Best paint for furniture: The 2024 Buyer’s Guide to Top Picks

Whether you’re looking to update old furniture or give new pieces a customized look, painting is a budget-friendly way to transform any room. But with so many options on the market, it can be tricky to choose the best paint for your furniture project.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the top paint types for furniture, from latex to specialty coat products, and recommend specific brands to consider in 2024. We’ll also cover essential application and prep tips to help you achieve professional-looking results. By the end, you’ll be ready to tackle any furniture painting project with confidence.

Choosing the Right Paint Type

The first decision is determining whether you need a latex, enamel, chalk paint, or specialty coating. Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons for common furniture paint options:

Latex Paint

• Pros: Dries quickly, easy to apply, scratches can be touched up, hundreds of colors available
• Cons: Not as durable as other options, may require multiple coats, not ideal for high-traffic pieces

Enamel Paint

• Pros: Very durable finish, hardwearing and water-resistant, retouches nicely
• Cons: Takes longer to dry, harder to apply smoothly, strong fumes during application

Chalk Paint

• Pros: Matte finish looks worn-in, easy to apply and touch up, comes in trendy colors
• Cons: Not as durable as enamel, may fade more quickly with sunlight exposure

Specialty Coatings

• Pros: Unique finishes like glazes,washes, metallics, high gloss, Crackle paint
• Cons: More expensive, learning curve with application techniques

The best overall option is usually latex paint for its versatility and user-friendliness. However, if you need extra durability, enamel is the way to go. Chalk paint works well for a shabby-chic aesthetic.

Best Latex Paints for Furniture in 2024

As one of the most user-friendly and affordable options, latex paint remains a top choice for furniture projects. Here are some top-rated latex paints to consider in 2024:

Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint

• Pros: Great color selection, smooth matte finish, adheres well
• Cons: May require multiple coats on porous surfaces

Krylon Fusion All-In-One

• Pros: One-step primer and topcoat in one, dries quickly, variety of sheens
• Cons: Not as durable as other top picks

Valspar Signature Interior Latex

• Pros: Stands up to wear and scuffs, washes beautifully, thick yet smooth application
• Cons: Slightly pricier than other options

Behr Ultra Pure White Interior Paint

• Pros: Beautiful pure white hue, self-priming formula, hides flaws well
• Cons: Thinner consistency than other latex paints

For most furniture projects, any of these latex paints will deliver great results. Rust-Oleum and Valspar are especially durable options, while Krylon dries the fastest.

Best Enamel Paints for Furniture

Enamel paint provides the most durable, protective finish and stands up well to wear and tear. Here are some top enamel paints to consider:

Rust-Oleum American Accents

• Pros: Thick formula covers in one coat, resists chipping, tons of colors
• Cons: Strong fumes, lengthy drying time

Minwax Wipe-On Poly

• Pros: Protects and beautifies, natural looking sheen, avoids brush strokes
• Cons: High VOC levels, longer curing time than other finishes

Varathane Premium Protective Finish

• Pros: Stain and scratch-resistant, blends well without brush marks, mildew-resistant
• Cons: Thinner than some enamels, requires multiple thin coats

Deft Clear Interior/Exterior Wood Finish

• Pros: Crystal clear protection, easy wipe-on application, dries fast
• Cons: More for natural wood tones than paint, limited color selection

For the most durable results, Rust-Oleum American Accents is hard to beat. Minwax adds natural beauty while protecting. Varathane and Deft also work well depending on your specific needs.

Best Chalk Paints for Furniture

Chalk paint creates a charming shabby-chic look and is very user-friendly. Here are top chalk paint brands:

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®

• Pros: Massive color selection, self-leveling formula, works on any surface
• Cons: Expensive, hard to find some discontinued colors

Dixie Belle Chalk Paint®

• Pros: Creamy consistency spreads smoothly, resists water well, comes in classic hues
• Cons: Limited stockists outside US, stains skin easily

Fusion Mineral Paint by Minwax

• Pros: Applies like chalk paint but is more durable, breathes like natural finish
• Cons: Pricey, specialized application techniques required

Pebeo Setacolor Chalk Paint

• Pros: Bright pigments, thin formula for detailed work, eco-friendly ingredients
• Cons: Fewer color options than US competitors

For versatility and ease of use, Annie Sloan or Dixie Belle are top options. Fusion offers durability while keeping the vintage look. Pebeo works well for fine detailing.

