How To Prep Furniture For Painting

How to Prep Furniture for Painting

Giving old furniture a fresh coat of paint is a great way to update your home décor without breaking the bank. But before you start painting, it's important to properly prepare the furniture to ensure that the paint adheres well and looks its best.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prep furniture for painting:

Clean the furniture. The first step is to clean the furniture to remove any dirt or grime that could interfere with the paint. Use a mild soap solution and a soft cloth to clean the surface of the furniture. Be sure to rinse the furniture thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Sand the furniture. Sanding the furniture will help to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Use a fine-grit sandpaper (120-150 grit) and sand the furniture in the direction of the grain. Be sure to remove any loose paint or varnish as you sand.
Prime the furniture. A primer is a layer of paint that is applied to the furniture before the topcoat. Primer helps to create a smooth surface for the topcoat to adhere to and also helps to prevent the paint from absorbing into the wood. Apply a thin coat of primer to the furniture and allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Paint the furniture. Once the primer is dry, you can begin painting the furniture. Use a high-quality paint brush or roller and apply a thin, even coat of paint. Allow the first coat of paint to dry completely before applying a second coat.
Seal the furniture. Once the paint is dry, you can seal the furniture to protect it from scratches and stains. You can use a clear sealant or a tinted sealant to match the color of the paint. Apply a thin coat of sealant to the furniture and allow it to dry completely.

By following these steps, you can properly prepare your furniture for painting and ensure that the paint adheres well and looks its best.