A key factor to remember when painting a piece of furniture is to follow the grain of the wood. It will help the paint flow easily. Good brushes are another key to success. Chip brushes are inexpensive, but the hairs often fall out during painting, which can be detrimental to a good finish. Anyone can paint furniture using the following basic skills.
Instructions
1. Wipe down the piece of furniture. If the piece has paint on it all ready, you will need to sand it with a medium grit sandpaper to scuff the surface so the new application of paint will adhere to it. After sanding it, wipe it again to make sure the sanding dust is gone.
2. Read the instructions on the paint container. Temperatures affect the way the paint will react to the surface and may inhibit the drying process, so make sure the area you will use to paint in is the within the temperature guidelines.
3. Mix the paint well by stirring it. The paint should be smooth and creamy in texture with no separation in color. You can use the paint straight from the container if you wish instead of using a palette or paint tray.
4. Apply the paint to the undersides of the piece first. For instance, if you are painting an Adirondack chair, paint the underneath of the chair first before applying paint to the top side of it. Follow the grain of the wood so the paint distributes evenly. Move the brush in a forward and backward motion to retain the smoothness and quality of the paint flow.
5. Tape off any section of the furniture that will be painted a different color. The tape will need to be secure so the paint doesn't sneak underneath it. If that happens, use a small paint brush with a fine edge to smooth the paint where it has left a ragged edge.
6. Paint any indented places first. For example, if you are painting a piece of furniture with recessed sides, doors or lids, paint those before anything else. It is harder to paint the furniture if you start at the outer edges and move inward. Keep an eye on any paint that may have collected in puddles or dribbles and wipe them away with the brush immediately before they dry.
7. Allow the paint to dry overnight before applying a second coat. Remove any tape that is left on the piece and reapply it if needed when you are ready to add more color. Sometimes the paint under the tape will pull away if the tape is left on too long.
8. Keep the paint brushes clean by washing them in water. Should any color remain in the brush, use a mild detergent and water to remove it. Blot the water from the brush. Set the brush so it is lying flat. This will maintain the shape of the brush and keep water from entering the ferrule (the metal part that holds the brush hairs together).
