How to Paint a Wooden Chair With Acrylic

Set the chair on a dropcloth in a well-ventilated location, preferably outside.

Sand the chair with a medium-grade sandpaper, following with a fine sandpaper. This gives the paint a rougher surface to which it can adhere.

Wash the chair with trisodium phosphate and a sponge to get rid of the dust and any residue on the chair. Rinse with clean water and let it dry thoroughly.

Apply a 100-percent acrylic primer to the chair using a bristle paintbrush. For best results, use a primer tinted to match your final paint shade. Allow the primer to cure for the manufacturer's recommended time before proceeding. A small roller brush or spray gun also works to apply the primer.

Paint the chair using 100-percent acrylic paint. Apply it with a steady hand in even strokes. Allow it to cure for the recommended time. Apply a second coat, if desired.

Coat the chair in a polyurethane finish to protect the paint and wood. You can apply this with a brush, cloth or spray can, depending on the type of polyurethane you have chosen. Polyurethane goes on cloudy and dries clear. Apply a second coat for added protection. Do not use the chair until it has cured for the recommended time, usually several days.