WITH A LITTLE PAINT AND A LITTLE IMAGINATION (OR ACCESS TO A PINTEREST ACCOUNT), IT'S EASY TO FILL YOUR HOME WITH EXCEPTIONALLY BEAUTIFUL ACCENTS TAILORED TO YOUR PERSONAL TASTE.

If you're excited by the idea of custom furniture but something is holding you back, you're not alone. Tape, sand, and paint are three words that fill most DIY beginners with dread.

But fear not! We've created an all-in-one article with answers to all your questions to show you how to paint furniture...

Have everything you need but no idea how? Read on...

WHY PAINT FURNITURE WHEN YOU CAN BUY IT READY-MADE?
Compared to some of the more affordable and modern furniture available today, older furniture is quite often made with quality construction and simply needs a little renovation.

Whether it's an outdated piece you've grown tired of, or a vintage gem you've discovered while rummaging through sales and charity shops, restoration will surely save you money. And let's not forget, you'll be left with something unique that is personalized.

SO, FIRST. WHAT IS YOUR VISION AND WHAT FINISH ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Before you go hunting for the perfect paint, it's important to consider what finish you want to achieve. Gloss or matte? Once you have these initial elements, it's easier to determine the right paint for the project.

The shabby chic look is the most popular DIY look right now. For this style, Rust-Oleum Chalky Finish Furniture Paint will give you the smooth, matte finish you need. You can easily create a distressed look by sanding over the piece once it has completely dried.

If you're looking for a luxurious sheen, consider Rust-Oleum satin furniture paint, which will give you a timeless silky touch.

For something a little more elegant, try modern Rust-oleum Gloss finish furniture paint.

And for a textured metallic look, Rust-Oleum metallic finish furniture paint will do exactly what it says on the tin – provide you with a luxurious interior.

SHOULD YOU ALWAYS USE A PRIMER?
Priming depends on your surface and the paint you are using. There are some paints like Chalky Finish or Universal Spray paints that do not require priming, so always check the label instructions before getting started.

There are different primers specifically designed for wood, plastic, metal, or ceramic surfaces. The job of a primer is to seal the surface, provide a good key for the paint, and ensure an even base for paint application, all of which improve the durability and appearance of your finish.

SURFACE PREPARATION.
Whether you are priming or applying your paint directly, it is always recommended to ensure that the surface you are painting is completely clean, dry, and free from any surface contaminants such as wax, furniture polish, dirt or dust, etc., which will prevent the paint from achieving a good result.

Our recommendations are to wash the item thoroughly with a solution of hot water/liquid detergent, rinsing off any soap residue with clean warm water. Allow the surface to dry before a final wipe with methylated spirits or white spirit.

In general, it's a good idea to lightly scuff existing paint or varnish to help the next coat adhere, ensuring that any loose or flaking paint or varnish is completely removed.

DOES THE TYPE OF BRUSH I USE MATTER?
There are two main types of paint brushes. There are those with natural bristles and those made from synthetic materials (although you can get brushes made with a blend of both).

When using oil-based paint, the natural bristles of the brush will give you a better finish. However, natural hair bristles, when used with water-based or latex paint, will absorb water and become loose.

Unfortunately, cheaper brushes don't hold as much paint as higher-quality ones, meaning painting will take longer. Better quality brushes usually also have a tapered end, which will give you more control, so it's best to invest in quality brushes from the start.

SHOULD I USE SANDPAPER OR STEEL WOOL FOR PREPARATION?
If you are painting wood, abrasion is important so that the paint can adhere to the surface. If the surface is contaminant-free, a light sanding will do the trick. Choose fine sandpaper with a grit from 360 to 600.

For coarser sanding and stripping, you will need to use coarser sandpaper with a grit of 40 to 60. If you think there might be varnish or other contaminants that could react with the paint on your surface, after you've finished sanding, use white spirit and steel wool to ensure all residue is removed.

SHOULD I USE WAX TO SEAL THE PAINT?
Most paints provide a strong and durable finish on their own, which does not require additional protection from wax or protective varnish. Some paints, such as Rust-Oleum Chalky Finish Furniture Paint, require the application of wax or varnish to protect and enhance the painted surface.

Furniture wax is easy to apply with a brush or rag and will give you a soft, velvety sheen that is perfect if you're going for the shabby chic look. Furniture varnish is applied with a brush and provides a matte finish for projects that require greater durability against knocks and stains.

MASKING MATTERS!
To ensure that one part of the paint doesn't bleed into another, or if you want to crisp up those edges to provide a polished finish, masking tape is essential.

Many DIYers will say that painter's tape is the Holy Grail, but masking tape works just as well!