Home Garden

Painting Old Bamboo Furniture

You might find old bamboo furniture at secondhand stores or maybe in your own basement or attic, but it may need a little care to make it look clean and fresh again. Clean the furniture, strip the old paint and repaint it to match your decor. Once your bamboo furniture is in good condition again, it will be in shape for a patio or porch or to add a touch of whimsy to an indoor space.

Things You'll Need

  • Broom
  • Soap and water
  • Sponge
  • Wash-away chemical stripper
  • Putty knife
  • Sandpaper
  • Acrylic primer
  • Paintbrush
  • Spray paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush the furniture with a broom to remove loose dirt and dust. Scrub away any remaining dirt with soapy water and a sponge. Let it dry.

    • 2

      Apply a wash-away chemical paint stripper if the furniture already has an old coat of paint that needs to be removed. Wear gloves and work in a well ventilated area. Since there are different types of strippers, follow the manufacturer's directions.

    • 3

      Scrape off the paint with a putty knife once it has softened. Rinse the furniture with water and allow it to dry.

    • 4

      Sand away any remaining paint using a fine-grain sandpaper.

    • 5

      Apply an acrylic primer using a soft paintbrush. Let it dry overnight.

    • 6

      Apply a coat of spray paint. Follow the manufacturer's directions for drying time. Apply as many coats as needed to completely cover the furniture.