table, or hutch that will get touched on a regular but not daily basis, you might not have to worry about high durability quite as much.

You should still choose a paint and finish that will be resistant to wear and tear, but that doesn’t have to be the top priority.

You should also give consideration to the type of finish you choose for your painted furniture. Paint with a matte or satin finish or topcoat will be more prone to showing dust and dirt.

Semi-gloss or glossy finished pieces are going to be more resistant to any dirt and will be easier to keep clean. 

What Is The Best Type Of Paint For Furniture?

The “best” paint for any furniture project will depend on how you want your finished piece to look, and what type of furniture you will be painting.

Here are some of the most common paint types for painting wood furniture:

Chalk Paint

Chalk paint is so trendy right now! It’s perfect if you want your furniture to have a velvety matte finish.

Chalk paint is also the best choice if you want to create a distressed look on any piece of furniture. This is the best choice if you want your painted furniture to fit in with a “farmhouse” or “country chic” aesthetic.  

If you plan to use chalk paint on a surface that will be touched quite a bit, you will need to apply a protective wax sealant to keep this paint from scratching and chipping.

This will give it a very subtle sheen, but not enough to detract from the signature flat appearance chalk paint is known for. Most brands of chalk-style paints also have their own wax sealant available.

You might not need to use a primer with many brands of chalk paint, as it usually applies evenly and smoothly.

It is important to make sure it is completely dry between coats; this will make it more durable. Fortunately, chalk paint is known for having a quick drying time.

Chalk paint is one of the few paints that is non-toxic and has very little odor. It also cleans up very easily with just soap and warm water.

Milk Paint

Milk paint is also becoming quite trendy right now with home decor designers as well as home crafters. It is similar in appearance to chalk paint; as it has a lovely matte finish.

The finish does have a slight sheen to it, but it’s not noticeable enough to even be described as “satin”.

Milk paint is durable and actually cures to a more long-lasting hardness over time. If you want to be sure that your milk paint will be resistant to scratching and chipping, you can mix a bonding agent in with the paint powder.

If you want full opaque coverage with milk paint, it’s best to start with a primer coat. You’ll need at least two to three coats to get a solid finish. A single coat of milk paint can look semi-transparent, which can be used to create a sheer wash of color over a wood surface.

This technique is an easy way to create the look of a faded antique heirloom.

Milk paint is sold in powdered form that is mixed with an equal amount of water. The powdered paints can easily be combined to create a custom color.

It dries quickly and has very little to no odor. All milk paint powders are completely non-toxic, so they’re an excellent choice for painting furniture for children’s bedrooms. 

Latex Paint

Latex paint is one of the most commonly available home paints. Wall paints are very often latex based. Because there are so many brands and they are readily available, latex is one of the more affordable options for home painting projects.

Another advantage of latex paint is the vast selection of colors available. Just about any color you can imagine can be found in a brand of latex paint. It’s also available in a variety of finishes, such as gloss, semi-gloss, and satin.

You can use latex paint for wood furniture, but it requires quite a bit of preparation. You’ll need to sand your furniture before painting.

Latex won’t adhere well to a smooth surface; it needs a little bit of texture to grip. Also, applying a primer coat is so important before painting with latex!

Even if the brand of paint you are using is described as “paint and primer in one”, you’ll get the best results if you start with a primer coat.

The possible downside to using latex paint on wood furniture is that it isn’t as durable over time as other paint formulas. Taking the time to properly prep your surface will help the paint last longer, but there are other options that are more long-lasting.

Acrylic Paint

Most of the specialty furniture paints and designer brand home decor paints are acrylic based. If the paint is labeled as “Paint and Primer In One”, it is also probably acrylic paint.

These paints are a good choice for wood furniture projects. In most instances, you can get away with not having to apply a primer or protective top coat.

You might still need to do a little bit of light sanding, especially if your surface originally had a shiny varnish on it.  

