What type of paint would you recommend for painting furniture?

Lis32268809
by Lis32268809
i have a few pieces I want to paint and like both the chalk paint look as well as a cleaner smooth finish. I have tried Annie Sloan paint and am not a fan. I would also prefer something I don’t have to wax I rather have a more durable top coat. Any suggestions are much appreciated!!! icon

  10 answers
  • Elizabeth Fencl Elizabeth Fencl on Jan 09, 2018

    I have used good old fashion regular Latex paint and did not wax the furniture afterwards and never had a problem. The only difference with this and chalk paint is that you would need to prime first (which I hate). When I did my kitchen cabinets, I used Benjamin Moore Advanced paint and I swear by this stuff, durable, durable and more durable.

    I have used Chalk paint also because that is all the rage right now because you can use it on anything, but truthfully, either or will work. I went one step further and made my own chalk paint (recipes on Pinterest), and that works too (plus it is cheaper than buying Chalk paint).

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Jan 09, 2018

    A good acrylic paint will work just fine and not require you to wax it afterwards. Once the paint is dry I also put two coats of a poly acrylic over it and that comes in satin, semi gloss and gloss so you can choose the protective finish you want. If you sand lightly between coats of both the finish and the paint you'll end up with a smooth and durable product!

  • Tinyshoes Tinyshoes on Jan 09, 2018

    Chalk paint is really growning. Lots to choose from

  • Amanda Amanda on Jan 09, 2018

    Hi Lisa. You can make a white wash mixing water and latex paint together if you want more of a transparent look. Depending on how transparent you would want it would be the amount of water you mix in. They also carry colored stains. You of also just paint the furniture. For a good durable top you would put coats of polyurethane over the paint or stain after it has dried. You want to lightly sand between the coats of poly so the next coat adheres better. I usually use 3 or 4 coats.

  • Emily Emily on Jan 09, 2018

    I have been painting furniture for years. Have never used chalk paint though as I prefer a more "gleaming" finish. I like oil as well as latex paint. If you use a semi gloss or gloss coat finish, you will need no waxing. I just wash piece carefully and sand a little if necessary. I love painting esp furniture pieces. Little effort/cost, big impact. I esp love the green paint shown here but it is oil based so have to paint that outside.

    • Lis32268809 Lis32268809 on Jan 09, 2018

      Wow thank you. I will definitely look into these options. I have looked into latex but never oil and I do love the glossiness to it

  • Cindy Hagemann Cindy Hagemann on Jan 09, 2018

    I flip furniture and chalk paint is my go-to. For an inexpensive chalk paint that is great, use Waverly brand, sold in the craft section at Walmart. Then for the sealer, I use water based polycrylic - no wax. MinWax makes a brand that I love in a blue can.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Apr 06, 2021

    Hello there,

    If the furniture is going to get normal wear and tear, I would suggest a satin finish top coat over a primer and undercoat! Best wishes. Use a small roller where you can for less brush marks or a foam brush.

  • Chas' Crazy Creations Chas' Crazy Creations on Apr 06, 2021

    It depends on what you're painting. Chalk paint is great for not a lot of prep work.

  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Jul 24, 2021

    Hi there, I must admit I'm not a big fan of chalk paint either. Have you tried Dixie Belle Paint? They have a Facebook page and group with lots of ideas and free advice. Here are the links if you are interested.


    https://www.facebook.com/groups/FriendsWhoLikeDixieBellePaint/?ref=bookmarks