Friday, August 24, 2007
Painting Furniture-Step by Step
I promised a long time ago that I would post the steps of how I paint my furniture. Sorry for the delay but finally I got around to it...you're probably happy my camera broke, huh? I'm sure there are many different ways to paint furniture but this is how my dad taught me. Below are a few of the pieces I have painted so you can see the "before and afters". I always love looking at before and after pictures, don't you? The instructions are at the bottom of this post.
After
This bed was free on craigslist.org I was the second person to call on it but I left my name/number just in case the first person didn't show up. He showed up but when he saw how bad of shape it was in he didn't want it. It had someone's initials carved in it but nothing a little sanding couldn't fix.
After
After
After
Painting furniture
Stripping: I almost always strip my furniture before I paint it. Another option would be to sand it really well. You don’t want any clear finish or wax on it or the paint will scrape right off. I use Jasco paint stripper. It comes in a can and I think you should be able to find it at most hardware stores. Follow the directions on the can and make sure you have long sleeves and pants, shoes, and safety glasses or goggles on. Trust me on this one…I was using this wearing flip-flops and got just a speck of it on the top of my foot….Ouch, it feels likes it's burning a hole through your skin…actually it probably is. You can use a wire brush to get into crevices. I buy the small disposable wire brushes at the hardware store (they are shaped like a toothbrush).
Prepping: Before you paint, wipe the piece down to remove all the stripper and sand it lightly. I like to use the 3M sponge sanders. Wipe down again after sanding.
Adding appliqués: If you would like to add appliqués now is the time. You can see on the picture of my bed that I added a cherub/swag appliqué. There are a number of places you can buy them. One is Do It Youself Chic and another is The Shabby Suite. Click on either one of those to go to their website.
Primer: Some pieces I primed first and others I didn’t. If the wood still has stain that was not removed completely from stripping and sanding it, I would prime it for sure.
Paint: I use regular latex indoor house paint. I’ve used flat and eggshell, it doesn’t really matter, in the end they look the same. I use a soft white, not pure stark white but any color will do. Just brush it on following the grain of the wood. Let it dry and if needed add a second coat. I wait about a week before I go on to the next step (If you're in a hurry you can probably wait 48 hours and be fine). Latex paint it will be gummy if you try to sand it before it’s really had time to cure. Warning...It’s going to look really bad at this point, it will be very flat and chalky looking, especially if you used flat latex but trust me it will look good in the end after you put the paste wax on.
Sanding and distressing: I lightly sand the whole painted piece with very fine sand paper. This really smoothes out the latex paint. On the edges I sand through to the wood to give it a distressed look. You want to do this in areas where the piece would normally wear over time, like on the edges. If you want a more distressed look you can take a large chain and hit it on the wood to leave dents…I don’t do this but I’ve seen my dad do it on his pieces.
Adding accent colors: This is optional but on some pieces you may want to add another color to bring out the details of the piece. There are two ways to do this. The first is to buy some brown craft paint (umber or sienna colors) and dilute with a little water to make a wash. Use a rag to wipe the wash over the area you would like to “antique” and then lightly wipe away the excess. If you’ve added too much you can remove some of it with a wet rag. I used this technique on the cherub swag appliqué on my bed. The second option is to use “Rub n Buff” which is available at most hobby stores. It comes in many different colors. Put a little on your finger and lightly rub over the piece where you want to add color. The difference between these two options is that the first one gets down into the crevices and the second one goes on the high spots. You can even use both of these together.
Waxing: I use a paste wax instead of a clear coat. I use Howard Citrus Shield Premium Natural Paste Wax. Make sure you get Natural color because it comes in different wood tones also. The wax does make the furniture a little more yellow but it's very light. Follow the directions on the can…you rub it on and buff it out. It takes a few coats of this to give it a nice luster. To keep up the wax finish I occasionally use another Howard product called Feed-N-Wax. Both these products can be found in most hardware stores.
That's it! I hope I didn't leave anything out. Please feel free to leave a message or email me if something isn't clear.
