Among the popular types are oil, latex, acrylic, and specialty paints like chalk and milk.
Some paint types work better with a brush, a roller, or asprayer.
Use a protective finishing coat to make the paint last longer.
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you could choose from flat (matte), satin, semigloss, or gloss finishes.
Popular Brands
Latex paint is made by all the big household paint names you likely know.
This water-based paint gives items a sanded ordistressed look.
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It typically has latex as its base but delivers a thicker, buildable texture.
For best results, practice on a scrap piece of furniture.
Chalk paint will typically run between $23 and $40 per quart.
Chalky paint is available from specialty retailers, though its becoming more widely available.
You’ll get a slightly thinner texture withmilk paintthan chalky paint.
This is also important on smooth surfaces, such as glass or plastic.
The cost can range from $20 to $200 a gallon.
Color particles are suspended in an acrylic polymer and offer rich pigment with a smooth finish.
Use a primer as a base layer if you want the paint to adhere better to the surface.
Expect to pay between $36 and $50 for a quart of acrylic paint.
However, this durability comes at a cost.
Due to its components, they are banned in some areas.
You will typically pay between $30 and $60 for a gallon of oil-based paint.
Behr and Valspar both make oil-based paint for use on furniture.
you might also get it in multiple sheens, including matte and semi-gloss.
Alkyd’s finish is durable and does not need an additional topcoat.
And you don’t need to prime the piece if it has been appropriately sanded using 220-grit sandpaper.
Alkyd paint is more expensive than other types, but it is easy to use and durable.
A gallon of alkyd paint costs between $45 and $85.
Behr, Benjamin Moore, Dutch Boy, and Valspar all make alkyd paints.
Spray Paint
Cans of spray paint should not be used on furniture unless the material is plastic.
The paint doesn’t spray evenly, and shows spray patterns when painted on a porous surface.
While latex paint is a viable paint throw in for furniture, its primary use is for painting walls.
It’s not the best choice for high-touch furniture.
If you use it, you’ll succeed better with semi-gloss and high-gloss options.
Also, use a protective top coat so it lasts longer.
Tips for Applying Furniture Paint
Certain types of paint require different system methods.
Each paint has pros and cons, though latex paint is often one of the most popular choices.
Chalk paint is easy to apply, and alkyd paint is increasingly popular for its ease and durability.
If you don’t want to sand, chalk paint and milk paint are the best options for furniture.
For the best furniture paint job, use primer as a base coat.
It helps the paint adhere to the furniture.
If you skip primer, lightly sand the furniture surface to help adhesion.
