People often ask the question, “how do I paint bare wood furniture,,” and you can see on their faces the assumption that it is a monstrously difficult task. It isn’t, however. Rest assured of that. As with most things, preparation is the key to getting the best possible finish.
The first question you should ask yourself is why. Why are you painting the unfinished piece? If it is made from softwood (eg., pine), then it can be a good move, as some folks regard the softwoods as being less attractive than the hardwoods, and a splash of color can be just the thing to truly set the piece off. The good news here is that there are paints, stains, and dyes available in a dizzying array of colors, so you’ll have no difficulty finding just the right “fit” for you, no matter what your specific decorating scheme!
There are many different paints available, but more and more often, I’m seeing people gravitate toward water based acrylics. These are easy to clean, relatively kind to the environment, and fast drying. Don’t forget too, that if you’re painting a piece of bare wood furniture that’s destined for a child’s room, to be sure that the materials you’re using are suitable and safe for children! Many is the child who has attempted to taste-test the furnishings!
There are different wood paints available but most people now opt for water based acrylic paints as they are dry quickly, are easy to clean and kinder to the environment. If you are painting a piece of child’s furniture then you need to ensure that the materials are suitable for children. Kids have a habit of putting things in their mouth and this often includes tasting new furniture!
If your new piece is unfinished oak furniture, then you might want to reconsider putting a coat of paint on it. Oak is one of the most durable and beautiful of the readily available wood furniture materials, and it has a timeless, classic look when waxed or stained, so DO give this some consideration, and if you choose wax over stain, don’t forget that you can even go with a tinted wax if you’re looking for a slightly darker end result.
If you have purchased some new unfinished furniture that will see outdoor use, then you’ll want to use a preservative to stain and protect the piece at the same time.
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