How to Make Black Furniture Look Brown

Glaze the Furniture

• 1

  Place drop cloths on the ground to protect the surface. Set the furniture on the drop cloths.

• 2

  Clean the black furniture with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. Wipe the furniture with a dry cloth.

• 3

  Scuff the furniture with 180-grit sandpaper. Sand the furniture by hand or use a handheld sander if you're working on a large piece of furniture. This prepares the furniture to bond with the glaze and paint.

• 4

  Apply the red glaze with a paintbrush. Brush the glaze on heavily, and wipe the glaze away with a damp cloth. Start at the top corner of the piece and work in small areas. For example, on a chair, brush the glaze over the seat, and wipe the glaze with the damp cloth. Then work on the arms, then the legs, and so on.

• 5

  Paint on one to two coats of clear, water-based top coat to seal in the new brownish color.

Cover With Brown Stain

• 6

  Wipe down the black furniture with a damp cloth to clean off dust and grime. Wipe the furniture dry with a clean cloth.

• 7

  Place drop cloths on the floor. Set the furniture on the drop cloths.

• 8

  Sand the furniture with medium grit sandpaper. Go over the entire piece to scuff off the top coat of paint. The 180-grit sandpaper works well. Sand the furniture by hand or use a handheld sander.

• 9

  Prime the furniture with spray primer. Spray in even strokes to cover the entire piece completely. Let the primer dry four to six hours.

• 10

  Apply the brown gel stain with a paintbrush. Spread the stain evenly. Wipe away excess stain with paper towels. Work quickly because the stain dries fast.