How to Paint Wood-Framed Furniture

Cover the upholstery. Use plastic sheeting and drape this over the upholstery, tucking it in underneath the wood. Add some painter's tape to help hold this in place. If you won't be moving the furniture to paint it, place drop cloths under it to protect your flooring.

Sand down the wood frame. Use a medium-grade sandpaper to rough up the finish on the wood. This will help remove the old finish and help the paint to adhere properly. Go over the entire piece again with a fine grade of sandpaper to prepare it for the primer.

Vacuum up the dust. Use a wand vacuum attachment to completely remove the dust from sanding. If necessary, wipe down the wood frame with a tack cloth to get the rest of the residue up.

Prime the surface. Primer will help conceal the grain of the wood and give the paint a better surface to adhere to. Go over the piece in the direction of the grain with one thin coat of primer, using a brush to apply it. Catch and smooth out any drips as they occur. Let the primer dry for 4-6 hours and then lightly sand the surface.

Apply the first coat of paint. Use an oil based paint since it will wear better and resist peeling. Use only a small amount of paint on a paint brush and paint in the direction of the grain of the wood. When working on the interior of the frame, work slowly and make sure to get any drips as they occur. Let the first coat dry for up to 4 hours.

Sand and apply the second coat. Go over the newly painted surface with a fine grade of sandpaper and lightly rough it up. Apply your second coat using the same technique as the first and let it dry for at least six hours before allowing anyone on the furniture. Wait for the paint to dry before removing the plastic.

Protect the surface. Apply a thin coat of clear polyurethane over the paint to further protect it.