54 Comments:
I have been reading your blog for about a month or so and I enjoy it so much thank-you. Your home is so beautiful. I want to take the time to comment because it is for funny I alway wanted to know how people got the look when they painted furniture. I new there was more involved than just paint I have been wanting to paint mable china cabinet that is in my spare bedroom with candles in it. I will take before and after pictures and post on my blog when I finish. I only have about 6 projects to to before I get to it.
Thank-you again for a wonderful blog I truly enjoy it.
Ginger
I just started blogging and in our store we sell distressed white items. I love your site. As a newcomer to this whole blog-world is there a way I can mark save your blog to come back to in future???? Probably a most idiotic question, I'm sure... Again, love your work, love your site.
Thanks for the info Cindy, I have alot of painting to do soon :)
crystal
Thank you Cindy! Your instructions are clear and concise. However, I do have a couple questions. Do you prefer using a paint brush over an airless paint sprayer? Do you have any problems with visible brush strokes when the paint dries?
Love the paste wax trick. I recently painted my dining room table & china cabinet but since I didn't really want to seal it with polyurethane, I didn't get the desired "finish" I had hoped for. I'm going to try the paste wax on those pieces this weekend.
My next project is to paint a 3 piece wall unit (a total of 7 1/2 feet wide by 6 feet tall!!) so your tips will come in handy.
Thanks again!
If you have an airless paint sprayer that might work better. You do get some brush strokes but when you sand with the fine sandpaper after you paint it takes most of those away.
I love to see your before and after furniture pictures. The actual gift though is to envision it done when it looks its worst..and in that you are truly gifted!!
Hi Cindy,
I paint furniture all of the time.
Thanks for sharing your method.
We do it almost the same way.
Isn't it amazing how the pieces look when they are done?
Have a great weekend.
Rosemary
What ARE you for crying out loud????
I mean that in the most awestruck sense possible!!!
How do you????
Okay let me go read how, these before and after pictures are amazing!!! You give a whole different spin on one man's trash is another's treasure.
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for the wonderful instructions - your pieces have come out beautiful! I have a china hutch that I've been really wanting to paint so now I'm encouraged to give it a try!
Hugs,
Dena
Oh, Cindy, you make it sound so easy! Your before and after pictures are amazing. I'm so glad you're still blogging -- I don't know what I'd do without my daily dose of Romantic Home! :)
mary
mrcarroll@optonline.net
I am a big fan of painted furniture!! I love to white wash !! Your before and after pic's show us once again just how creative and talented you are!!
Thanks for sharing!! Do hope you get your camera dilema solved soon!
Have a great weekend!!
Wow, wow, and more wow! I just found your blog today and you have one of the most beautiful homes I have ever seen! (I have been on shabby chic home tours and have been a subscriber to Romantic Homes for years) You are truly gifted in creating a beautiful, relaxing, romantic home. Thank you for posting your painting instructions. As someone who loves to hunt for treasures and rework them and someone who has sold shabby chic items before, I found it extremely informative. Many people keep these methods secret, so thank you for your generosity. You have a very giving spirit.
Beautiful!
Cindy,
I too.... am new to your blog
You are amazing....I just slap paint on and call it done..... What a wonderful thing to know the proper way... you truly are just full of WONDERFUL ideas..
I'm so glad you are doing reruns.... they have been GREAT
Thank you
LInda
Thank you all so much for you sweet comments! I'm have a horrible day today and you are making me feel so much better!
Cindy your furniture is stunning. Thank you for sharing your method. I actually do it almost the same way too. Thanks for the leads for the appliques!
Penny
Cindy, your furniture is so pretty! You've really done a great job with all of the vintage whites & it looks perfect in your home. I love how you tied it all together by painting them all white. Great job!
Rhoda
Cindy, Your transformations are amazing!! You are just the sweetest to share your painting techniques. I have never used the paste wax on painted furniture. I will give it a try.
Have a lovely weekend. Cammy
Hi Cindy hope you feel better! I am going to paint a piece of furniture black. I have all of the stuff ready, paint, brushes, wax. My question : Is black harder to paint? Do you think I should double coat it? I plan to sand the edges when finished. Your home is so pretty!
