I have been blogging a while and painting furniture is a hobby. I always feel like I need to tell you that I am not an expert, just a learner who is sharing what I learn to do and not to do regarding paint.
I do not use chalk paint, but if you do, good for you. It just doesn’t work for me.
We use interior latex paint. I do get asked about how I paint a lot so here is my non-expert advice.
1. Don’t “cheap out” on paint or brushes and quality paint. I personally use Behr paint with primer, but Valspar signature and Sherwin Williams has a good quality paint. There are tons of great paints, but be aware that every brand has a cheap line. STAY AWAY from cheap paint or you will think you can’t paint. I buy quality paint in the oops section sometimes. Buy good brushes. I use Purdy brushes because they are awesome. Cheap brushes will give you a poor quality paint job.
2. Take the time to prep before painting. Sand, prime, tape off, clean and prepare. This is not time wasted. Take the time to get ready to paint or you will not be happy with the results.
3. If you are painting a lot, invest in a sprayer. We love ours and now have it down to a science. You can even prime your work using a sprayer. We can paint four times the amount of stuff with a sprayer than we could with just a brush. Nothing gives you the smooth finish a sprayer does.
Here is a link to a cool one I want to buy because it uses mason jars to hold the paint. (We have three sprayers now so I am having a hard time justifying the purchase.) sprayer
4. Find a good black, white, red, green, yellow, blue, and brown to keep on hand. Mine are: black suede, sea salt, red red wine, happy camper, jackfruit, sailboat, and revival mahogany. I use other colors but I seem to go back to these colors when I am stuck.
Behr Color Smart
5. Learn use a glaze. I use Behr Faux Effects. Glazing adds depth to a piece. I don’t use it on every piece but I love the look.
6. It can be too hot, too cold, or too wet to paint outside. Don’t force it. Read the can. If it is too hot or too humid when you paint it will give you a sticky finish.
7. Use paint conditioner. It causes the paint to smooth out and gives the best finish.
8. Let the paint cure. That means after it is painted, leave it alone. I usually leave it to dry a week…because we only work at the Garagemahal on weekends, but at least three days in humid weather before adding a polyurethane finish. If you skip this step you could end up with a finish that just doesn’t seem to dry.
9. Use a poly or oil based sealer on your paint. If your house is full of kids, dogs and messy husbands, you will regret not adding a coat of something to minimize scratches, dings, and water marks..
10. Don’t be afraid to paint it again if you don’t like the color. If you hate it, repaint it…or give it away. I may or may not have done the second choice more than once.
I hope you try painting furniture if you haven’t before. Color is good.
Have a great day.
Blessings,
Karen
