Demystifying Furniture Painting: A Step-by-Step Guide to Quality Transformation
Painted wooden furniture has been around for thousands of years. It’s not a fad and is here to stay in its many guises and forms.
Did you know the ancient Egyptians used ‘Gesso’ (a medium used mainly as a primer for canvas and oil paintings) to protect their wooden furniture?
I decided to put this article together to help bust a few myths about painted furniture and briefly explain to you the professional process that I use to create each piece of quality hand painted furniture that you will see in The Gallery section of my website.
Perhaps this article will help put your mind at ease and answer some questions that you might have before purchasing one of my unique hand-crafted painted items through my online shop
In recent years gone by, the most common, and at the time one of the only mediums you could paint furniture with was chalk paint. And out of that era the ‘shabby chic’ look was born. Fast forward 20 years and it is a whole different story. I myself cannot even keep up with the number of different types of professional furniture paint and products on the market. Technology, skill and knowledge has come a long way. And yes! The number of people painting furniture has risen and it is now a popular hobby with some selling their hobby work too. So, I can really understand your apprehensions.
I’ve been painting furniture professionally for over 10 years and although I don’t have a qualification in ‘furniture painting’ per sae, I do have qualifications in Art, photography, Graphic Design and Interior Design. I have been painting and drawing nearly all my life. And along with many other life skills I have learned I have put into place a robust system for checking, designing, painting and finishing each of my pieces, whether they be sale items or commission pieces.
I will take you though it briefly…….
Before I even pick up a paint brush or even think about the design of a piece of furniture, I make sure that the piece I have chosen will pass my strict scrutineering process. Furniture has to be safe right? I wouldn’t dream of putting something for sale that wasn’t fit for purpose.
For those of you that know me I am a stickler for checklists. Yes… I have a different checklist for different items such as chairs and chests of drawers. On that checklist is a set of criteria that I check before any work is carried out. The list covers things like checking each chair leg, is it sturdy, strong and fit for purpose? If not then I make the repairs and go through the checklist again.
Once this process has been undertaken, I know we are good to go and I can go ahead and start the fun part, and that’s making up a design. I put together a mood board which helps to see if the design will work. The mood board will help me discover if the colour will suit the piece and the additions of new hardware and decorative finishes will complement. This ensures I achieve a look that is pleasing to the eye and presents that wow factor.
The next process is to clean the item. This is essential for a number of reasons:
Better Adhesion: A clean surface allows the paint to adhere properly to the furniture. Paint needs a clean, smooth surface to bond effectively. If there’s residue or grease, it might interfere with the paint’s ability to stick.
Dust and Dirt Removal: Cleaning the surface removes any dust, dirt, or grime that might have accumulated over time. Painting over a dirty surface can result in an uneven finish or flaky paint where it hasn’t stuck properly to the surface.
Smooth Finish: Removing any dirt or imperfections ensures a smoother finish. When paint is applied to a clean surface, it’s less likely to clump, bubble, or create an uneven texture.
Longevity: Properly cleaning the surface helps the paint job last longer. It prevents premature chipping, peeling, or cracking of the paint, maintaining the furniture’s appearance for an extended period.
Overall, cleaning the furniture before painting is a simple yet crucial step that significantly contributes to the quality and longevity of the final painted product.
To do this I firstly remove all the hardware. We don’t want to get it ruined in the cleaning process or get paint on it further down the line. Removing the hardware also gives me the opportunity to clean any build-up of residue where the hardware has been secured to the surface.
Then I get a bowl of hot water, some cloths and a quality environmentally friendly cleaner and degreaser and manually clean the whole item. Then to ensure there is no residue left from the degreaser I wipe over the whole item with a damp cloth.
I even vacuum underneath and inside drawers to remove cobwebs with help from an old paint brush. This is a vital process and a helpful one too. It always gives me the opportunity to give the piece of furniture a full inspection and will often flag up some minor repairs that might need doing. Whether that is gluing, filling, strengthening a foot etc. This process helps to further ensure that the item is strong, study and fit for purpose.
