How do I paint walnut tables and chairs?

I have this walnut look table, chair, coffee table, and end tables matching set and I want to paint the set legs and chairs white and do something to make the tops of tables and seat part of the chairs a little darker color, what kind of furniture paint should I use and the steps I need to take first to last to do this to make the paint stay and look good?


  11 answers
  • First, give everything a good cleaning - TSP is a good choice. I would also use a good primer (2 coats) to prevent any bleed-through. Any latex paint should work just fine - you just have to choose a color for the table tops and the seats!

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Feb 10, 2020

    Hi Alesia,

    You didn't mention the condition that this is in. You might need to sand it down to remove any old loose finish. Or if it's a walnut look laminate, you should scuff the finish a little bit so that the paint will stick. Then clean it with TSP as Ann stated, use your 2 coats of primer then paint the colors of your choice. You can paint the chair and table tops maybe a light gray if you want them similar, or you can choose a color that you love to really brighten it up. Once you're done painting, you could put a few coats of polycrylic on them to help with wear and tear. Just be sure you don't use really thick coats of anything - primer, paint or sealer. Several thinner coats will work better. You might even think about spraying your set with Rustoleum spray paint. In addition to choosing a color, you'll want to choose a finish. Most paints come in flat (matte), semi-gloss, eggshell and glossy. Figure out which one you like the best before you go shopping so that you know what you want to get. I hope these little tips help you. Wishing you the best.

  • Mogie Mogie on Feb 10, 2020

    Good and detailed site about how to paint wooden furniture:

    https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/how-to-paint-wooden-furniture/

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Feb 10, 2020

    If the piece is in good shape you can scuff with fine steel wool then clean with denatured alcohol. Prime with Kilz or Kilz original. Then paint. If you want brilliant white in a tough finish, check out RustOleum enamel paint. I did a porch rocket and all my trim with it. It is scrubbable andhas a bit of shine.

  • Gk Gk on Feb 11, 2020

    I just checked out General Finished Waterbased stain for my kitchen set. I want to do the top of the table and chairs in a new stain color. Very easy prep. You might consider that for the top of your table and the chair seats.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Feb 11, 2020

    Sand sown lightly we’re you are doing the white. On the top and seats eather do natural or black or gray will look nice just paint those areas then varnish after .

  • JudyH JudyH on Feb 11, 2020

    Make sure the paint you use for the table top is food safe!! I didn't know there was such a thing until the pro at Sherwin William's told me. It is especially important if you have small kids that drop food on the table and then pick it up and eat it.

  • Holly Lengner - Lost Mom Holly Lengner - Lost Mom on Feb 12, 2020

    There are so many table makeover ideas here for your inspiration:

    https://www.hometalk.com/search/all?filter=table%20makeover

  • Linda Linda on Feb 13, 2020

    I have painted furniture many different ways and I share about it on my blog. One way is with chalk paint. Here is a post I wrote about painting with chalk paint.


    https://lifeonsummerhill.com/how-to-paint-with-chalk-paint/


    My favorite furniture paint is fusion mineral paint. Here is a post where I painted our dutch door with it.


    https://lifeonsummerhill.com/diy-exterior-dutch-door/


    But if you are looking for easy, quick and a good finish try spray paint. I have spray painted many piece of furniture and they hold up great. If you like a chalk painted look there are chalk paint spray paints. We just did my daughters bed with Behr's chalk paint spray paint. It turned out very nice but make sure to shake the can well before you begin,