Furniture Makeovers- What paint should you pick for your first project?

Transforming furniture with a fresh coat of paint is a fantastic way to breathe new life into your dated pieces while expressing creativity and staying on budget. 

The paint market is growing, and you might see many new brands and colours you don't know what to pick. You don't know what type of paint will offer what finish, and I would like to give you a few tips I follow every time I work on my makeovers. But before we get to the paint types, we have to spend a few minutes discussing prep work, which is crucial for your makeover's success.

Preparing Your Furniture:

Before diving into painting, it's crucial to prepare your furniture correctly. This part is my least favourite and includes cleaning the surface to remove dirt, grease, and any old finish. You want the surface squicking clean. The next part is scuff sanding the surface lightly to help the paint adhere better. The prep part is the best to repair any dents, scratches, or imperfections with wood filler or putty for a smoother finish.

Choosing the Right Paint:

Chalk Paint: My favourite and highly recommended for beginners. Chalk paint adheres well to most surfaces without extensive prep work. It's perfect for achieving a distressed or shabby chic look. Easy to use and very forgiving. Beautiful mat finish, easy to blend different colours and add texture. Link to my favorite brand here.

Milk Paint: Made from natural ingredients like milk protein, lime, and pigment, milk paint creates a unique, authentic finish with subtle variations in colour and texture. It is durable, and you can make as much or as little as you need as it usually comes in powder, and you have to mix it with water to get the paint ready to use. Link to my favorite brand here.

Mineral paint: Mineral paint is for you if you want a smooth and clean finish. It is way thinner than chalk paint and, I would say, has different coverage in one coat. It gives you a smooth finish, and I love the self-levelling part and built-in top coat. Great for a soft, one-colour finish. Link to my favorite brand here.

Latex Paint and Spray Paint- I personally never use those two. The first one is used on walls and ceilings, so keep it that way. Spray paint might be tricky for the first time, so I suggest practicing before using it on an excellent project. 

Applying Paint Techniques:

Brush Painting:  Brush painting allows for greater control and precision, making it suitable for detailed work. Using a high-quality brush, apply paint in even strokes, following the wood grain for a smooth finish. Link to my favorite brand here.

Roller Painting: A foam roller provides efficient coverage and minimizes brush marks for large, flat surfaces like tabletops or dressers. Roll the paint in one direction for a seamless finish. Link to my favorite brand here.

Spraying: Spraying yields a professional-looking finish with minimal effort. Practice on scrap wood to adjust the spray pattern and pressure for optimal results. I would say give yourself some time and practice, training and practice. Link to my favorite brand here.

Finishing Touches:

Once the paint has dried completely, you can play with stencils, transfers or gold leaf. Always consider adding a protective topcoat to enhance durability and longevity. Options include clear wax for a subtle sheen, polyurethane for added resilience, or a matte sealer to preserve the paint's texture. 

Conclusion:

With the proper techniques and paint types, anyone can master the art of furniture makeovers. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of chalk paint or the sleek finish of mineral paint, experimenting with different materials and styles allows you to unleash your creativity and transform ordinary pieces into stunning works of art.