How to Paint a Chair

Choose a wood chair as your first chair painting project; all types of chairs can be painted, but wood is by far the easiest.

Purchase a latex or oil based paint. Latex based paint is popular as it is fast drying and easy to clean up. Oil based paint is more resistant to scratches and chips, but has a strong smell that can linger for several days after application.

Select a suitable spot for your painting project. Make sure you have enough room to work, and proper ventilation if you are using an oil based paint. A large garage is the perfect location. Lay sheets of newspaper or a drop cloth on the ground if you want to protect it from paint spills.

Sand your chair thoroughly with 100-grit sandpaper before you start painting. Pay close attention to any scratches or chips and try to get the surface smooth. An alternative to sanding, if the chair is already in good condition, is to apply an oil based primer. Primer is also recommended if you are painting the chair white, or a lighter color than it is at the moment.

Apply your paint with a paintbrush and roller. Start with the chair back, using a 1 inch or 1 1/2 inch paintbrush. Use the paintbrush on the chair legs and arms. Use a mini roller for the chair seat and other flat surfaces to achieve a smooth finish.

Leave the chair alone to let the first coat of paint dry. This could take anything from four to 24 hours, depending on the type of paint you use. Make sure it is out of reach of children and pets.

Apply a second coat of paint, if required.

Apply a final coat of protective polyurethane if your chair needs to be extremely durable and is likely to suffer from spills and stains that need to be wiped clean.