Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Wooden Furniture for Painting
More than ever, homeowners are putting down their phones and picking up the hammer to take on their home renovation projects. Home improvement can be a fun, DIY way to save costs and get creative with your home decor. Painting wooden furniture is a great project to start with as it can easily refresh the look of any room and update an ordinary or unsightly piece of furniture. Before you can apply the paint, you must first prepare your piece. In this blog, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to getting your old furniture ready for its new fresh coat.
Why Can't You Just Apply Paint Directly to Wooden Furniture?
DIY projects can be exciting to start, but it’s important to take the time to prepare your items properly before you start painting. Applying paint directly to wood without sanding and priming first can lead to bubbling, peeling, or chipping over time. This is because the texture of wood is not smooth and more porous than other materials. Sanding and priming the surface will help to give you a smooth, even coat of paint that will last for years.
How to Prepare Wooden Furniture for Painting
Properly preparing your wooden furniture for paint is relatively easy and can be done with a few simple steps.
Locate Any Signs of Splintering, Cracking, Damage, or Rot
Before you start sanding, it is important to inspect your item for any signs of damage or rot. Splinters and rot can be signs of structural damage which can become worse with sanding. Consider bringing it to a repair shop or painting a different piece if you notice even a small amount.
Sand the Entire Surface of Your Item
To achieve a smooth, even coat of paint, you’ll need to sand the entire surface of your item. Start with medium-grit sandpaper and work in small circular motions until all of the surface is even. Be sure to go over every surface, including any tight corners or edges. As you continue to sand, gradually switch to finer-grit sandpaper for a smoother finish.
Clean the Item to Remove Dust and Debris
Once you’ve finished sanding, use a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris from the surface of your item. Shop vacuums with attachable brushes can be useful for removing stubborn debris. If there are any spots you missed, you will be able to see them underneath the primer.
Apply Primer to the Entire Surface of Your Item
Now it’s time to start prepping your item for paint. Primer is available in both a spray and brush-on formula. Regardless of which one you choose, make sure to cover the entire surface evenly. This will help create a uniform base coat for your paint. When you apply the paint, the primer will act as a binder and create a more durable finish.
Allow the Item to Dry Completely Before Painting
Once you’ve finished priming, allow the item to dry before moving on to the painting stage. Depending on how thickly you applied the primer, this could take anywhere from a few hours to a day. To speed up the process, you can use a blow dryer or heat gun.
Types of Paint to Use for Wooden Furniture
There are several types of paint you can use for wooden furniture. Acrylic and latex paints are the most common, providing good coverage and requiring minimal maintenance. For more durability, consider using spray paint. This type of paint will help create an even coating and provide more protection against wear and tear.
Keep Any Leftover Paint for Future Touch-Ups
One common mistake many people make when painting furniture is to throw away any leftover paint immediately. If you need to make any touch-ups in the future or would like to paint matching pieces, having the original paint on hand will be very helpful.
Contact Tri-Rent-All in Portsmouth & Hampton, NH for Sanders & Furniture Restoration Equipment Available for Rent
Whether you have a one-time project or need to paint and restore furniture frequently, Tri-Rent-All in Portsmouth & Hampton, NH, has a wide inventory of tools and equipment available for rent. With our affordable daily and weekly rates to make your DIY projects easier and more cost-effective! To learn more and start renting today, visit our website or contact us for more information!