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Painting Furniture: A How-to

(Image above: Chairs, Advance Pearl, Cedar Green 2034-40)

Furniture Paint Projects Using Advance

red cabinet in kids playroom painted with advance

Lower Cabinet: Advance Pearl, Raspberry Blush 2008-30

Instead of buying costly new furniture, give your existing wood or laminate pieces a new look by painting your furniture with the help of Advance by Benjamin Moore.

It’s so rewarding to take something old and make it new again.  But, if you’re new to this, we suggest you start small. Think of tackling a nightstand or an end table before you update Nan’s 100-year-old China cabinet. Once you are comfortable with the process, you can move on to larger pieces.

It can be pretty straightforward if you follow these steps;

Prepare Furniture for Painting

As with anything you paint, ensure the surface is clean, dry, and ready to accept paint. Use a gentle grease remover, like rinse-free Saman Ready to Use TSP, to remove any dirt and grime.

Once your furniture is 100% dry, it is time to grab your 100- to 150-grit sandpaper to sand down your surfaces. Be careful not to sand away the current finish entirely; it should be just enough to give the primer something to grab onto. Wipe away any dust with a slightly damp cloth, then let dry.

bathtub with advance paint

Bathtub: Advance Satin, Breath of Fresh Air 806

Repair cracks, joints, or nail holes with a good wood-patching compound like DAP Premium  Wood Filler. After the compound has thoroughly dried, sand it down to make it even with the surrounding wood.  Wipe away any further dust again and let dry.

Prime with Stix Before You Paint

Providing the proper foundation for your paint is essential to getting a flawless finish. STIX Waterborne Bonding Primer by Benjamin Moore offers excellent adhesion to virtually any surface, whether its solid wood, plastic, laminate or glass. It levels well and can be sanded to ensure a smooth finish to help mask any imperfections. When painting furniture a darker colour, use a tinted primer for maximum coverage.

Choose a Paint Colour and a Consider the Sheen

Choose a colour from over 3,500 paint colours! Pearl sheen is the most popular finish for furniture as it has a nice soft natural look that is very durable. For a sleek, modern feel, you may want to try using a high-gloss finish for dramatic impact.

Red Chair painted with Advance

Chair: Advance High Gloss, Million Dollar Red 2003-10

Put on the Paint! 

The Benjamin Moore Paint Shop recommends Advance Interior Paint to the pro’s and the DIY’ers. It offers a durable finish that is easy to apply and even easier to clean. For best results, use an angular brush like our own Silks oval brush and a Wooster Red Feather roller or Mohair roller for a seamless finish. Be sure to let your first coat of paint dry completely before applying a second coat.

Advance is available at any Benjamin Moore Paint Shop, where it is tintable in over 3,500 colours!

Have more questions? Visit your local Benjamin Moore Paint Shop for advice on the best colour and finish to breathe new life into old furniture.

Your Furniture Paint Essentials