Once the item is dry, which can mean leaving it until the next day to ensure there is no moisture trapped in the wood, I can get on with sanding, which serves several important purposes.
Surface Smoothing: Sanding helps to smooth out any imperfections, rough patches, or uneven surfaces on the furniture. This creates a uniform and level base for the paint to adhere to, resulting in a more professional-looking finish.
Paint Adhesion: By roughening up the surface slightly, sanding provides a better texture for the paint to grip onto. This improves adhesion, reducing the chances of the paint peeling or chipping over time.
Removal of Existing Finish: In cases where the furniture has an existing finish or varnish, sanding helps to remove or roughen it, allowing the new paint to adhere more effectively. It ensures that the new paint bonds directly to the furniture material.
Prevention of Blemishes: Sanding also helps to remove any glossy or shiny finishes, which might prevent the paint from sticking properly. It creates a surface that’s more receptive to primer and paint application, minimizing the risk of blemishes or paint failure.
On large surfaces I use an orbital electric sanding machine with sanding discs and on occasions different grit sizes are required to remove a varnish or finishes then I sand to a smoother surface for adding the paint. More often than not there are always tricky corners, rails and details that need sanding too. These always need to be undertaken by hand and are very time consuming.
Most items I paint require a primer. I always use a top-quality primer that I know is up to the job and these are often expensive and are oil based. My preferred brands are Blockade by Smith and Rodger and Zinzer Bin.
Primer is a crucial part of the furniture painting process for several reasons:
Enhanced Adhesion: Primer creates a surface that promotes better adhesion for the paint. It helps the paint stick to the furniture more effectively, especially on materials like wood or surfaces with existing finishes.
Uniform Surface: Applying primer creates a uniform base by filling in small imperfections, pores, or gaps on the furniture’s surface. This results in a smoother and more even finish when the paint is applied.
Improved Durability: Primer acts as a protective barrier, preventing the paint from being absorbed directly into the furniture material. This helps to enhance the durability of the paint job, making it less prone to chipping, peeling, or fading.
Prevents Stains and Bleed-Through: In some cases, especially with wood furniture, certain types of wood can release tannins or stains that can bleed through the paint layers. Using a primer seals the surface, preventing these stains from affecting the final paint colour.
Ultimately, primer acts as a foundation for the paint, improving its adhesion and durability while also helping achieve a more professional and long-lasting finish on painted furniture.
After leaving the primer overnight to dry and for any moisture to evaporate, I check the item again for any drips or pooled paint (I am human after all). If need be, I give the piece a light sanding by hand to flatten off the piece and then I think we are ready for painting.
So, you can see so far that preparing an item of furniture and getting it ready to paint can take up to two days depending on the size of the piece and then there is drying time.
Now it’s time to paint yipeeee…………….. and for this article I will explain the process for painting an item of furniture in one solid colour with no special techniques. They take even longer and require even more tools and equipment.
I paint by hand and that means with a paint brush and on larger surfaces a small roller. To ensure I get the modern professional clean and seamless finish I only use the best materials out there. Currently the paint of choice is Fusion mineral paint.
Fusion Mineral Paint is a brand known for its high-quality acrylic-based paints specifically designed for furniture and home decor. I like it for its durability and self-levelling qualities. Once cured, this paint forms a durable finish that’s resistant to chipping, peeling, and fading, making it suitable for furniture that undergoes regular use and when used correctly gives an amazing professional finish.
Once I have chosen my paint colour I gather all the painting equipment I need. A roller and sleeve, a tray, a paint brush and tine foil (to line the tray with).
My favourite roller of choice is a microfibre roller by a company called Two Fussy Blokes. These rollers are top quality and are well-regarded in the painting industry making them a popular choice among professional painters.