Prepping Furniture for Painting

Proper prep work is essential for paint to adhere properly and last. Here are some best practices:

Sanding

• Gently sand smooth surfaces with 150 grit sandpaper to create tooth for adhesion
• For ornate pieces, use a sanding sponge or mesh pads

Cleaning

• Wipe away dust then clean with tack cloth or ammonia solution
• Degrease oily woods like pine with mineral spirits on rag

Sealing

• For porous woods, seal once before painting with shellac or primer
• This prevents woods from absorbing multiple paint coats unevenly

Priming

• Apply high-quality primer suited to your paint type
• Sand lightly between primer and top coats for best adhesion

Taking the time to properly prepare the surface will make a huge difference in how long your paint job lasts. Cleaning and sealing are especially important prep steps.

Techniques for Great Results

Following some best practices will help you achieve a smooth, professional finish:

Thin First Coat

• For latex, thin the first coat 10-20% with water to penetrate the surface
• For enamel/poly, use recommended paint thinner

Multiple Thin Coats

• Apply 2-3 thin coats versus 1 thick coat for an even look
• Allow full dry time between coats

Brush Choice

• Use high-quality synthetic brushes suited for paint type and surface
• Wash brushes after each use to extend lifespan

Cutting In

• Use a small brush to cut in corners, carvings before rolling large sections
• This avoids lap marks from the roller

Drying Completely

• Allow full dry time, 2-4 hours minimum between coats
• Cure enamel/poly finishes fully as directed

Following these tips will help you achieve buttery smooth coverage and an evenly cured, durable finish. Taking your time is worth it for long-lasting results.

Additional Paint Techniques

With just a bit of practice, you can also achieve more decorative painted furniture looks:

Distressing

• Gently rub sandpaper on edges for a worn look before painting
• Or distress with steel wool after final coat cures

Glazing

• Apply contrasting translucent color glaze over initial coats
• Wipe away excess for shaded antique effect

Crackle Paint

• Apply thin coat of crackle accelerator before topcoat cracks as it dries
• Creates intricate, vintage-style patterns

Sponging/Stippling

• Dip sea sponge or brush in contrasting paint and gently tap onto piece
• Creates subtle layered or weathered effect

Chalk Paint Wax Topcoat

• After chalk paint cures, rub on colored wax for shimmery patina
• Wax can also be used to antiquing painted finishes

With the right techniques, you can achieve results as unique as distressed, layered looks to bright crackle patterns. Experimentation is half the fun!

Maintaining Your Painted Furniture

With some TLC, your paint job will last for years. Here are tips for care and longevity:

Protective Topcoat

For high-traffic pieces, apply a protective topcoat layer like polyurethane or wax after the paint cures. This shields the paint from scuffs and scratches. Minwax and Varathane make durable polyurethane topcoats. For a natural look, use wax made for furniture.

Wipe Down Regularly

Dust painted surfaces weekly with a microfiber cloth. Gently wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining. For latex paint, a damp cloth is usually sufficient for most cleaning.

Avoid Direct Sun Exposure

Paint, especially chalk paint, will gradually fade more quickly when exposed to direct sun all day. Consider rotating pieces seasonally or using curtains/blinds on windows.

Repair Nicks As Needed

Minor scratches can be touched up with extra paint on a small brush. For deep gouges, you may need to sand and repaint a larger section. Matching color may require experimenting.

Refresh Annually if Needed

Furniture used daily may need a fresh coat of wax or topcoat each year for maximum protection. For a revitalized look on enamel pieces, very lightly sand and reapply wax or poly.

Spot-Test Chemical Cleaners

Only use mild cleaners sparingly and spot test first. Harsh chemicals can damage painted surfaces over time. Water-based cleaners are the safest option.

With some prevention methods and quick spot repairs, your painted furniture can look great for many years to come. Regular cleaning and an annual refresh will keep it protected. Proper care extends the life of any paint job.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, choosing the right type of paint and following best practices for preparation, application and care will ensure your furniture painting projects last for many years of enjoyment. With the extensive options we’ve covered in this guide on latex, enamel, chalk and specialty coatings plus brands to consider, you have the knowledge to confidently transform old or new furniture pieces. Happy painting!