How to update old furniture with paint
To update old furniture with paint, clean it, repair any defects, sand, apply a primer and paint in thin coats. Finish with a varnish or protective finish if the piece gets heavy use. The result depends more on the preparation than on the colour.
See what you are dealing with
Before painting, look carefully at the piece. Furniture with antique or family value may lose value if painted. If in doubt, ask for an opinion before going ahead.
- Solid wood: takes sanding, filler and paint well.
- Wood veneer: sand very carefully so as not to go through the thin layer.
- Plastic-coated finish: needs an adhesion primer.
- Glossy varnish: needs sanding or removing.
- Woodworm or rotten wood: treat or repair first.
Preparing the furniture
Take out the drawers, handles and doors. If possible, work outdoors or in a ventilated room, with the floor protected. Clean with degreaser and a cloth. Old furniture has built-up wax, dust and grease, and paint will not stick over them.
If there is wax, polish or old oils, wash several times until the surface is thoroughly clean. Leave to dry.
Repair scratches, holes and loose parts. Glue what is loose and leave to dry. Fill defects with wood filler and sand afterwards.
Tip: Very old furniture and paints may contain lead. Before dry sanding, assess the risk. Wet sand, avoid dust, wear a suitable mask and do not work near children. If in doubt, seek advice.
Sanding and priming
Sand the whole piece to remove the shine. Use a medium grit sandpaper and then a finer one. If the surface has very thick or peeling varnish, it may need to be removed. Clean off the dust thoroughly with a damp cloth.
Primer will help the paint grip and even out the colour. On dark or resinous woods, such as pine, a stain may show through the paint. In those cases, use a stain-blocking primer. Leave to dry for the stated time.
Painting
Choose a paint made for furniture or an interior enamel. Water-based ones have little smell and dry quickly. Solvent-based ones are harder but smell strongly. In both cases, read the tin.
- First paint the inside and hidden areas, such as the back and the inside of the drawers.
- Apply the first thin coat, with a brush or foam roller.
- Leave to dry for the stated time and sand lightly with very fine sandpaper.
- Remove the dust and apply the second coat. If the colour is very different from the previous one, you may need a third.
Furniture has many corners and recesses. Paint them with the brush first and then the flat parts. Do not overload the brush, to avoid drips.
Protecting and reassembling
On furniture used every day, such as tables or chests of drawers, you can apply a clear varnish or finish over the top that is compatible with the paint. This protects against scratches and glass rings. Read on the tin whether it is compatible.
Leave the furniture to dry well before using it. The paint may be touch-dry but still soft underneath. If you put objects on it too early, they will leave marks. Allow time, preferably a few days, before normal use.
Swap the handles for new ones if you want to change the style. If you change the size, fill the old holes before painting.
Tip: Choose the colour after seeing the light in the room. Paint a small board or a hidden corner and look at it by day and by night.