Find The Best Paint to Paint Furniture. The Ultimate Guide

When it comes to refreshing old furniture or giving a new piece a personalized touch, choosing the right paint is crucial. Not only does the paint you choose need to look good, but it also needs to be durable enough to withstand daily use. Whether you’re refurbishing a family heirloom or customizing a new purchase, this guide will help you find the best paint for your furniture project.

Acrylic Paint: Versatile and Easy to Use

Acrylic paint is a popular choice for furniture due to its versatility and ease of use. It adheres well to a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, and plastic, making it an excellent option for almost any furniture piece. Acrylic paint dries quickly and is available in a range of finishes from matte to high gloss, allowing for a variety of looks depending on your style preference.

Recommended Brands:

1. Behr Premium Plus Ultra: Known for its excellent coverage and durability, this acrylic paint is a go-to for many DIY enthusiasts.
2. FolkArt Acrylic Paint: Ideal for smaller projects and decorative details, this paint offers a wide range of colors and finishes.
3. Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint: A budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality, perfect for crafting and small furniture projects.

Acrylic paint is also water-based, which makes it easy to clean up with just soap and water, a big plus if you’re working on a project indoors. It’s durable enough for daily use but might require a protective topcoat for items like tabletops or dressers that see a lot of wear.

Enamel Paint: For a Durable, Glossy Finish

Enamel paint is the go-to option for a hard, glossy finish that can stand up to heavy use. It’s highly resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture, making it ideal for furniture that needs to be both attractive and durable. Whether you’re painting a kitchen table or an outdoor bench, enamel paint will provide a long-lasting, professional-looking finish.

Recommended Brands:

1. Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Enamel: This oil-based enamel is perfect for outdoor furniture and pieces that need to endure the elements.
2. Krylon ColorMaster Paint + Primer: A spray enamel that’s easy to apply and gives a smooth, even finish, ideal for detailed or intricate furniture.
3. Benjamin Moore Advance: A waterborne alkyd enamel that offers the durability of oil-based paint with the ease of water cleanup, making it perfect for indoor furniture.

One of the key benefits of enamel paint is its durability. It’s perfect for surfaces that will see a lot of use, such as dining tables, chairs, or children’s furniture. The downside is that enamel paint takes longer to dry and can be trickier to apply evenly, especially for beginners.

Gray Furniture: Timeless and Versatile Paint Colors

Gray is a timeless and versatile color for furniture, offering a neutral base that can complement any room decor. Whether you prefer a cool, modern gray or a warm, cozy shade, these colors from Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore are excellent choices.

Recommended Colors:

1. Sherwin Williams Repose Gray SW 7015
2. Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52
3. Sherwin Williams Dovetail SW 7018
4. Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC-168
5. Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray SW 7016
6. Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170
7. Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029

These shades of gray are perfect for creating a sophisticated look while remaining neutral enough to blend with a variety of styles and color schemes. Gray furniture can anchor a room, providing a calming backdrop that allows other design elements to shine.

Navy Blue Paint: Classic Elegance for Furniture

Navy blue is a classic color that adds a touch of elegance and drama to any furniture piece. Whether you’re updating an old dresser or refinishing a set of dining chairs, navy blue can transform your furniture into a statement piece.

Recommended Colors:

1. Sherwin Williams Naval SW 6244
2. Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154
3. Sherwin Williams In the Navy SW 9178
4. Benjamin Moore Old Navy 2063-10
5. Sherwin Williams Indigo Batik SW 7602
6. Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue HC-155
7. Sherwin Williams Dark Night SW 6237

These rich navy tones work beautifully with metallic accents like gold or brass and pair well with both modern and traditional decor. Navy blue is especially striking when used on larger pieces like wardrobes or buffets, creating a focal point in any room.

Refurbishing Furniture: Bringing New Life to Old Pieces

Refurbishing old furniture is not only a cost-effective way to update your home decor, but it’s also a satisfying way to preserve the character and charm of well-loved pieces. The key to a successful refurbishment project is choosing the right paint.

Recommended Paints:

1. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint: This paint is known for its ability to adhere to almost any surface without priming or sanding, making it ideal for refurbishing.
2. General Finishes Milk Paint: A high-quality paint that gives a smooth, durable finish with minimal prep work.
3. Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint: Offers the same easy application and vintage look as traditional chalk paint but at a more affordable price.

When refurbishing furniture, it’s important to assess the condition of the piece and decide how much prep work is needed. For example, older pieces with peeling paint or rough surfaces may require sanding and priming before painting. Using the right tools and techniques can ensure that your refurbished furniture looks as good as new.

Vintage Furniture: Achieving an Authentic Aged Look

If you’re aiming for a vintage or shabby chic look, the type of paint you choose is crucial. Vintage furniture often requires a paint that can create an authentically aged appearance, with soft colors and a matte or distressed finish.

Recommended Paints:

1. Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint: This paint naturally chips and distresses over time, perfect for creating a truly vintage look.
2. Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint: Ideal for achieving a soft, matte finish that can be easily distressed for an antique appearance.
3. Fusion Mineral Paint: Offers a similar look to chalk paint but with greater durability and a built-in topcoat.

When painting vintage furniture, consider using techniques like distressing, where you sand away some of the paint to reveal the wood underneath or layering different colors for a more textured, aged look. These techniques, combined with the right paint, can give your furniture that sought-after vintage charm.