Wow, that sounds like a lot of work! I, sad to say, am quite lazy when it comes to painting my own furniture. I am a quick results kind of a gal, and I usually cheat and skip steps when it's my stuff. No wonder your home is so perfect...you obviously are NOT lazy!!
Have a great weekend,
Linda
No wonder your furniture looks so wonderful. You put so much time and effort into doing it right. Thanks for telling us how you get your results. I've always wondered what was involved.
~elaine~
Hi!
I've seen you on Rate My Space!
Everything is beautiful...
You're an awesome decorator!
Lisa, I have painted a desk black for my daughter's room and it took two coats of paint. It was really easy and it turned out great.
WOW! Just wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for this information. I've been thinking about trying projects like this but wasn't quite sure where to begin or what to actually do. I'm quite enjoying your blog--you have wonderful pictures and interesting content.
Cindy ~
Your photos are so beautiful ~ colorful and feminine. The applique on the headboard really adds a wonderful enhancement. Bedroom is very, very sweet and enchanting. Who could be sad waking up there?
Alexandra
silverbellcottage.blogspot.com
Thanks for the HOW TO! I have several pieces sitting here waiting to be redone!
Have a great weekend and thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Sandy :)
Cindy that was lovely of you to share your method of distressing your furniture, takes a lot of time to work out how to make something look old and worn out, you certainly have it down to a Tee.
Always look forward to keeping up to date on your blog
Gail
Hey Cindy...Yes, I painted yesterday...totally inspired once again by you! Rats! I fell off the chair and landed on the floor with chamios yellow paint in my hair...I cried and thought how awful it is to be single again after all these years...however realizing that the wall couldn't get finished by itself...I just got up and did the best I could. Your a wonderful inspiration to others! Happy day and cheers to you! Off to buy paint for the front door now!
OX Helen
Thank you so much for this info on painting furniture, I have recently moved house and started to paint some things, I got it terribly wrong. Now I have some idea of what I need and how to go about it.....
Thank you
Priscilla x
Great instructions Cindy and it sounds so easy. I'm looking for a new/old coffee table and I will try your technique when I finally find one. I love your reruns and I'm so glad you are doing them instead of no posting.
Your painted furniture look great. I've enjoyed your blog very much, you have all the things I love. Your cottage bedroom is simply gorgeous. What a place to sleep in! My, aren't you glad you got your bed, I can't believe it was free! One man's (he missed out big time) trash is another's(woman's) treasure???
Cindy~ Your Dad taught you well! :) Your pieces look beautiful. I don't think people realize, for the most part, how much work goes into making a Romantic Home, romantic and chic, a lot more than just throwing some white paint on. It shows how hard you have worked to make your home as beautiful as it is.
Thanks for taking the time to post those tips. :)
*muahs*
Michelle
You really are special, Cindy! There are a few people who can turn trash to treasure, and there are a few people who can arrange it to make a beautiful room, and then I suppose, there's a few who can clearly teach others the techniques. But you can DO IT ALL!
That's why we keep coming back for more. Your blog is the best. Thanks from all of us!
I love the bed! Thanks so much for the lesson, I love the look.
is the paste wax the same as bees wax??I am in australia and can't say i have ever see the brand you have mentioned(thats not to say its not out there thou) just wondered of bees wax would be good?
Cheers MaShelly
Oh, I love this post. I have always wanted to paint some furniture, expecially a secretary that belonged to my grandmother. Your post was so helpful. Your furniture is gorgeous, I love it. Your home is so lovely and the name is perfect. Karen
Cindy, you are amazing! and really, really inspiring. I want to be like you :) Thing is I hate sanding and painting but I want to refinish things like you do, so I guess I will just have to get down and dirty huh? I have painted furniture before but it doesn't look as nice as yours, so thank you so much for posting all your instructions.
Keep up the great work and I can't wait to see what you do next :)
I loved looking at the before and after pictures of the bed and dresser. I have a very similar bed and dresser that was mine as a child and want to paint it white like yours. Can you tell me the brand and color of white you used?
