Quite often, in speaking with people, I’m left with the sense that many feel that painting bare wood furniture, must be a difficult process. Rest assured that it is not. As with most any job, preparation is the key, and with proper preparation, your end result will be everything you’re hoping for.
The first question that needs to be addressed is the why? Why are you painting the piece in question? If the piece is constructed of a softwood then it often makes sense, as the wood can be seen as somewhat less attractive than some other types, and a hint of color can be just the thing to draw out the full beauty of the piece. There are paints, stains and dyes available in a multitude of colors, so you’ll certainly have no trouble finding just the one that suits your personal style and specific decorating needs.
You must first ensure that the unpainted wood furnitureis ready for painting. It may require sanding and if this is the case, you must be sure to remove all sanding dust before painting. Seal any knots or cracks with sealant before painting. You will need to prime the unit before applying paint as otherwise it may crack and peel off.
There are different wood paints available but most people now opt for water based acrylic paints as they are dry quickly, are easy to clean and kinder to the environment. If you are painting a piece of child’s furniture then you need to ensure that the materials are suitable for children. Kids have a habit of putting things in their mouth and this often includes tasting new furniture!
If you have purchased unfinished oak furniture, then you might want to reconsider painting it. Oak is a beautiful specimen and a wax finish will help to highlight its natural beauty. You can always use a tinted wax if you want to deepen the color of the finished product.
If you have purchased a piece of bare wood furniture for use outdoors, you will need to use a colored preservative to stain and protect at the same time.