Quality of Finish: These rollers are known for delivering a smooth, even finish without leaving lint or fibres behind. This feature is particularly important when painting furniture as it ensures a professional-looking result.
Smooth and Even Coating: Two Fussy Blokes rollers are designed to deliver a smooth and uniform paint application. This means fewer streaks, lines, or texture inconsistencies, resulting in a visually appealing finish.
No Lint or Fibers: These rollers are known for their lint-free performance. This is crucial in achieving a flawless finish, especially on furniture, as it ensures that no stray fibres or lint get trapped in the paint, leaving a clean and professional appearance.
Enhanced Detailing: The rollers’ ability to provide a fine finish allows for better detailing and precision in painting intricate furniture designs, edges, and corners, giving a polished and refined look.
Consistency: They contribute to maintaining consistency in the paint application throughout the furniture piece, minimizing variations in colour or texture that might detract from the overall appeal.
So you can see that my choice of roller truly demonstrates my high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Ultimately, I aim for a flawless and professional finish every time.
With that I use a brush to cut in and paint some of the detailed areas and my favourite choice is ‘Cling on’ they are of exceptional quality and have the ability to achieve a very high professional finish.
Smooth Application: Cling On! Brushes are known for their fine, synthetic bristles that result in a smooth and even application of paint. This feature is crucial for achieving a flawless finish on furniture surfaces.
No Strokes or Lines: These brushes are designed to minimize brush strokes, leaving behind a brushless finish. This is especially beneficial when painting furniture, as it helps create a seamless and uniform appearance. And recently I have discovered CLH Brushes, made from high quality soft nylon giving a superior finish.
I never scrimp on my tools and equipment, I always stick to high-quality equipment, which in turn contributes to the exceptional quality and finish of my painted furniture that I am aiming for in every piece I paint.
Now I have explained what tools and equipment I use to paint I will now delve into how I do it.
At brush on Wood my painting process isn’t just about adding colour—it’s about crafting a flawless finish that lasts. I follow a meticulous approach that involves cutting in and applying multiple layers of paint, ensuring the highest quality and durability of the painted furniture.
Before diving into full brush or roller application, I start with cutting in. This technique involves using a brush to carefully paint along edges, corners, and intricate details of the furniture piece. I do this for precision. Cutting in allows me to reach areas that rollers or larger brushes might miss, ensuring every nook and cranny receives an even coat of paint. This step sets the foundation for a seamless finish, preventing visible lines or uneven edges, especially on intricate designs or decorative elements.
I believe that a superior finish comes from layering. Rather than rushing through with one thick coat, I apply multiple thin layers of paint for depth and resilience. Each layer of paint adds depth and richness to the colour, creating a vibrant and lustrous finish. Moreover, multiple thin layers ensure better adhesion and durability, reducing the risk of chipping, cracking, or premature wear.
My Patience always pays off. By allowing each layer to dry thoroughly before applying the next, (which can take up to two hours or longer depending on the conditions) ensures a strong bond between coats, resulting in a longer-lasting, more robust finish. This process might take a bit longer, but the result is a beautifully layered, resilient coat of paint that stands the test of time.
Depending on what colour I am using, then number of coats I paint on a piece can vary from a minimum of three up to six coats, yes six coats of colour! The lighter colours such as white and creams always take more. White and cream colours tend to have less pigment compared to darker shades. Achieving opacity, or full coverage, with lighter colours can be challenging because they allow more of the underlying surface colour or imperfections to show through, hence more coats required.
Now here comes I the waiting game of drying and curing. You might have heard me say before that I believe in the art of patience when it comes to painting furniture. There is great significance of both drying and curing times in the painting process as they are essential to achieving a durable and stunning finish.
Drying: Once the paint is applied, the initial drying time refers to when the paint is no longer wet to the touch. However, it’s crucial to note that dryness on the surface doesn’t equate to full readiness for use. Beyond the surface. While the top layer might seem dry, the paint underneath could still be in the process of drying. Premature handling or use can lead to smudges, imprints, or damage to the paint job, jeopardizing all the effort put into achieving a flawless finish.