Also, your instructions are great. Can I also follow these steps to paint some pieces of furniture to get that black antiqued look? If so, can you recommend a good black paint.
Thanks -- your blog has given me so many great ideas.
Paint over good wood is an absolute CRIME!! You screwed them up good!
Who the heck posted the rude comment! I love painted furniture...and you did a fabulous job! I'm going to print out your instructions~ and paint everything I see that is PLAIN wood! How do you like that...anonymous?
Oh for goodness sake! I think the painted furniture is beautiful! You took plain, dated furniture and turned those pieces into charming, very pretty pieces. I don't think anyone would really prefer the "befores" to the "afters."
Gina
I am lol at the anon comment. My sister and I are always at battle over painted vs not painted. I am in the process of painting my bookshelf. She loves that peice of furniture and thinks I am committing a crime for painting it. I laugh at her. I hate dark wood, I adore painted wood. And it's mine...so I paint it. And then I laugh when she gets all teary.
I am having a terrible time with paint strokes on mine. i will try sanding it and see if that helps. I wanted a shiny smooth surface (which is unusual for me) but since it doesn't look smooth anyway, i will distress it a bit and see if that works.
I do have one question? Will the paste wax mess up my books? I would love that shiner sheen, but am worried about my books, and am wondering if I should put a clear polyurethane on it. What are your thoughts?
Cindy your home is beautiful and if you hadn't said different I would have thought a lot of money had been spent. You evidently have a talent for design, fancy coming over the pond for a few weeks and sorting me out:o) I have only just found your blog tonight so I got to enjoy everything anew, as for the annonymous posters negative unkind comment well not putting their name to it speaks volumes.
I have bookmarked your blog and look forward to sharing in your new adventures.
Peg
Hi,
We have lots collections of small tables. Is it made of solid mahogany wood or teak you can find it in Indonesian solid mahogany tables and Small Tables
Thank you.
Sincerely yours,
Muhammad Hisyam Muiz.
What a kind person you are to post this for all of us who drool when we look at how you can transform a yard sale item or a thrift shop item into an heirloom.
That table transformation is beautiful. It would fit into any room in the house.
Cindy, have you ever considered writing a book? With the many projects you do, you could do that so easily. And, I imagine companies such as Krylon would make some contribution because you use their products.
Anyway, just a thought.
Again, thank you so much for this transformation guide. I have an old, small, drop-leaf table that I would like to redo. Your photos are so inspiring.
JayJay
This post has been removed by the author.
Thank you so much for sharing the secret!! I always get streaks in my painting.. what kind of brush do you use? I've been told to use a roller, but that hasn't turned out that great either...I seem to be able to see where the roller overlaps! And many times you can see blotchiness from different angles.. what am I doing wrong?? HELP!! Please comment or email me! Thanks so much!!
Tracy
tlhaws@gmail.com
Thank you Cindy! I need to wait one more month in Ontario (still too cold) and I like to work in my garage. Minimizes the dust indoors. I will tackle my cabinet soon. I will take before pics. Thanks for the clear instructions! I have added you to my favorties!!! Karen
You named a certain brand of wax. Do you think Johnsons Paste Wax would work the same way or have you had negative experiences with it?
I have been reading your blog over and over...almost daily. It inspires me to work on my house and attempt to make it as beautiful as yours. I have finally purchased a few pieces of furniture that I would like to pain...as well as a few other items...but I need a little help. When you paint your cages, frames, etc., do you use the same technique? Just wondering how you go about painting plastic and metal and still being able to give it the 'distressed' look I want. Thanks so much for your time and for your blog! You really do need to write a book for those of us that are just starting out! :o)
I just painted a little table hat I had with leftover paint I used to paint my kitchen, and I did not sand or strip it first, but it turned out nice I think . Do you know a trick to getting paint off kitchen cabinets?? also, do you know how to make a tufted bed headboard??? I would love to buy one, but am on a budget, I don't think it could be to hard...
Try using a foam brush and you won't have any streaks.
I am so bad with picking out colors, even whites! Could you tell me the name/brand of color you used on bed? It is gorgeous.
Thanks!
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