Yellow Paint: Adding a Pop of Color to Your Furniture

Yellow is a cheerful and vibrant color that can brighten up any piece of furniture. Whether you’re painting a small side table or an entire set of kitchen chairs, yellow can add a pop of color that enlivens your space.

Recommended Colors:

1. Sherwin Williams Hawthorne Yellow SW 1665
2. Benjamin Moore Yellow Rain Coat 2020-40
3. Sherwin Williams Butter Up SW 6681
4. Benjamin Moore Soleil AF-330
5. Sherwin Williams Lemon Twist SW 6909
6. Benjamin Moore Golden Retriever 2152-30
7. Sherwin Williams Friendly Yellow SW 6680

These shades of yellow range from soft, buttery tones to bold, sunny hues, allowing you to choose the perfect shade for your project. Yellow furniture can brighten up a room and add a touch of whimsy and warmth, making it a great choice for both modern and traditional spaces.

Aluminum Patio Furniture: Durable Paint for Outdoor Use

Painting aluminum patio furniture requires a paint that can withstand the elements, including sun, rain, and humidity. The paint you choose needs to be durable, long-lasting, and resistant to chipping and fading.

Recommended Paints:

1. Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Protective Enamel: This paint provides a tough, weather-resistant coating that protects aluminum furniture from the elements.
2. Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint: Designed specifically for metal, this spray paint offers excellent adhesion and durability.
3. Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover: A versatile paint that offers great coverage and a durable finish for outdoor furniture.

When painting aluminum furniture, it’s important to clean and sand the surface thoroughly before applying paint to ensure good adhesion. Using a primer designed for metal surfaces can also help the paint adhere better and last longer.

Dark Wood Furniture: Choosing the Right Paint Color

Dark wood furniture has a rich, timeless appeal, but choosing the right paint color to complement it can be tricky. Whether you’re painting an entire piece or just updating the details, the right color can enhance the natural beauty of dark wood.

Recommended Colors:

1. Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008
2. Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117
3. Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze SW 7048
4. Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain 2134-30
5. Sherwin Williams Iron Ore SW 7069
6. Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal HC-166
7. Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258

These colors range from soft whites to deep charcoals and blacks, offering a range of options that pair beautifully with dark wood. Whether you’re aiming for contrast or a more harmonious look, these shades can help you achieve the desired effect.

Honey Oak Furniture: Warm, Complementary Paint Colors

Honey oak furniture, with its warm, golden tones, requires paint colors that complement rather than clash with its natural warmth. Choosing the right paint color can enhance the beauty of honey oak and bring out its rich tones.

Recommended Colors:

1. Sherwin Williams Canvas Tan SW 7531
2. Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173
3. Sherwin Williams Natural Linen SW 9109
4. Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter HC-172
5. Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige SW 7036
6. Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan HC-81
7. Sherwin Williams Softer Tan SW 6141

These soft, neutral colors work well with honey oak, bringing out its warm tones without overwhelming the room. Whether you’re painting walls, trim, or other furniture pieces, these colors can create a cohesive, inviting space.

Kids’ Furniture: Safe and Durable Paint Options

When painting kids’ furniture, safety and durability are the top priorities. You’ll want to choose a paint that’s non-toxic, easy to clean, and resistant to wear and tear. Look for paints that are certified as safe for use on children’s furniture and toys.

Recommended Paints:

1. Clare Wall Paint: This paint is GreenGuard Gold certified, meaning it’s safe for kids’ furniture and toys.
2. Lullaby Paints: A non-toxic paint that’s free from harmful chemicals, making it safe for nurseries and kids’ rooms.
3. Sherwin Williams ProClassic Waterborne Interior Acrylic Enamel: Offers a durable finish that’s easy to clean, perfect for kids’ furniture.

These paints are not only safe but also provide a durable finish that can stand up to the daily wear and tear of children’s use. When painting kids’ furniture, consider using fun, bright colors to create a cheerful, inviting space.

Neutral Furniture: Timeless Paint Colors

Neutral paint colors are always a safe bet when painting furniture, offering timeless appeal and versatility. Neutral tones can complement any decor style, making them ideal for pieces that you want to blend seamlessly into your home.

Recommended Colors:

1. Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029
2. Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17
3. Sherwin Williams Repose Gray SW 7015
4. Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist OC-27
5. Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008
6. Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65
7. Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige SW 7036

These neutral shades are perfect for creating a calming, cohesive look that works in any room. Whether you’re painting a dresser, nightstand, or dining table, these colors offer a timeless, elegant finish.

Red Paint: Bold and Dramatic Furniture Colors

Red is a bold and dramatic color choice for furniture, adding a sense of energy and excitement to any room. Whether you’re looking to make a statement with a single piece or tie together a vibrant color scheme, red paint can create a striking focal point.

Recommended Colors:

1. Sherwin Williams Red Bay SW 6321
2. Benjamin Moore Caliente AF-290
3. Sherwin Williams Heartthrob SW 6866
4. Benjamin Moore Heritage Red HC-181
5. Sherwin Williams Real Red SW 6868
6. Benjamin Moore Million Dollar Red 2003-10
7. Sherwin Williams Show Stopper SW 7588

These shades of red range from deep, rich tones to bright, eye-catching hues, allowing you to choose the perfect intensity for your project. Red furniture can add warmth and vibrancy to a space, making it a great choice for accent pieces or bold design statements.

This comprehensive guide offers you the best options for painting furniture, whether you’re looking for durability, ease of use, or a specific aesthetic.

With the right paint, your furniture can become a beautiful, functional part of your home that reflects your personal style.