[Updated on 1 February 2025] A fresh coat of paint may give a new life to your furniture and give it a new appearance. Whether you’re painting a chair, table, nightstand, or other specialist items, this is an easy DIY project that can provide your furnishings with a unique look in just a few hours with only some basic materials. There are plenty of multiple options to choose from when painting your furniture. The first and perhaps most crucial decision you’ll have to make is the type of paint. These best types of paint for furniture may give a new life to your furniture, give it a new appearance, and make it long-lasting.
5 Best Types of Paint for Furniture
There are three main types of paint for furniture: oil, latex, and acrylic. There are also specialty paints, such as chalky or milk paint. You can improve your home’s appearance by painting it with a brush, roller, or spray paint. Each type of paint for furniture has its own advantages, and some are better suited for one type of project over another. Here are the five best types of paint for furniture:
Latex Paint
Latex paint is a popular choice for furniture because it is readily available. You can buy a pint or gallon of latex paint from your local hardware store from many brands. For indoor painting projects, there are low or no-VOC (volatile organic compound) formulas available that are highly recommended.
However, latex paint isn’t as durable as other paints and requires a very long time to cure. It has a soft finish that chips and scratches easily. This isn’t the best option for furniture that will be heavily used. Latex paint bonds to the furniture surface layer instead of soaking into porous surfaces like oil-based paint. This layer of paint is relatively easily damaged. Prep the surface with sanding and a primer for best results, and remember that further touch-ups may be required in the future.
On the other hand, one of the big benefits of latex paint for furniture is the wide range of color options available. Mix a custom shade in the paint counter that perfectly suits your furniture piece and decor, or choose from paint chips on hand. It’s simple to find the paint shade that matches your vision and space at this choice level.
Latex paint is also available in several finishes, including flat (matte), satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Choose the finish that best suits your project.
Flat
This type of latex paint won’t reflect much light and will have a matte, almost velvety appearance without any resins in the formula. However, it won’t be a very long-lasting finish that can handle a lot of rubbing, washing, and bumping. Save the finish for a project that won’t be put to heavy use on a daily basis. Consider using chalky paint for a more durable matte paint.
Satin
Paint with a satin finish reflects only a small amount of light. (A closely related finish is eggshell paint.) If you’re looking for matte paint that is also durable enough to be used on furniture, satin paint could be the best option for you. You’ll find it easier to keep clean if you opt for a washable formula.
Semi-gloss
If you’re looking for the best paint finish for furniture, consider using semi-gloss paint. Semi-gloss reflects light well and can stand up to washing and the demand of users. A semi-gloss paint formula with a greater concentration of resins is more long-lasting for furniture that will get regular use. A lot of individuals appreciate the shiny finish as well.
Gloss
A glossy paint finish may give your pieces the most drama and durability, but it demands the most prep. The higher the gloss, the more light they reflect and the greater amount of resins they contain. They can be easily cleaned and used repeatedly because of their increased resin content. But be careful: A surface with so much shine will accentuate imperfections. If you want to use this type of paint for your furniture projects, ensure that it is primed and that all previous damage has been repaired.
Best for: Furniture pieces that won’t get a lot of action and when affordability is a top factor.
- Available in different finishes
- Easy to clean with soap and water
- Readily available with abundant color options
- Long curing time
- Not all finishes can be washed
- It doesn’t stand up to heavy use
Chalky Paint
The growing popularity of chalky paint can be attributed to peoples’ increased desire to reclaim vintage furniture or give newer pieces old-world charm. Water-based paint is often made with latex as the base, but it has a thicker texture that can be built up.
You can find chalky paint at some major retailers, but it is becoming more popular and accessible. Although people have found success making their own chalky paint, buying a commercial formula tends to create the best and most consistent results. Though it’s more costly than traditional latex paint, people love it for its silky smooth finish and unique look.
There can be little of a learning curve when first using chalky paint, unlike other, more conventional paint for furniture. It dries quickly, which is a positive, but brush strokes may be seen if you return to an area for a touch-up once the paint has begun to dry. Prepare to practice some, and be flexible in the finished product’s overall appearance.
Chalky paint is popular among those looking for a more vintage or shabby chic look because it can be sanded or distressed to create a weathered look.
Best for: Getting a rich or refinishing antique pieces or matte look on furniture that you use on a daily basis might help you enjoy your home more.
- Smooth finish
- Fast drying time
- Adheres well to most surfaces
- Brush strokes might be visible
- The finish is subject to scratching or marking
- It can be expensive, with limited color options
Milk Paint
If you’re searching for a natural paint with a somewhat less chalky texture than chalky paint but still has many personalities, milk paint might be the right one for you. This non-toxic paint is created from milk protein with an activator, such as borax or lime. We add color pigments to the paint to create the desired tint. Milk paint is simple to age the finish with light sanding if you want that effect, but it’s just as easy to leave intact for a smooth, matte look.
People often use milk paint on furniture because it is environmentally friendly, has no chemicals, and doesn’t add any fumes. This paint was actually used for furniture, houses, and more before commercial paint became widely available. You can use it on several types of surfaces to achieve different finishes, though sometimes the finish doesn’t meet expectations in terms of saturation. Use a bonder with milk paint to more consistently obtain good results (and less chipping since this is a water-based paint). This is especially important on smooth surfaces, such as glass or plastic.
Milk paint is frequently supplied in the form of powder, which is a feature that sets it apart from other paints. Water may be added to the paint to adjust the required quantity, and any surplus may be kept for future use or touch-ups. It’s usually less expensive than chalky paint, but it provides comparable effects. It is possible that a top coat of wax or oil will be required to preserve the finish.
Best for: Furniture you want to look weathered, antiqued, or distressed.
