Moisture can also damage the core particleboard, causing swelling.

For oil-based paints, use an oil or latex bonding primer.

For water-based paints, use a water-based primer.

Refurbished particleboard furniture with gray paint and decor items displayed in square shelves

The Spruce

Apply Primer

After sanding the item, apply the primer to the surfaces.

Allow theprimerto dry completely (usually 24 hours) before applying any paint.

Lightly Sand the Surfaces

Before applying paint, lightly sand the primer layer.

Minwax Color-Matched Wood Filler

This will ensure that the top coat goes on smoothly and sticks well.

After sanding, remove any dust with a lint-free rag.

(However, if you like the texture created by brush strokes, use a paintbrush.)

Paint Brushes

Depending on the paint, one coat may cover the surfaces adequately.

If you need a subsequent coat, let the first coat dry completely before applying the next one.

A very light sanding between coats will help with adhesion.

Light gray West Elm Drake couch on a patterned light yellow background

Tip

Whenchoosing paintfor furniture, a gloss or high-gloss finish is usually best.

Gloss paints resist marking and are easier to scrub clean, which is especially important with furniture.

Avoid painting particleboard without sanding it first.

Materials and tools need to refurbish particleboard furniture on dark wooden surface

The Spruce

Sanding also helps to smooth the surface for a more polished look.

A quality primer will help seal the particleboard before painting it.

Particleboard furniture scratch filled with putty for refurbishing

The Spruce

Particleboard furniture sanded down by hand with blue gloves for refurbishing

The Spruce

Primer in bucket being stirred by hand with blue gloves

The Spruce

Applying primer to particle board furniture

The Spruce

Sanding the primer layer

The Spruce

Painting tray with white paint and roller brush and flat brush on parrticleboard furniture

The Spruce