How to Paint Wooden Chairs

Use a metal scraper to remove old paint. If the chair still has a great deal of paint on it, wipe it down with paint remover. Older chairs with almost no paint left on them can typically be scraped clean. Be sure there is no paint left on the chair before you add new paint. Use a cloth to wipe the chair down after the old paint has been removed. This will ensure the surface is completely clean. If there are rough spots in the chair, use a piece of light sandpaper to smooth them.

Spray your chair with an oil-based primer that closely resembles the color you plan to paint the chair. This will give more durability and life to your paint job. Do an even, thin coat of the primer, holding the can six inches from the chair as you apply the primer. Let the primer dry per the directions on the can before you paint.

Paint the chair using oil enamel, either in a spray can or by brush. If you use a spray can, keep the can six to eight inches from the chair and apply the paint in layers. Continue moving the can as you apply the paint. This will prevent a build-up and paint running down the chair.

Be sure the paint you use is oil-based enamel. This gives your wooden chair a smooth, almost porcelain finish. If you use paint from a can and a brush, use a soft bristle brush and apply the paint in thin layers to prevent uneven build-up.

Use a clear coat of lacquer to give the new paint job maximum protection. You can spray this on in several light, even coats or apply it with the same type of brush you used to paint the chair.