Publish date:: Dec 10, 2007
Updated on: Nov 7, 2018

How to Repaint a Piece of Furniture

Whether you're resurrecting an old, beat-up wooden table or giving that avocado-colored nightstand a new lease on life, a quick coat of paint can update even the most hopeless furniture.

Instructions

Step 1: Protect floor Put the piece of furniture on some newspaper or a drop cloth to protect your floor from paint. Make sure you're in a well-ventilated location.
Step 2: Remove hardware If the item has any hardware, unscrew and remove it now.
Step 3: Remove grit Gently rub the surface of the furniture with your fine-grit sandpaper to remove any grit and to help the paint adhere.
Step 4: Remove dust Remove any dust from the piece with a tack rag or a damp microfiber cloth.
TIP: You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove the dust.
Step 5: Apply primer Apply a thin coat of primer to the entire piece, brushing with the grain of the wood if it's visible.
TIP: If you're going to use a bright or deep colored paint, mix a little of it into your primer for better coverage.
Step 6: Let primer dry Wait at least an hour or two for the primer to dry completely.
Step 7: Apply paint coat Apply a coat of your paint over the primer, again brushing with the grain of the wood if it's visible.
TIP: Start painting in the middle of the object, as opposed to the outside. This will avoid paint dripping from the edges.
TIP: For a very modern look, use a semi- or high-gloss paint with a foam brush for a smooth, shiny finish
Step 8: Let paint dry Wait for the paint to dry completely—the longer you wait, the better, so try to let it dry overnight if you can.
Step 9: Paint 2nd coat If the paint still looks a little spotty, blotchy, or uneven, give the furniture a second coat of paint.
Step 10: Apply varnish If the furniture will be outside or is likely to get scratched or dinged from heavy use, apply a coat of varnish.
Step 11: Replace hardware When the paint is completely dry, put any hardware you removed back on—or replace it with new, updated hardware—and position your renewed piece in a place of honor.
FACT: Avocado green was the designer color of the 1960s and 1970s—there were avocado refrigerators, avocado countertops, even avocado toilets!