What is the best way to protect a painted piece of furniture?

Cindy
by Cindy
I'm in the process of planning on painting a piece of furniture. I will be using latex paint but what do I use to protect the finish, polyurethane or wax? I've read so much about wax but is that used only for chalk paint? I want a modern look to the piece, that's why I'm not using chalk paint. If I use polyurethane, should I use the spray type or the kind in a can? If can, what is the best way to apply?
Bar cabinet
  8 answers
  • Gail Salminen Gail Salminen on Apr 09, 2015
    @Cindy I use latex to paint furniture and use polyurethane to protect it. I usually paint on a few coats, lightly sanding between coats (using steel wool). You need to use a damp rag to remove all residue after sanding. I don't usually sand the last coat. The protection offered seems to be lasting, helps protect from chipping. Haven't used chalk paint yet but when I see it on here it usually to create a shabby chic piece. You could use the search bar to find posts on chalk paint. There are many and I believe I saw a tutorial posted on it as well.
  • Country Design Home Country Design Home on Apr 09, 2015
    If you use latex paint with a semi gloss finish, you don't really need to add a layer of protection to it. Most semi-glosses are washable and already have the finish built in.
  • Jhmarie Jhmarie on Apr 09, 2015
    Make sure you start with a good primer. I like Zinsser 123 or Zinsser BIN. I use an acrylic latex enamel over Zinsser 123, but some paint companies have come out with paint (topcoat) specifically for cabinets - so ask at your reputable local paint store for best topcoat.
  • Denise Eaton Denise Eaton on Apr 09, 2015
    Be sure to sand the furniture before you start. It doesn't have to be back down to the wood but the finish needs to be roughed up so the paint will stick. A poly coat isn't really necessary if you use a good quality latex enamel..
  • Kelly S Kelly S on Apr 09, 2015
    I used Minwax Polyshades on a similar piece. Polyshades is polyurethane and stain in one. They have clear as well.
  • Roxy D Roxy D on Apr 11, 2015
    I would use FarmHouse Paint. No primer needed, no finishing needed. A new product.
    • Cindy Cindy on Apr 11, 2015
      Is Farmhouse paint the same as chalk paint? The only reason I don't want to use chalk paint is because I want the piece to have a modern feel with a high gloss finish. Can you get that with Farmhouse paint?
  • Moxie Moxie on Apr 11, 2015
    I use polyurethane (Varathane satin - I don't care for shiny but you can get it high glass as well) you can also get poly is a spray can. I use a small foam roller, it kinda self levels to an extent and brush marks shouldn't be an issue. I feel it is a must to avoid chipping and scratches from use.
  • Just took an advanced class today on Annie Sloan Chalk paint and you can pretty easily do a high gloss finish with that product. It is about paint application, brush and what you finish it with. It was pretty dang simple. Just wanted to mention it incase if you like the chalk paint in general but didn't think you could do a high gloss finish.
    • See 2 previous
    • @Cindy I would also recommend trying it on a small piece of wood before you give it a go on something important. I figured you would if you decide to try that but I still wanted to give that recommendation :-D