What Kind of Paint to Use on Wood Furniture for No Brush Marks

Oil-based Paints

• Oil-based paints work well on wood furnishings, but are also effective on metal, steel and stained surfaces. The paint requires approximately 24 hours to dry, and is better for indoor use, as sun exposure tends to cause fading. Furniture that gets lots of use, including tables or kid’s furnishings, does best will oil paints due to its durability, easy maintenance and resistance to scratches. The paint does have a few down sides, primarily its susceptibility to mildew. Additionally, the cleaning products required to keep them looking good are highly flammable.

Latex Paints

• Latex paint is created with a water-soluble base, making them easier than oil to apply and clean. It is a quicker-drying option -- usually requiring between one and two hours -- non-toxic and the odor is significantly less than with oil paints. Latex is ideal for indoor or outdoor use, and is a better option than oil for outdoors as it won’t fade with sun exposure. These products work well on wood, most metals and masonry, but tend to require more than one coat to hide brush marks. Additionally, latex resists mold and mildew, meaning it withstands rain better than oil-based paint does.

Spray Paint

• Spray painting is perhaps the easiest option when it comes to application and modern formulas have made them equal quality to standard paints. There are several hundred colors to choose from, and some manufacturers produce varieties specifically to withstand the wear and tear that furniture is exposed to. Spray paint is nontoxic, will not chip or crack, and is good for indoor or outdoor application. Decorative and textured spray paints are also available, which create the look of natural stone with just one or two coats.

Gloss Finishes

• There are several finishes of latex paint to choose from, some of which are easier to keep clean than others. Gloss is a high-shine finish that is almost reflective. It is most commonly used on cabinets and accent pieces, but emphasizes surface imperfections on wood. This usually means sanding, priming and multiple coats are usually required. Semi-gloss and satin paints have less sheen, are easy to clean, and add a touch of shine to wood furnishings. Satin is preferred in high-traffic areas, or on furniture that takes a lot of abuse. All three paint varieties require cleaning with mild dish soap and warm water. Satin is ideal for use on furniture, since it withstands cleaning and scrubbing. Eggshell is a low-sheen option that is the most frequently used around the home. It is durable, easy to clean, and hides surface imperfections better than its glossy counterparts. Matte finishes should be avoided on furniture, as they clean poorly and show stains more readily than other finishes.