How do I paint wood furniture?

First clean it. Many people like Simple Green or TSP. Then use a good stain-blocking primer - Kilz or Zinsser are good brands. It may need 2 coats since it has a dark finish. Then paint. You can use latex paint in the color of your choice.

Hi Alison, this is the perfect candidate for chalk paint!! Hope this helps you out, you can add more scuffs or leave it as it once painted

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DytaYkdKEBM

I am a chalk paint advocate. No prep work but cleaning off any residue or greasy fingerprints with dish soap and a rag. Chalk paint dries really quickly and does not take long before you can apply second coat. It does not have the durability of latex but it can be waxed for pieces that require constant use. I painted numerous items years ago and have had no issues with chalk paint. Enamel lasts the longest if you move items on the piece DAILY or it gets heavy use like a table top that requires DAILY wiping. Enamel requires sanding, primer and long dry time. If it is a shelf....go chalk paint.

After thoroughly cleaning you will want to lightly sand the entire book case to make sure the paint really sticks. For interior furniture I've become a fan of oil based paints so I can skip the primer and the sealant. Rustoleum is my favorite. Oil based paints are more expensive and they take a little practice as they're much thicker than acrylic paints. But I've found with only 2-3 coats they create a much more durable surface.

Hello! Please consider popping by this bloggers website for her wonderful white furniture rehabs. She details useful repair products, techniques and has a nice result. Many of her furniture items are from the thrift store or furniture pieces donated to her. She also has tips for removing furniture odors and how to treat the interior drawers. I believe looking over her blog and gallery you will find the best instructions for lighten up your dark bookcases.

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Prep with a good cleaning and a light sand with 400 + grit paper. Then I would spray with a urethane furniture paint.

There is a product called liquid sandpaper (or similar name) or a citrus stripper. The varnish needs to roughed up or removed before priming and painting. I have never used chalk paint, so I can't speak to that as others have. Remove and paint all loose items (shelves)

Hello Alison,

You could Lime Wax or Chalk Paint and then add Clear or Antique Wax to seal. You could use ESP (Seals finish) to take any paint. The choice is yours! It depends on whether you want to see the grain of the wood or you want just a painted look!

I would use chalk paint! It is so easy! Here is an easy tutorial for first timers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9uCc6SXq4E

Too begin with you'd want to remove all the hardware. Since you want to paint it white you could start with a light sanding (150 grit sandpaper) & go with the grain. so the primer will have something to stick to. And remember to wear goggles and a mask.Dust away particles, then you are ready for a deglosser ( liquid sandpaper) that removes the varnish faster than sand paper. A reminder, it contains solvents that could be toxic so again keep the mask & goggles on and well ventilate the area.

Let it dry. Lightly sand again, wipe it down again with a clean damp rag. Let dry.

Now you are ready to prime. Use a water based primer if you use a latex paint.

Just looking at you bookcase, it would look so pretty if you put a patterned print at the back of it. There are some beautiful contact papers that would work there. Or easily removed wall paper.

I am not a fan of chalk paint. I would clean it really well with TSP. Rinse well, Let dry. Then get a good stain blocking primer like Kilz or Zinser 123. If you have a paint sprayer, spray it on, if not use a good mohair roller. Put at least 2 light coats on. Let dry for a few days, if primer is not dry it will peel. Then paint with a good acrylic paint. Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore have nice acrylic paints. And using this you will not have to seal the furniture.

My fave is Fusion Mineral Paint. Sanding first is a good idea but apparently not required.

A Guide to Painting Wood – Tips and Tricks to Get the Perfect Finish

https://www.hometalk.com/43811659/s-painting-wood

Chalk paint! Lots of tutorials on here

I would prime it first and then paint. Priming saves you time in sanding

Clean and scuff with steel wool. Then wipe with denatured alcohol. Then prime and paint. I would use enamel paint for high traffic area.

I have done some furniture pieces that might help you - https://chascrazycreations.com/diys/re-purpose-up-cycle/furniture/

PRime paint and seal with polyeurathane

Lots of great tutorials here to help you:

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=paint%20book%20shelf

Lightly sand the wood and then you can prime it and paint it. Follow the instructions when I did this piece: https://celebrateanddecorate.com/milk-paint-furniture-upcycle/

i found a pin that explains what to do in two steps! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/Aey0uGZeZk-Ozv1sF-tW4B-Y6mZui7HCo61ZKcLL1U3DeCGx4n0-zpI/

i would also use a chalk paint that doesnt require prep work