What is the best paint to use for painting furniture?

Nancy
by Nancy
I have a little sewing cabinet that I am planning to repaint. I thought about chalk paint but it's terribly expensive. Went to the store today to pick up paint and left because I was so confused about what to get and there was no-one there to advise me. Any suggestions?

  5 answers
  • Jeanne Martin Jeanne Martin on Aug 23, 2017

    I have found the perfect paint for furniture! I purchased a typical orangey oak stained 80's coffee table. Bought this paint to try it and painted the bottom portion of the table a creamy white. I stained the top a dark stain. Honestly, I am super thrilled with the paint results! It dried a lovely matte finish but with a professional looking sheen to it. No brush marks and excellent coverage. I just followed directions on the can (cleaned well and lightly sanded). Its Valspar Furniture paint. 1 qt cost me $29 so it's pricey but not as much as brand name chalk paint. I used only 1/4 of the can on this table. Lowes sells it. Choose ANY color on all those hundreds of paint chips for Valspar! Be sure to let it sit untouched to dry a couple of days for a rock hard finish that won't chip!

    • Nancy Nancy on Aug 23, 2017

      Wow that's beautiful! Totally worth the cost. Your table is also beautiful. I love the creamy white against the dark top.

  • Emily Emily on Aug 23, 2017

    I have to say I just don't get chalk paint. You seem to have to wax it when you could use a gloss, semi-gloss, (other finishes) in latex or oil paint. I would paint it in oil paint if you can do it outside. Maybe prime it first with a primer. If you go to a good paint store (I love Benjamin Moore) there should be a person there to advise you. I happen to love painting. This chairs were painted with one coat of oil paint, no primer. Just washed. In use for years. On porch all summer

    • Nancy Nancy on Aug 23, 2017

      Thanks Janet - that cabinet is lovely although mine is wood not laminate but still good information to remember for future use!


  • Dl.5660408 Dl.5660408 on Aug 23, 2017

    Any good paint, especially those that have primer added works well.

  • Landsharkinnc Landsharkinnc on Aug 23, 2017

    Chalk paint is a fad...regular latex house paint in flat or semi gloss works just fine, you can distress, glaze, wax, just like with a chalk paint! But regardless what kind of paint you use, if you don't properly prep the piece it won't be as nice, or last as long.