How To Prep Furniture Paint

You've found the perfect piece of furniture, but it's not quite the right color. Or maybe it's seen better days and needs a little TLC. Whatever the reason, painting furniture is a great way to give it a new lease on life.

But before you start painting, it's important to prep the furniture properly. This will help the paint adhere better and give you a more professional-looking finish.

Clean the furniture. The first step is to clean the furniture to remove any dirt, dust, or grime. Use a mild soap and water solution and a soft cloth. Be sure to rinse the furniture thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before you proceed.
Repair any damage. If the furniture has any damage, such as scratches, dents, or gouges, you'll need to repair it before you can paint it. There are a variety of ways to do this, depending on the type of damage. You can use wood filler, epoxy, or even a simple nail and hammer.
Sand the furniture. Once the furniture is clean and repaired, you'll need to sand it to smooth out any rough spots and create a surface for the paint to adhere to. Use a fine-grit sandpaper and sand in the direction of the grain. Be sure to remove all of the sanding dust before you proceed.
Prime the furniture. Primer is a thin coat of paint that helps the topcoat of paint adhere better and provides a more even finish. Apply a thin coat of primer to the furniture using a brush or roller. Allow the primer to dry completely before you proceed.
Paint the furniture. Now you're ready to paint the furniture! Use a high-quality paintbrush or roller and apply a thin, even coat of paint. Allow the paint to dry completely before you apply a second coat. You may need to apply multiple coats of paint to get the desired coverage.

Once the paint is completely dry, you can seal it with a clear coat of varnish or polyurethane. This will help protect the paint from scratches and wear and tear.

Painting furniture is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to give it a new look. By following these simple steps, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that will last for years to come.