Furniture Painting Tips

Preparation

• Before your begin painting, you must perform some preparation on it. Make sure the piece is clean, and sand off any old varnish, paint or color. Choose a fine grit sandpaper and work slowly, making sure to sand into all of the nooks and crannies of the piece. If you are sanding a large piece, consider using an electric sander to get the job done. Sponge away any sawdust or paint chips to clean the piece once you are finished. If you don't want to sand the piece, you can try priming it before adding paint to cover the old surface and help the paint to adhere.

Painting

• Prior to painting your furniture, choose a paint color. You may choose one that matches the decor in your home, or a color that will bring out the intricacies of the piece. Make sure the furniture is clean and dry, and then apply the paint in smooth, even strokes. When you've finished painting, allow it to dry for at least 12 hours, and then add another coat for the best coverage. Apply the paint with a light hand; its better to apply a few thin coats than one heavy-handed one.

Finishing

• Finish your project by adding a coat of sealer or polyurethane to the piece once the paint has dried completely (at least 12 hours). If you don't apply the sealer, you put your furniture piece at risk of having the paint chip or rub away with repeated used. Apply a thin coat, and allow to dry. See the manufacturer's instructions for how long it should take. Then, lightly sand the polyurethane to remove any inconsistencies in the sealer. Repeat the process a second time for a finely finished, smooth and shiny product.