Wash the piece of furniture with trisodium phosphate and a sponge to get rid of any dirt or cleaner residue. Rinse with plain water and let the piece dry completely before proceeding.
Apply a 100-percent acrylic primer on the furniture. Have the primer tinted to match your final paint color for a richer color. Use a small paintbrush or roller brush, depending on your preference. Roller brushes work well for large flat surfaces, such as a desk or table. Let the primer cure according to manufacturer specifications before proceeding.
Paint the chair using 100-percent acrylic paint. If possible, use a color with a slight brown tint, such as tan or taupe, because it will cover the dark paint underneath more thoroughly. Use a roller brush, paintbrush or spray paint to cover the furniture. Spray paint works well on small, detailed pieces of furniture, such as rocking chairs.
Allow the paint to cure for the recommended time and then apply a second coat.