Painting night stands

Laura Kohler
by Laura Kohler
i have 2 night stands which I would like to paint, but not the distressed look/shabby chic. Just a nice old fashioned painting job. Any advice since I am a novice at this? Thank you
  35 answers
  • Shari Shari on Feb 01, 2014
    Many will likely recommend you use some type of homemade or commercial chalk paint, or milk paint. I have found chalk paint and milk paint do not give me the quality of finish I desire. I do not expect my painted furniture to look like it came out of a high dollar furniture store but I don't want it to look like it just fell off the back of a truck either. In 99% of the furniture I have painted, I didn't want the finished paint to have streaks in it, chips, flaking, be distressed or glazed. If a smooth, even, neat and long-lasting paint job is what you are looking for, you may find this helpful. http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/06/furniture-painting-101.html BTW: I would not recommend using spray paint from a can (too hard to get a consistent finish from an aerosol can) or a latex paint with primer already in it. (I just don't think it adheres to furniture well enough.)
  • Lisa Schembri Lisa Schembri on Feb 01, 2014
    Have you ever used Annie Sloan chalk paint? If not, you should try in a shade you love. No need to distress to make beautiful.
  • That's So Creative! That's So Creative! on Feb 01, 2014
    If you don't want to use chalk paint, then I highly recommend you primer first. I have spray painted nightstands just like this and they came out very nice. Personally, now I prefer chalk paint, and then finish with a wax. Purchase a piece of glass for the top to really finish the look.
  • Laura Kohler Laura Kohler on Feb 02, 2014
    Thank you all
  • Laura Kohler Laura Kohler on Feb 02, 2014
    questions: isn't the chalk paint and wax the stuff that gives you that 'old' look?
    • Sue Sue on Feb 03, 2014
      @Laura Kohler I think it is only the darker wax that does that.
  • Dee Dee on Feb 02, 2014
    Kim and Lori thanks for the glass tip think i will do that for mine just to save the top from damage.
  • Jenn Jenn on Feb 02, 2014
    Do it, it's what I'm doing right now.
  • Lisa Schembri Lisa Schembri on Feb 02, 2014
    The chalk paint doesn't have to look old. You can use clear wax and paint the piece with the chalk paint in nice uniform strokes and it will look nice and modern.
  • Lisa Schembri Lisa Schembri on Feb 02, 2014
    Check out the top in the pic above
  • 117135 117135 on Feb 02, 2014
    You can use chalk paint by watering it down slightly to get a nice smooth surface. I did a china hutch without the shabby look and I love how the paint went on, nice and smooth, no brush marks. Here is the link if you want to look. http://designeddecor.com/painting-china-hutch-annie-sloan-chalk-paint/. You can also use regular latex paint, but you must prime and the key is to use a really good brush for latex paint, don't skimp on the brush, make the investment.
  • Lisa Schembri Lisa Schembri on Feb 02, 2014
    Yes very good advice I bought 2 brushes at $40 a piece from my check paint stockist and even tho my husband wasn't thrilled, it was a great investment.
  • Lisa Schembri Lisa Schembri on Feb 02, 2014
    Chalk* paint
  • Linda Crandall Linda Crandall on Feb 02, 2014
    Chalk paint is the way to go - you can use this without distressing. Make sure you add the wax.
  • Jackie Taylor Jackie Taylor on Feb 02, 2014
    a gloss spray paint works well on wood you may need to sand it a little first. I have done this with severl pieces of furniture.
  • Lea Grossman Lea Grossman on Feb 03, 2014
    chalk paint i agree
  • Gretchen Gretchen on Feb 03, 2014
    Chalk paint. If you don't want it distressed, make sure it is clean (not sanded) before you start and I often lightly sand (then clean well) between coats (I do 2 or 3 coats). Then clear wax and polish, polish, polish. You will get a beautiful finish that is very durable.
  • Reborn Décor Reborn Décor on Feb 03, 2014
    I have repurposed several pieces for clients into an upscale "cherry" finish by using Espresso spray paint, then dry brushing with Fireweed red from Sherwin Williams. Be sure to protect well with a good coat of poly!
  • Pam Bolton Pam Bolton on Feb 03, 2014
    If you do not want the distressed look, maybe a latex paint in a color to match or coordinate with your bedding would be a pretty option. Whether you use chalk paint or latex, I would suggest priming because of the current dark stain and shiny surface of your nightstands. Also you might consider changing out the pulls and knobs with something more current. If you do not change them out, spray paint is a good option to update the hardware. Good luck and have fun.
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Feb 03, 2014
    Clean with TSP, rough it up so sand it, wipe off with a tacky cloth get all the dust off it. Latex paint is a great idea. Paint in full complete strokes, end to end. Let dry 24 hrs. Sand with 220 grit and use a tacky cloth again, repaint. You can also seal it with a polyurthene . You can also use Floease in your paint, then helps with the brush marks and give you more time to work with the paint. You can use chalk paint and thin it down but your looking at a cost of $35.00 to $39.00 a quart, plus the cost of wax. If your wanting a solid, clean non distressed finish a quart of paint runs about $10.00 a quart. Be sure and let your piece cure 30 days. Before you place anything in top of it.
    • See 1 previous
    • Sherrie Sherrie on Dec 16, 2014
      It is still a water base polyuthene with a cure time. I might use it sooner in my house also after I poly something. But anything I sale it a customer I make sure it is cured. I am not sure what the cure rate on yours is can you tell me?
