Paint furniture

Gloria Zuendel
by Gloria Zuendel
some old furniture is like a veneer I guess. so hard to get it to take paint. any tips, please.
  5 answers
  • Shari Shari on Jun 10, 2013
    I've painted several veneer (and laminate) pieces and had them hold up extremely well. The method I use is wiping the furniture down really well with a product called "liquid sandpaper" or "deglosser," found in any hardware store. If your existing finish is in pretty good shape (no bubbles, lifting or orange-peel like surface) no pre-sanding is required when you use this product. Then I apply 2 thin coats of a good quality primer, letting it dry well between coats. Then I use just regular interior latex paint in the color of my choice--two thin coats, and possibly more if you are painting a light color over wood. I do not use the primer/paint all-in-one products. I haven't been happy with them. They might be okay in certain applications like walls, but in my experience, I think a separate primer and a separate paint holds up better for furniture. I also do not recommend using a paint or primer out of an aerosol can for furniture. Again, in my opinion, I think with aerosol products, it is too difficult to get the nice, smooth finish you want for furniture. Whether you apply a protective clear coat, or not, is a personal choice. However, if you elect to use a clear coat, make sure your final coat of paint is thoroughly dry and hardened first. It takes latex a while to cure well. (Time depends on weather conditions.)
  • Christy Hollier. Christy Hollier. on Jun 10, 2013
    Liquid sand is the best in my opinion. I've used it for years on everything
  • Shabby Paints Shabby Paints on Jun 11, 2013
    No priming or sanding required with Shabby Chalk-Paint. I paint veneer, glass, metal, laminate, tile and fabric. No toxic prep required :)
  • Gloria Zuendel Gloria Zuendel on Jul 01, 2013
    thank you for the imfo. I have never heard of liquid sand I will have to get some and give it a try. thanks agaion
  • Gloria Zuendel Gloria Zuendel on Jul 01, 2013
    I will have to try shabby paints, thanks