How to Paint Shiny Wood Furniture

Repainting wood furniture can give it a whole new look. However, if your furniture has a glossy surface, you must prepare it prior to applying paint or your creative project may fail because the paint doesn't adher properly. After working on the surface first, choose a paint color that suits your other decor. With careful attention to detail, your painted furniture will look completely different when you finish.

Screwdriver
Drop cloth
Dust cloth
220-grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
Acrylic primer
Flat paintbrush (2- to 3-inch width)
Acrylic or latex paint

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all hardware from the furniture with a screwdriver, if applicable. Disassemble furniture such as dressers and desks by removing drawers.
- 2
  Spread a drop cloth out and place the furniture pieces on top of it.
- 3
  Wipe down the furniture with a dust cloth to remove all debris from the surfaces.
- 4
  Fold 220-grit sandpaper so it fits neatly in your hand. Press the sandpaper onto the wood surface and rub it back and forth lightly along the grain of the wood to remove the shiny finish. Extreme pressure is not necessary — simply rub the sandpaper lightly until you see the glossy finish leaving the wood. Continue sanding every wood surface to create a rough and scuffed finish.
- 5
  Wipe the wood surfaces thoroughly with a tack cloth to remove sawdust.
- 6
  Apply acrylic primer to the sanded surfaces using a flat 2- or 3-inch paintbrush. Work neatly to apply a thin and even layer of primer. Allow the primer to dry completely before you continue the project.
- 7
  Apply acrylic or latex paint to the wood in a thin layer using the same paintbrush. Allow the paint to dry completely. After the first coat of paint dries, assess the coverage. If the paint seems thin, apply a second coat of paint.
- 8
  Allow the paint to dry completely before replacing hardware and reassembling the furniture.

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