Is it ok to paint wooden furniture
Wood is one of the most revered natural materials.
Since forever, Solid wooden furniture was revered as the ultimate in-home décor. Think about your Aunties dining room table, or that chest of drawers you inherited from your rich family member. Those things were heavy! They were also made from a quality of wood we don’t see that often anymore.
This is why, for the longest time, there was a sort of taboo placed on painting over wood.
Luckily, things have changed.
To prove a point, we have decided that wood can in fact be painted. At least sometimes. (and we all know, the homemaker’s decision is final…)
When it’s upcycled.
This is obvious. If you have found that bargain piece of furniture on Marketplace or at your local Thrift shop, and it’s the perfect fit and style for your space, but completely the wrong colour, PAINT IT! Whether it’s a side table or a chair, it’s yours now and the mere fact that you are upcycling instead of buying new means you get to make it your own. You can paint, treat or stain it any colour you want.
When it’s damaged.
If, for some reason you have wooden furniture that is damaged, either by sun, pets or water, and no level of sanding, furniture oil or varnish can fix it, consider giving it a coat of paint. This is a great way to keep the furniture without having to deal with the damage every day. Yes, you will know it was damaged, but no one else will. In fact, they might just think you are fun and edgy with your painted furniture. Which isn’t a bad thing.
To preserve it.
The same goes for furniture that isn’t damaged yet. Yes, you can get UV and water-resistant stains and, waxes and treatments for outdoor wood, but why not give it an overhaul with a new colour and a splash of paint?
When you feel like it
Finally, remember the No.1 homemaker’s rule. You make the rules. Weather it is something you bought brand new, you received as a gift (that doesn’t fit your aesthetic) or simply because its Sunday and you are ready for a change, Paint. That. Wood.
What to remember when you paint wood
Pick your paint well. Think about the purpose of the furniture. If you are just painting chair legs and trim, you can even get away with a basic PVA, but if you are painting a whole table and tabletop or a side table, bathroom cabinet or other high use item, you should do your homework. Matt enamel and clear topcoats are great for these paint jobs,
Prep your wood.
Read the instructions on the paint you chose. Do you need a primer, should you sand, scrub or otherwise alter the surface of the wood? Should you strip off any existing varnishes or waxes? The type of furniture as well as the type of paint used will determine this. Remember to remove any hardware that shouldn’t be painted and to tape off and cover any soft furnishings.
As with all homemaking and decorating projects, preparation is key, lest you make an expensive and irreversible mistake.
How To Paint Your Furniture The Easy Way ( A Beginner Friendly Tutorial )
