Home Garden

Painting Furniture to Look Primitive With Sandpaper and a Base Coat

Painting furniture to create a primitive look is a straightforward home decorating project. Before beginning, it is important to decide what color base and top coat you want to use for your furniture. You can select contrasting colors, such as a red base coat with a black top coat, or complementary colors, such as a pale sage base coat with a creamy white top coat. Consider where you plan to display the furniture and your personal style when deciding how bold or subtle you want the contrast in the furniture.

Things You'll Need

  • Sandpaper (220-grit)
  • Rag or tack cloth
  • Primer
  • 2 colors of paint
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Sand the furniture lightly if it has previously been painted. This provides a porous surface so the paint will go on smoothly.

    • 2

      Wipe down the furniture with a damp rag or tack cloth to remove dust. Allow to dry thoroughly before continuing.

    • 3

      Apply a coat of primer to the furniture. Primer creates a smooth, even surface for the paint to adhere to. Allow the primer to dry before painting.

    • 4

      Apply two thin, even coats of paint to create a base. You will paint over this with a contrasting or complementary top coat. Allow the base coat to dry thoroughly before moving on.

    • 5

      Add the top coat. Allow it to dry thoroughly before sanding.

    • 6

      Use 220-grit sandpaper to roughen some of the corners and edges of your furniture. The goal is to expose the base coat of paint in these areas, creating a primitive look.