Choosing the best paint for your furniture is the first step towards changing the look of the old relics gracing the beauty of your home interior. Often, the quality of wood stays intact, but its outer surface starts showing signs of wear and tear. Instead of replacing it with new furniture pieces, it is better to give it a fresh coat of paint. There is no dearth of options when looking for the best type of paint for furniture.
Major options available are acrylic, latex, oil, and many other varieties of paint. Some specific paint options are also available, like milk paint, and chalky paint. Here, we discuss these paint varieties and check out which option is suited for the purpose over another.
Latex Paint
It is one of the most popular paint options available for furniture. Local hardware stores keep a range of colours under various finishes and brands. When choosing this paint option for furniture, it is recommended to choose a low, or no-volatile organic compound paint, as it gives a soft finish, dries fast, and looks lovely. If you are looking for unique colours to paint your furniture, you will find a lot of options with this paint. Moreover, it is available in multiple finishes, like semi-gloss, satin, flat, or glossy finishes.
- Flat- This paint gives a velvety, matte finish to the furniture.
- Satin- It imparts a satin finish, and comes in a washable formula. It reflects a minimal amount of light.
- Semi-Gloss- It is considered one of the best furniture paint options. It can meet the demands of increased use, stands up to washing, and reflects light well. It is exceptionally durable and lasts for years.
- High-Gloss- This Latex Paint option is perfect if you are looking for a blend of durability and drama. It reflects a lot of light and can withstand cleaning and heavy use.
Latex Paint is a good option for furniture painting if you are looking for a lot of colour options, finishes, and is easy to clean. The only issue is that it does not withstand heavy use.
Chalk Paints for Furniture
Chalk Paint is another option when you plan to paint your furniture and add some style and elegance to your interiors. Use this option if you wish to give an old-world touch to your newer furniture pieces, or reclaim vintage furniture. With latex as its base, it is a water-based paint, imparting a buildable, thicker texture.
This paint option is widely available and delivers a silky-smooth finish to the furniture. It adheres well to the furniture surface and dries fast. As a result, the strokes of paintbrush may be visible, requiring a few practise before you are ready to paint your furniture. You can also create a weathered look, as this paint can be distressed and sanded. This paint option is perfect if you wish to create a “shabby chic” or “vintage” look for your furniture.
Milk Paint
Milk Paint is a perfectly suitable paint option when you are looking for a slightly thinner texture and a natural look for the furniture. It is a non-toxic paint that is made using activator-based milk protein, like Borax or lime. The paint tint can be changed by adding colour pigments to it. It is an extremely popular and eco-friendly paint option, with no added fumes or chemicals. It can be applied to a variety of surfaces, but its finish may vary and can be inconsistent. Thus, to get consistent results, it is advised to use a bonder with this paint option.
It is available in powder form to which water is added to make the amount of paint required. The rest can be stored for touch-ups, or later use. It is a perfectly suitable paint choice for furniture that looks weathered, antiqued, and distressed.
Acrylic Paint
It is another water-based paint option, wherein the particles of colour are suspended in an acrylic polymer. It gives a smooth finish and a dash of rich colour. It can be applied on multiple surfaces and is perfect for small-scale DIY furniture paint projects like picture frames, console tables, and other accent pieces. It is a self-levelling and even textured paint option. Use a primer on the surface before painting it for better adherence. Several coats of this paint can be applied on this surface in a short time as it dries very quickly. It can also be cleaned using soap and water. It is more resistant to cracking and chipping of paint.
Oil Paint
The last on our list is oil paint, which is exceptionally durable for furniture use. It is slightly expensive and takes more time to dry. Furthermore, the paint requires more ventilation as it has high levels of VOCs. It is a highly resilient paint that does not scratch or chip easily. Using turpentine oil, mineral spirits, and a natural bristle brush, set out to paint your furniture to perfection. It adheres well on a variety of surfaces, and as such, is one of the most preferred paint options. It comes in a self-levelling formula, a durable finish, and is perfect to be used on multiple surfaces.
Tips to Paint Furniture
Here are a few tips that you must keep in mind before you start painting your furniture using any of the paint options mentioned above.
- Start by sanding the furniture.
- Remove any residue on the surface using a tack cloth.
- Prime it well and let it dry.
- Finally, it is painting time. Ensure smoother and surer strokes of paint on the furniture surface.
- You can apply a thin coat of protective finish to enhance the durability of the paint.
Following these tips shall help you give a new and improved look to your weather-beaten furniture, and you can enjoy it for many more years to come.
With the festive season just around the corner, explore HomeLane for your furniture painting needs, and transform your home interior stylishly and elegantly. We have a range of paint options for you. It is amazing to note how a fresh coat of paint can bring a transformational look to your furniture, making it aesthetically pleasing and durable.
