The key to professional furniture painting is diligent preparation. This step is also the longest step of the process. Last week, I was hired to refinish and repaint a pair of nightstands. They will serve as our example as I walk you through the process!

Preparation

Always start with repairs first. For example, this piece had snug drawers. I sanded the drawer bottoms and sides before painting to allow for a smooth glide once the paint cured on the surface.

Sanding is critical. Whatever lives below the paint will be seen above the paint. I used wood filler patches in several locations to repair dings and dents, then I sanded the whole piece smooth with 150 grit sandpaper. This not only creates a smoother surface, but the sanding is critical in roughening up the surface so that paint can adhere.

Painting

Use primer. It helps. Here’s my go-to primer. But after you prime, always resand it before applying your paint. No one likes paint that peels off easily as the piece is used, and this one extra steps creates a much stronger bond.

The paint applied—Dew Drop from Sherwin Williams Emerald line—was in satin per the customer’s wishes. Whenever possible, I spray my furniture. Here’s the sprayer I use (it’s awesome… and no, I am not sponsored). I spray because it lays down flatter, without brush marks, and it’s INFINITELY faster.

Topcoat

Yet, with this satin sheen, it lacked the added gloss of a semi gloss or gloss sheen. So, it needed a topcoat. I sprayed three coats of polyurethane to add durability and professionalism. Light coats are more effective than heavy coats. I wait an hour before applying the next coat—here I applied three—and always sand between coats.

To summarize, painting furniture is preparation, preparation, preparation. Don’t forget primer and sand between your coats!

Here’s the finished product