Acrylic paint is known for being “self-leveling”.

This means that it will dry with little to no visible brushstrokes. It takes a little bit longer to dry than chalk paint or milk paint, but you might not need to use a protective top coat with this paint.

You can even distress it with a little sanding, but it’s not as easy to do this as it is with chalk paint or milk paint.

Alkyd-Hybrid Paint

Alkyd Hybrid (or Acrylic-Alkyd) Paint is a relatively new type of paint that has been widely available for the past decade or so. This paint is an enamel that is water-based instead of oil-based like traditional enamel paints.

This paint has beautiful vivid colors associated with oil paints, without harsh odors and harmful chemicals. It levels flawlessly, with a finish that will show no brush strokes or streaking.

It’s durable and highly resistant to scratches and scuff marks. It is also easy to clean with just soap and water. This type of paint is a good choice for kitchen furniture or any furniture that will experience a lot of daily wear and tear.

One downside to Alkyd Hybrid Paint is that it takes quite a while to fully cure. While it may feel dry to the touch in about a day, the actual curing time can take up to a week.

It’s best to not place anything on top of it or move it too much for a week to 10 days after painting.

Alkyd Hybrid Paint requires a bit more preparation work than some of the other paints. You’ll need to sand pretty thoroughly before applying, but you won’t need to apply a protective topcoat.

Oil Based Paint

Oil-based paints have beautiful color saturation and can be applied to almost any surface. They don’t show streaks or brushstrokes, and they’re probably the most durable paint choice for wood furniture.

It will saturate any porous surface, creating a smooth hard finish with each coat of paint. They do cost a bit more than other paint types, but this paint is strong and will look good for a long time.

However, there are some significant downsides to using oil paint. First and foremost, oil-based paints have a high VOC (volatile organic compound) content.

That means they’ll have a pronounced odor, and you will absolutely have to work in a well-ventilated area when using oil paint. VOCs are considered a mild health hazard; enough so that home decor oil paints are becoming increasingly harder to find in stores.

Oil paints take a long time to cure. It can take up to one or two days for it to feel dry between coats of paint. 

You’ll need to use mineral spirits or turpentine to clean your brushes and tools when using oil paints. You can also use these as a paint thinner if the paint is thicker than you would like.

Which Type of Paints Have The Best Coverage For Furniture?

If you want a smooth opaque coverage on your painted furniture, you really can’t beat the results of using either acrylic or alkyd-hybrid paint. Both of these paints have gorgeous color saturation, and self-level and apply smoothly like acrylic paint. With alkyd paint, you might not even need to apply a primer coat. It’s easy to get flawless, full coverage in just a couple of coats of paint.

Chalk Paint can give you a lovely matte coverage with the right preparation. It can take several coats to get full coverage, though. The key to getting the best coverage with chalk paint is to sand your wood surface and apply a primer coat first.

Milk paint is a little tricky to use if you want a fully opaque coverage. For the best results, you should apply a primer coat to your sanded wood surface first. The first coat of milk paint might look a little bit semi-transparent. It usually takes three (or sometimes four) coats of milk paint for an opaque finish. Another trick to getting nice coverage from milk paint is to mix in a bonding agent.

Oil paints have beautiful colors and are easy to apply for a smooth, opaque finish. However, the downsides to using oil paints are that it tends to drip, and there is a long drying time between coats. You need to do quite a bit of sanding before painting with oil paints, and applying a primer coat will help you get the best results.

What Are The Best Brands For Wooden Furniture Paint?

Painting furniture is a popular hobby right now, and choosing the right brand of paint can be a daunting task. It’s always a good idea to do some online research and read user reviews of any product, but here are a few recommendations:

Best Acrylic Paint: Jolie Paint Matte Finish

Jolie Paint has created an acrylic paint with a pretty matte finish that truly resembles the look of chalk paint or milk paint. This paint comes in 44 trendy colors. It is non-toxic and has a low VOC content, and cleans up easily with soap and water. It is recommended to use a protective wax or polyurethane topcoat with this paint. 

