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What Is the Best Paint for Furniture?
There’s a creative and simple way to revamp and renew your home décor: Paint a piece of furniture! Let’s walk through choosing the right paint first, because if you get that wrong you probably won’t be happy in the end.
There are two main types of furniture paint: Alkyd (oil-based) and latex/acrylic (water-based).
Oil-based
- Offers good staying power;
- Dries to a hard finish;
- Ideal for metal;
- Takes longer to dry;
- May yellow with age;
- Contains solvents harmful to the environment.
Water-based
- Best for wood;
- Needs priming first,
- Easy to apply;
- Less durable;
- Dries quickly;
- Low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Things to consider when choosing furniture paint
Surface
Is the furniture you’re painting made of wood, metal or laminate? This is the number one consideration when determining which type of paint to buy.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
For indoor furniture, latex or oil-based paints work well and there are plenty of color options available.
When working with patio or bathroom furniture, where humidity is often an issue, Mulholland Works, Inc. owner Shawn Mulholland recommends prepping any mold- and mildew-infested surface by washing with a solution of bleach (20 percent) and water (80 percent). After an adequate dry time, lightly sand and prime if needed.
Mulholland also suggests choosing paint with a mold-resistant additive. “Mildewcide will aid in preventing mold and mildew from returning in the future,” he says.
Sheen
Both oil- and water-based paints offer matte (flat), satin, semi-gloss and gloss finishes. Flat finishes aren’t as washable, making them less than ideal for high-use furniture. If you do decide to opt for a matte paint (see chalk paint below), adding a low-sheen protective topcoat will greatly improve the durability and lifespan of your piece.
Pro tip: The glossier the paint, the easier it is to clean.
Application Method
- Brush: Creates a hand-painted, textured effect. Best for precise or detailed painting.
- Roller: Less time-consuming and ideal for painting furniture with large, flat surfaces such as cabinet doors, tabletops and benches.
- Spray: Delivers even coverage without brushstrokes. Easier to apply on furniture with spindles, rungs, etc.
Cost
There’s little doubt that investing in a higher quality paint pays off. Premium brands go on smoother, cover surfaces better (requiring fewer coats) and excel in hiding surface imperfections when compared to lower quality paints.
A quart of water-based acrylic paint will run you from $15 to $30. For oil-based enamel paint, expect to pay between $20 to $40 per quart.
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Best All-Purpose Furniture Paint
Majic Paints DiamondHard RePurpose Enamel is perfect for any piece of furniture because it sticks to virtually everything — metal, PVC, plastic, masonry, brick, glass, tile, vinyl and more. DiamondHard is also easy to apply, leaves a smooth, satin finish, works indoors and out and is available in 10 gorgeous colors. Plus, it does it all without sanding or priming. Amazing!
Fun Fact: DiamondHard RePurpose Enamel was used to paint the Big Bat project at the Louisville Slugger Museum in Louisville, Kentucky. How cool is that?
