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Can I Paint Chairs With High Gloss Paint?

High-gloss paint is commonly used to cover baseboards, window frames and trim pieces. Wooden chairs, like those found in the kitchen, are typically stained in wood-stained colors that match the table. However, high-gloss paint can also used to paint most wooden chairs. High-gloss paint can sometimes bubble slightly while it is drying. The best way to prevent this is to prep the wood by scrubbing it with steel wool pads. This helps the wood more evenly adhere to the paint. Priming the chair first and then using small amounts of paint on the brush also help achieve the best results.

Things You'll Need

  • Steel wool pad
  • White primer, water-based latex
  • Acrylic high-gloss paint
  • 3-inch wide paintbrush
  • 1-inch wide paintbrush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Scrub the surface of the chair thoroughly with a steel wool pad. Smooth the surface as much as possible.

    • 2

      Apply a single coat of white primer to the chair. Use the 3-inch paintbrush for larger areas. However, a 1-inch paintbrush should be used to cover the spindles and legs. Allow the primer to dry completely, for at least 12 hours.

    • 3

      Spread the paint in long and even strokes. Use only a small amount of paint at a time -- just on the tip of the paintbrush. Move the brush in strokes that go with natural grain of the wood. This will help create a smoother finish.

    • 4

      Apply a second coat, if needed, after the original coat is completely dried.