- Dries quickly
- Non-toxic powder formula
- It can be used on most surfaces
- Tough to achieve consistent saturation
- It might chip or scratch without sealer
- Bonder is sometimes required
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is a type of water-based paint for furniture. It is similar to latex paint in many ways. The pigments in our color particles are suspended in an acrylic polymer, giving you a rich and smoother finish. This kind of paint can be used on various surfaces, making it perfect for painting furniture. However, it typically comes in small containers—ideal if you’re working on smaller projects, like console tables, picture frames, and other accent pieces.
Acrylic paint is so easy to work with and self-leveling, making it ideal for small jobs. A primer is always a good idea if you want the paint to adhere better to the surface. Acrylic paint dries quickly, allowing you to apply many layers in a short amount of time. Once the project is fully completed, you’ll need to allow it plenty of time to cure fully. This paint is water-based, making it easy to clean with just soap and water.
Acrylic paint is more elastic and, therefore, less likely to chip or crack than some other types of water-based paint. However, it is still best used for pieces that don’t require heavy usage.
Best for: Any small pieces of furniture or accents that require a fast, economical coat of paint.
- Rich color
- Easy to apply and self-levels
- Resilient finish that resists stains
- Long curing time
- It needs a primer for the best results
- Typically sold in small containers
Oil Paint
Alkyd paint, more commonly known as oil-based paint, is one of the most long-lasting paints you can use on furniture. However, this long-lasting quality comes with a price tag. Oil-based paints are costly, take a long time to dry, and have high VOC levels that need plenty of ventilation. Oil-based paint isn’t available everywhere and is prohibited in certain locations due to its components.
If you want a more enduring finish that will not scratch or chip easily, painting furniture with oil-based paint is worth considering. You will require a natural bristle brush and either mineral spirits or turpentine for paint thinner and clean-up. The main benefit of oil paint for furniture is that it can be applied to most surfaces and sticks well. It is easy to apply because it saturates any porous surface and levels itself. Though it takes up to 24 hours for each coat of paint to dry, oil-based paints cure more quickly than water-based paints.
If you do not know what type of finish is currently on a piece of furniture, then you might also consider oil-based paint. Water-based paint will have a harder time adhering to a surface painted earlier than oil-based paint. You can paint oil-based paint over either water or oil-based paint successfully.
Best for: Any furniture that gets a lot of use or needs a long-lasting finish.
- Durable finish
- Self-leveling formula
- It can be used on most surfaces
- High levels of VOCs
- Not available everywhere
- Long drying times between coats
Important Factors To Consider Before Purchasing Paint for Furniture
There are several important factors to consider before purchasing paint for furniture:
Surface Preparation
Surface preparation is key for paint adhesion and durability. This means you must sand, clean, and prime the surface before applying the paint.
Type of Paint
There are all types of paints you can use for furniture, such as latex, acrylic, chalk, milk, and oil-based options. Every type has unique properties and finishes. Therefore, select one that matches your intended result and meets the particular requirements of your furniture piece.
Finish
The finish options are matte, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. The matte finish gives furniture a cool, restrained vibe, while the gloss finish amplifies the shine for a more reflective look. The finish greatly affects the furniture’s final look.
Color Selection
Select a color that enhances your space’s aesthetic and matches your style. Think about factors like what your place already looks like, how much light you get, and the vibe you’re going for.
Durability and Protection
Depending on its use, the durability and protection of the furniture may be key factors. Some paints are more durable or specially formulated for high-traffic or outdoor areas. Think about if you need more sealants or topcoats for that extra layer of protection.
Application Method
Decide if you’ll use a brush, roller, or spray gun to apply it. Different techniques can give you different results and might require different levels of skill and gear.
Drying Time and Cure Time
Make sure you know how long your paint needs to dry and cure. Drying time is the time it takes for paint to dry enough to touch, while cure time is when the paint is totally hardened and at its toughest.
Safety Considerations
Ensure good indoor ventilation when painting and follow the paint manufacturer’s safety guidelines. Some paints contain harmful chemicals like VOCs; take health and environmental safety precautions.
Budget
Keep your budget in mind when choosing paint for furniture. High-quality paints provide better coverage, durability, and finish despite their higher cost.
Test and Experiment
Test the paint on a small area or sample board before painting the entire furniture piece to check its appearance and performance.
FAQ’s
Q1. Can I use latex paint on outdoor furniture?
Q2. Is chalky paint suitable for high-traffic furniture pieces?
Chalky paint gives a gorgeous matte look but might not hold up too well on furniture that gets a lot of action. It can easily get scratched or marked, making it perfect for decorative items or stuff you don’t use too much.
Q3. Do I need to apply a top coat over milk paint?
Applying a top coat like wax or oil over your milk paint is a smart move if you’re looking for that extra finish and protection. It’ll boost durability and make sure the paint stays put.
Q4. Can I use acrylic paint on large furniture pieces?
Acrylic paint works great for smaller furniture pieces or accents, mainly because it usually comes in smaller containers. For bigger projects, think about using latex or oil-based paint. They give you better coverage and durability.
Q5. How can I minimize the strong odor of oil-based paint?
Make sure the painting area is well-ventilated, and consider wearing a respirator mask. Also, picking paints with low VOC or those that are odorless can reduce that strong smell.
Conclusion
Overall, we recommend chalky paint to make your life easier by cutting down on all the pre-painting prep. This paint has everything—primer, bonder, and finisher—all in one mix. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, latex paint provides a wide selection of colors and customized colors at an affordable price.
When picking out the perfect paint for your furniture, remember to consider factors like getting the surface ready, what kind of finish you want, and how it affects the environment. Choosing and applying the right techniques can make your furniture stunning and improve your living space for years.