  • Laura Kohler Laura Kohler on Feb 03, 2014
    Whoa...so much wonderful advice! I am going with Sherrie's advice and Kim and Lori's for the glass top. Also, the brush tip was great and won't skimp when buying them. Too cold (minus 35 degrees) to start working on them now, but will post a finished product picture when done. Thank you all
  • Sandra Hellewell Sandra Hellewell on Feb 04, 2014
    Hi Lori! Before you start may I make a suggestion? Tonight, I just happened upon an article by paintedfurnitureideas.com & she had researched the best paints for painting furniture & came up with the 1st 3 that she has tested her self & the last one was highly recommended to her which she plans to try. From her research, she came up with the following: ! - Pittsburgh Paints - Manor Hall interior/exterior. It's top of the line designed for doors, trim & cabinetry. It's designed to take abuse, cleaning & scrubbing! She likes the Pearl Sheen for it's creamy look. Price is high but not as high as the others! 2 - Sherwin - Williams Emerald This is SW's highest quality paint with a smooth finish, good coverage & durability. It's a little pricier than Pittsburgh but if you can't get to a Pittsburgh store, this is the next best one! 3 - Benjamin Moore Advance This is a water based paint but gives you the look & durability of an oil based paint. It adheres extremely well & is very durable. Be aware that this brand is the most expensive so you may be best to start with a quart which is probably all you'll need for 2 night tables anyway! And the 4th is Farrow & Ball which was recommended to her but she did not test! It's also very expensive. If this is your 1st attempt at painting furniture and you are not going to distress the pieces, I would highly recommend that you take advantage of her research & knowledge! I have bought the cheaper paints only to regret my foolish decision in the end! When you buy a good quality paint it self levels as its drying so you get a nice smooth finish. I've given you the website to read it yourself. Good Luck! Sandy
    • See 2 previous
    • Sherrie Sherrie on Dec 18, 2014
      The name sounds familiar but I know some people with the same last name. It could be one of their children. I know Dave, is this her father?
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Feb 04, 2014
    Paula I always let paint cure. I let it cure for 30 days. I learned this the hard way with the first table I painted. After a couple of days I had girlfriends over and every one of them that set down their glasses it stuck and left white rings... Lesson learned for me! I also clear coat all table tops, with poly. I haven't ever tried or heard of the product you suggested. But it sounds like a keeper!
  • Linda Crandall Linda Crandall on Feb 26, 2014
    I paint these all the time. I do them in Annie Sloan Duck Egg Blue with an antique glazing. I love them and they sell QUICK when I am done. The photo I attached was done with Duck Egg Blue and a Martha Stewart Coffee/metalic mix glaze. It lasted for sale for 16 hours and was gone. You can do almost anything, it just has to fit your style and taste.
  • Darcelle O'Connor Darcelle O'Connor on Mar 14, 2014
    I just finished a bed side table,(from thrift store 15.00) very heavy wood, I sanded then put 5 coats of primer (cause it needed it) and 5 coats of high gloss white, lined the drawers! BEAUTIFUL and sold for 95.00
  • Janet Smith Janet Smith on Mar 14, 2014
    Definitely sand and prime the wood before you paint. Sand lightly between coats of enamel. If you don't like the "shabby chic" look, I would recommend avoiding the chalk paint and just going with a quality enamel.
  • Linda Crandall Linda Crandall on Apr 04, 2014
    Use Annie Sloan Duck Egg Blue and a dark glaze would be lovely
  • Sandra Hellewell Sandra Hellewell on Apr 05, 2014
    I'm so happy for you! I should be so lucky but as far as I know, we don't have Pittsburg Paints here in Canada so I would have to go to BM. To be honest, I haven't really looked into that! Maybe we do. Now, I'm on a mission to find out if we have any Pittsburg Paints! Thx for the info, I hope mine helped you! Good luck with your night stands! I hope you post them when you're done! I'm looking forward to seeing them!!
  • Laura Kohler Laura Kohler on Nov 09, 2014
    FINALLY did it and love it! Filled cracks with wood filler and lightly sanded the spots. Then cleaned the night stands with a soapy solution. Once dry, I painted with a very good brush and did the second layer with a small roller. Clear wax applied with an old tshirt and buffed it. New hardware and waiting for my glass tops to come in. Next to do is the ugly dresser!
  • Shari Shari on Nov 09, 2014
    Beautiful! Such a gorgeous color! What kind of paint did you end up using? The finish looks super smooth and even--very professional. Congratulations on a job well done!
  • Laura Kohler Laura Kohler on Nov 09, 2014
    Thank you! The colour is called Sundried Tomato. Paint is Vintage Revival Shabby Chic Chalk Paint.
  • Pam Bolton Pam Bolton on Nov 10, 2014
    Lovely. I agree with Shari that your finish looks professional, very even and smooth. Good job!
  • LeeAnn Gerleman LeeAnn Gerleman on Nov 25, 2014
    I always like to roll my dressers, etc. with the little 5" rollers. That seems to leave a little bit of dimpling in the paint, looks more professional, I think. I'm getting so many ideas from reading through these DIY stories, Great stuff.
  • Sandra Hellewell Sandra Hellewell on Nov 27, 2014
    Excellent job, Laura!
  • Laura Kohler Laura Kohler on Nov 27, 2014
    I also painted the matching dresser and it came out rather nice!
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Nov 29, 2014
    Personally, I like them the way they are. If I wanted a change, I'd just replace the hardware for a new look.