How to Paint Secondhand Furniture
Look past the dents and scuffs of secondhand furniture and you can see the beauty beneath. Older wood furniture pieces often have solid construction and a classic shape not found in cheaper modern furnishings. A little effort and paint breathes new life into used but sturdy items.
- Sand the furniture with an
orbital sander. Begin using a medium-grit sandpaper to remove the
old finish. Sanding with a fine-grit paper helps the
wood develop a satiny smooth finish. Use a small wire brush to
remove the paint inside decorative crevices. Dampen a rag with water. Wipe
down all surfaces to remove any dust left behind
from the sanding process. Allow the moisture to dry before
proceeding.Paint the furniture with a thin
coat of latex primer. Use a paint roller for large surfaces, such as
the top of a dresser, and a foam brush for narrow surfaces. Unlike
bristle brushes, rollers and foam don't leave behind streaks or
ridges. Follow the grain of the wood. Use a
small artist's paintbrush in the crevices. Allow the
primer to dry for two hours.Apply a thin coat of semi-gloss
or gloss latex paint in the desired color, again following the wood grain.
Use clean rollers or foam brushes for the application. Allow
the first coat to dry completely, then apply a second.Place a small bead of clear paste
wax, approximately the size of a pea, on a clean rag. Rub the wax
into the wood after the final coat of paint dries completely. The
wax protects the paint and provides an even sheen.