Best Chalk Paint: Retique It 

Retique It brand of chalk paint has superior coverage and dries to a silky matte finish. It is manufactured in the U.S.A. Their neutral color shades are very popular and are perfect if you’re looking to create the appearance of an older piece of furniture. Like all chalk paints, they’re non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, and free of VOCs. 

Best Milk Paint: Old Fashioned Milk Paint Co.

Old Fashioned Milk Paint Co. creates powdered paints in 32 classic and trendy colors. They specialize in colors meant to recreate the look of colonial furniture style. All their colors are vibrant and resistant to fading.

This powdered paint is made in small batches, and the unmixed powder will last for years. Milk paint is great for smaller to medium projects because you can mix up only as much paint as you need. 

Best Alkyd Paint: Advance Waterborne by Benjamin Moore

Advance Waterborne is pricier than other brands, but the quality can’t be beaten. This paint has a self-leveling formula and a satin finish that makes it easy to achieve a professional-looking outcome on any painting project. 

It covers so well that you might be able to finish with only one or two coats if you use a primer. It is available in any of the Benjamin Moore colors, so you can customize it to match your decor in any room.

Best Oil Paint: Rust-Oleum Protective Enamel 

Rust-Oleum Protective Enamel sets the standard for affordable, high-quality oil enamel. It comes in many vibrant, long-lasting colors that are available in gloss, semi-gloss, and flat finishes. Rust-Oleum brand is known for curing to a hard protective finish and is perfect for wood or metal surfaces.

Unlike many oil paints, this brand will be dry to the touch in just three to four hours. It’s probably best to let the paint dry at overnight before applying a second coat, though.

You should work in a well-ventilated area when using this or any oil-based paint. It’s a good idea to keep some turpentine or mineral spirits on hand for clean-up, too.

Does Furniture Paint Need Primer?

It’s easy to get impatient with all the preparation needed for a painting project and want to skip the primer coat. Don’t skip this step. It can make a world of difference in how your painted furniture will look once all the painting is done. This is especially true if you’re using chalk paint or milk paint. Priming also helps your paint adhere to the wood better, and your lovely paint job will last much longer. It also helps to prevent the paint from chipping and scuffing.  A coat of primer also prevents any dark wood grain or imperfections in the wood from showing through the paint.

There are a lot of paint brands that advertise as being “all in one” or “paint + primer”. Technically, you should be able to skip the primer coat if you use one of these paints. However, most of the time I still do a quick primer coat even when using an “all in one” style paint. If nothing else, the paint just glides on more evenly over a primed surface. 

What’s The Best Paint For Upcycling Furniture?

Transforming old furniture from yard sales or thrift stores is such a fun creative outlet! You can take a very ordinary piece that might be several decades old, and with a little time and creativity, it can become a beautiful accent for your home.

There really isn’t any definite answer as to what paint is the best for upcycling. It genuinely depends on what you envision your finished project to look like. 

For a classic “country” or “farmhouse” style, you can’t go wrong with chalk paint or milk paint. Both of these paints can be distressed if you want your furniture to have an authentic antique appearance.

A satin or semi-gloss finish acrylic or alkyd-hybrid paint are great choices for more contemporary styles. These types of paint can give you a more smooth finish and are available in a wide variety of colors. 

What Are The Best Furniture Paint Colors?

Choosing the perfect color for your painted furniture should be fun, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed with choices. When trying to decide on a color, consider where in your home you’ll be displaying your painted furniture. You don’t have to match the colors in the room, but you can choose a color that is complimentary, or just in the same general pallete.

When in doubt, stick to neutrals or lighter shades. Neutral shades don’t have to be boring! Cream-colored furniture with dark hardware can look quite sophisticated. Pale gray tones are very trendy right now and look good with almost any decorating scheme. 

