How to Make Particle-Wood Furniture Look Good

Particle-board furniture is made from a pressed-wood composite. It is lighter than regular wood and much less expensive. Although some particle-wood furniture is covered with a wood laminate, many pieces aren't. Whether covered in laminate or not, particle-wood furniture generally doesn't look as nice as real-wood furniture. If you have a plain particle-wood piece of furniture with no laminate on top of it, you can use paint to improve the appearance. Painting is really the only option for this type of surface. It cannot be stained like regular wood.

Wood putty
Sandpaper -- medium and fine
Oil-based primer
Acrylic paint
Paintbrushes

Instructions

- 1
  Fill in any cracks or gouges with wood putty. Particle-wood furniture is not the strongest material, and the finish often has scratches, dings and gouges. Pick a wood putty that is as close to the color as possible, and fill in these areas. Use a plastic putty knife to apply the putty, and scrape away any excess.
- 2
  Sand the entire piece of furniture. Start with a medium-grade sandpaper, and rough up the finish on the piece. Do not use an electric sander, as particle wood is usually quite thin. Once you have gone over the piece with the medium-grade sandpaper, switch to fine sandpaper, and go over the piece again. Wipe away the sanding dust with a tack cloth.
- 3
  Prime the furniture. Use an oil-based primer to give yourself a good foundation for the paint. This will help it adhere better. A roller will help make the application smooth. One coat of primer is sufficient. Let it dry before proceeding.
- 4
  Paint the furniture. Acrylic paint is best for particle-wood furniture. Use the color of your choice. Use a roller to apply a very thin coat, and allow it to dry. Rough up this coat with a fine-grade sandpaper. Go over the piece with a tack cloth to remove the sanding dust, and apply a second coat.

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Woodworking