How to Paint French-Style Furniture

Protect floors and work surfaces with plastic sheeting. Tape plastic over all parts of the furniture that you will not be painting, such as fabric seat covers.

Sand varnished furniture with a sanding sponge to remove the glossy finish. Wipe the surface off with a tack cloth.

Rub a candle on parts of the furniture where you want the wood to show through. Apply the wax to places that are naturally subjected to wear, such as edges, horizontal surfaces and legs.

Apply latex paint to the furniture with a nylon-polyester brush. Use a 3- or 4-inch brush for big projects and a 1-1/2-inch brush for more detailed areas. Use two coats of paint. Allow the paint to dry for a few hours.

Use the steel wool on areas where the wax was applied. Rub until the original wooden surface is visible. Distress other areas with the steel wool, as desired. Sand the painted surface with 220-grit sandpaper for a more worn look. Wipe the furniture with a tack cloth.

Paint the furniture with a tinted wax. Use a stiff natural-bristle brush to apply wax in cracks and corners. Wipe the wax off the furniture with a clean, dry rag after 2 to 3 hours.