What’s The Best White Paint For Furniture?

White is always a good color choice to bring new life to old furniture. It’s classic and seems to look subtly elegant on any type of furniture.

Choosing the “perfect” shade of white paint can seem a little confusing at first. Once you start looking at paint you’ll find yourself faced with choices of true white, warm & cool whites, eggshell, ivory, off-white, cream, and more!

Don’t panic! Figuring out which white paint to use really doesn’t need to be complicated. First, look at the space where you might display your painted furniture.

Is there any white in that room? If so, is it a bright white? Or is it more of a cream color? If you want your space to look like a professional designer put it together, try to match your white paint with whatever white might already be in the room.

The look of matching shades of white is subtle, but it ties a room together nicely.

The Best 3 White Paints

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White is one of the most popular shades for home decor. It’s a favorite of interior decorators. The color is a clean classic white, that isn’t too bright or harsh. It has a soft tone, but you won’t notice any yellow undertones. You can get this lovely color in Benjamin Moore’s Advance Waterborne alkyd-hybrid paint.

Snow White, by Old Fashioned Milk Paint Co. is a good choice for a white milk paint. It has a soft cool undertone but doesn’t look gray. It actually looks like milk. It’s a nice soft shade that would work well as the main color or trim color on any wooden furniture. 

Retique It Chalk Paint makes two wonderful shades of white paint. Ivory Tower is a warm white that looks like aged antique white paint. Warm undertones have a tendency to appear yellow when it comes to white paint, but this one just looks like antique ivory. 

The other shade of white from Retique It that is popular is their Snow. It’s just what the name says: pure snowy white paint. It’s bright, without being harsh. This is a great color on its own or to mix with another shade for your own customized shade.

How To Prepare Wood Furniture For Paint

Now that you’ve read about different types of paint for furniture, let’s take a moment to “talk” about preparation. The key to getting great results on any painting project is to do the prep work. It’s not the most fun part of the job, and sometimes it can take more time than the actual painting. However, if you don’t take the time for some prep work you’ll be disappointed with your final project.

The first step is to clean the furniture you’re about to paint. Most of the time, it can be done with soap and water, but a household cleanser might be needed if there are any stains or spots.

The next step is sanding. This is particularly necessary if the furniture has any kind of glossy/varnished finish on it. You don’t have to sand all the way down to bare wood. You’re trying to scuff up the surface enough that the wood will be porous. This will help any primer and/or paint stick to it easier. Paint won’t adhere to a shiny varnished surface, so sanding is really important if you’re upcycling an older piece of furniture. 

After you’ve sanded the furniture, you need to clean it again. This will be easier than the first cleaning. The goal here is to wipe away all of the dust from the sanding you just finished. You can usually do this with a damp cloth.

If there are any holes or deep scratches you want to repair, now is the time to do it. Wood putty is available at any home improvement store or online, and it’s very easy to apply. Simply spread it into the hole, scrape it evenly across the surface with a putty knife, and let it dry. Drying times can vary, so read the instructions.

If there are any sections of the furniture where you don’t want paint, now is the time to cover them with painters’ tape. This includes any hardware if you didn’t remove it already. Be sure the edges of your tape are stuck down smoothly so no paint will seep underneath.

Now it’s time to apply the primer coat! Primers do come in different shades. As a general rule, it’s best to use a light-colored primer under light colors, and a darker primer under medium to dark colors.  Primer is easy to brush on; just make sure you get an even coat over the entire piece of furniture. Allow enough time for the primer to dry completely, and you’re ready to paint!

How To Apply Paint For Wood Furniture

You’re done with all the tedious prep work and are finally ready to paint! Your first step is to inspect the piece you’re going to paint. Make sure you don’t miss any spots when you apply the primer. Look for any dust or hair that might be on it; you don’t want to accidentally paint over any.

