So why paint used furniture anyway? –
- Saves money new and reduced waste.
- Create your personal cottage in dimensions with custom colours.
- Instant lift from drab to fab.
- And most importantly, with all its charms, it adds a touch of you.
What You’ll Need:
The Basics
Old furniture (wood, metal, MDF)
Primer (shellac based for gloss furniture)
Paint (latex, chalk, or acrylic)
Paintbrushes or foam rollers
Drop cloths or old sheets Gloves and a dust mask
Optional (for polish) – Sandpaper block (120 & 220 grit) Painter’s tape Furniture wax or polyurethane sealants Not forgetting Decorative knobs or stencils.
A Step-by-Step Tutorial
- Choosing that Perfect Piece
Start off with something really small: a side table, a chair, or a small drawer chest. Don’t choose broken or totally messed-up pieces as your first project.
- Prep Like a Pro
Clean furniture thoroughly (mild soap + water)
Lightly sand the surface — especially glossy finishes
Wipe off the dust with a damp cloth.
🎯 Don’t skip this part. A clean and sanded surface equals smooth finish and longevity.
- Time to Prime
Apply one coat of primer on dark woods, MDF, and glossy surfaces.
Let dry thoroughly (1-2 hours).
⏱️ If using chalk paint, you can skip priming, provided that the surface is already dull!
- Paint Away
Use a foam roller for bigger areas or flat surfaces and an angled brush for corners.
Use thin coats — 2 or 3 layers should be just fine.
Let each coat dry before applying the next.
🎨 Love texture? Experiment with dry brushing. Want it smooth? Sand between coats very lightly.
- Into the Finish
After it’s thoroughly dry, seal it up with either polyurethane if you’re chasing durability or wax for that matte finish.
Let it cure for 24-48 hours before putting it to hard use!
🖌️ Styling Ideas:
Style Paint Type Color Inspirations
Vintage cottage Chalk paint Sage green, dusty rose, white
Bold & modern High-gloss latex Black, navy, emerald
Farmhouse rustic Distressed matte Warm gray, ivory, barn red
Boho vibes Acrylic+stencil Teal, mustard, sunset hues
🪑 Upgrade Ideas
Install knobs made of brass, ceramic, or leather.
Tape off for geometric patterns or use stencils for florals.
Add fun wallpaper or fabric to line your drawer interiors.
🕒 Time & Budget:
Time: 4-8 hours (including drying time)
Budget: ₹400-1000 depending on paint & tools
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
📸 Before & After= Insta Gold ✨
Take pictures of your makeover journey – trust me, you’ll want those pictures to remind you of that spectacular transformation! Tag your final piece with #MyDIYFurnitureGlow for a chance to be featured!
Need help visualizing your piece in the new color? Just send me an image, and I will help mock up a fresh color combo or layout idea!