How to Paint Pre-Finished Furniture

 

Painting mismatched or worn-out furniture is the go-to way to make it suit your style. But as you’ve experienced, dipping a brush into a paint can and applying a coat or two usually doesn’t cut it.

For long-lasting results, first sand the finish so paint will adhere to the wood better. Start with 80-grit sandpaper, and work your way up to 220-grit. Follow the grain of the wood, and use a tack cloth to wipe the surfaces clean between sandings. When you’re done, check for dents that may need to be repaired.

 

The preliminary work is done, so now it’s time to paint — but don’t just slop the color on. You’ll get better results if you apply two or three thin coats of satin, semi-gloss, or gloss paint using a synthetic-bristle brush and following the grain of the wood.

 

For better protection, follow up with a water-based polyurethane finish. The end result will look like it was painted by the pros, and you can be sure it will last.