Depending on the size and shape of the furniture you’re about to paint, you need to decide what kind of tools you’ll use for painting. Brushes of assorted sizes work for any job. If your project has tight corners, intricate details, or small areas like table legs, you’ll need some smaller brushes as well as larger ones. Wide brushes or rollers are perfect for broad flat surfaces.

Thin, even coats of paint will give you professional results. Several thinner coats are better than one or two thick coats. Thicker coats of paint won’t stick to the furniture as well and will be more prone to scratching and shipping. 

For the first coat of paint, brush or roll your paint in the same direction as the wood grain as much as possible. Allow enough time for the paint to fully dry before applying your second coat. For the next coat of paint, you can brush or roll the paint in the opposite direction. This will help give you full coverage that doesn’t show any streaks or brush strokes.

When painting a vertical surface, be mindful of any drips and smooth them out as soon as you can. You don’t want to find drips after your paint has already dried!

If you want a semi-transparent washed finish, with some of the wood grain or prior paint job showing through, brush the paint in a very thin coat in the same direction as the wood grain. If the paint is going on too thickly, wipe it gently with a rag, again moving in the same direction as the wood grain.

Should You Use A Sprayer Or Brush For Furniture?

Whether you use traditional brushes or a paint sprayer for your project is completely up to you. You can achieve great results with either method. 

Spraying will work better if you’re painting a large piece of furniture, while brushes might give you better control over small and more intricate pieces. Painting with brushes and rollers will take you a little longer than using a sprayer.

Paint sprayers typically can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 on average. If you paint furniture on a regular basis, it’s worth purchasing one to add to your DIY supplies. If you’re new to furniture painting, or only do it once in a while, using brushes and rollers  might be a more budget-friendly option for you.

Sprayers are relatively easy to operate, but it does take a little practice. Sprayers do an excellent job of creating a painted surface absolutely free of any brushstrokes. The key to getting that perfectly smooth appearance is to keep your arm moving at all times when using a paint sprayer. Holding the sprayer in place will make your paint drip, and the coverage will be uneven. Before painting  on your wood furniture, it’s a good idea to practice with the sprayer on a large piece of cardboard to get used to how it operates, and to make sure your paint is the right consistency.

The best paints to use in a sprayer will be thinner in their consistency. Most paints can be thinned out with a little water.  The exception to this is oil-based paint. You’ll need to use mineral spirits or turpentine to thin out oil paints. It’s best to check the label of whatever paint you choose to find out if it is suitable for use in a paint sprayer.

If you use a sprayer, it’s important to wear a face mask and goggles to protect yourself from overspray. You should only use a sprayer in a well-ventilated area. If you’re spraying inside, but sure to cover the floor, walls, and anything else around your workspace so you don’t get overspray on them.

Is There A Difference Between Wood Furniture Paint And Metal Furniture Paint?

The short answer to this question is: yes, there is a difference between paint used for wood furniture and metal furniture. You should always make sure the paint you use is suitable for the surface you’re painting.

Any paint that is meant to be used for metal surfaces will be formulated to resist rust, corrosion, and adverse weather conditions. 

You will still need to use primer, but because this type of paint is meant to be protective as well as decorative, you won’t need a top coat.

You can use paint meant for metal on wood furniture, but the paint will soak into the wood much more than other paint types. You can offset having too much paint soak into your wood by applying a coat or two of primer before painting.

If you try to use paint that is made for wood on a metal surface, it probably won’t work very well. Even with a primer coat, the wood is not going to stick as well, and it will be more likely to run and drip.

If you’re going to paint metal furniture meant for outdoor use, paint formulated for wood is not going to hold up well against the elements. 

Summary of the Best Paint for Furniture

Whew! What a long post. It’s hard to put all of this into words to make it

Painting furniture is such a satisfying hobby! If it’s something you’ve been wanting to try, hopefully, this has helped to answer some questions for you.

Like any home project, having an idea of the best products to buy and how to use them will make the job easier and more fun.