Curing: Curing goes beyond drying—it’s the period where the paint fully hardens and reaches its maximum durability. This phase might take longer, but it’s a critical step in ensuring the longevity and resilience of the paint job.
So why do need to wait for it to cure?
Strength and durability. Allowing the paint to cure fully enhances its toughness, making it more resistant to scratches, scuffs, and wear over time. Rushing this stage could compromise the strength of the finish, leading to premature damage and the need for touch-ups. That is why often when I paint commissions for clients I ask if they can do without their precious piece of furniture for up to four weeks.
The beauty of course is all in the sealing and/or final protection I give each piece after they have been painted. It’s the final touch that ensures the furniture stays as stunning as the day it was painted. This protective layer serves two crucial purposes:
Protection: The sealant acts as a shield against everyday wear and tear, safeguarding the paint from scratches, stains, moisture, and fading due to exposure to sunlight.
Enhanced Durability: By sealing the paint, I enhance its durability and extend its lifespan, ensuring the furniture maintains its beauty for years to come.
For this I use a professional brand called Polyvine. It offers a range of high-quality decorative paint finishes, varnishes, and specialty products for furniture and interior applications. They are particularly recognized for their durable and versatile water-based varnishes and sealers for a number of reasons.
Durability: Polyvine varnishes are known for their durability, providing excellent protection to painted surfaces against scratches, moisture, and general wear and tear.
Versatility: They offer a range of finishes and formulas suitable for various surfaces and applications, including matt, satin, and gloss finishes. These varnishes work well on painted furniture, woodwork, and decorative pieces, so they are great for me as I can use them in a variety of situations.
Non-Yellowing: Polyvine’s varnishes are formulated to resist yellowing over time, maintaining the clarity of the painted surface and preserving the original colour of the paint.
Compatibility: They are compatible with different types of paints, including acrylics, oils, and chalk paints, offering flexibility in usage knowing that the varnish will not react with the paint.
Polyvine products, including their varnishes, are known for providing a professional finish and enhancing the overall appearance and longevity of painted furniture.
So with that in mind I normally have to apply tow to three coats of varnish. I do this applying a small amount of varnish to a sponge and slowly glide it across the surface of the painted item. Occasionally
Streaks form so I have to be extremely careful to prevent this. Once the first coat has dried I can repeat the process. If the surface of a piece of furniture it to be used in a heavy use area such as a kitchen or bathroom then I can apply two coats of one particular varnish and one coat of another one to give extra tough protection.
Transforming Your Space with Confidence
At Brush on Wood, I understand the apprehensions that can arise when considering the purchase of painted furniture. My mission is to dissolve those uncertainties and provide you with the assurance and confidence you need in choosing my handcrafted pieces.
Craftsmanship matters. Every stroke of paint, every application of sealant, and every choice of brush or roller is meticulously selected and applied with expertise. I prioritize quality at every stage, ensuring that each piece leaving my studio embodies not just beauty but durability that lasts for years.
Your satisfaction is my commitment. I recognize the importance of transparency and reliability when it comes to investing in home decor. That’s why I emphasize the meticulous steps taken in my painting process—the careful preparation, the use of premium paints and sealants like Polyvine, and the patience in allowing for proper drying and curing times.
Choosing my painted furniture isn’t just acquiring an elegant piece—it’s an investment in quality, durability, and craftsmanship that will elevate your space for years to come. my aim is not just to sell furniture but to enhance your home with pieces that bring joy and sophistication.
I invite you to explore my collection, knowing that behind every stroke of colour lies dedication, expertise, and a commitment to delivering nothing short of excellence. Your home deserves the best, and I am here to provide just that.
Thank you for considering Brush on Wood for your painted furniture needs. I’m excited to be a part of transforming your space into something truly special. And if you have any further questions get in touch
Nicky
The Highland Furniture Artist