Transforming an old piece of furniture with a fresh coat of white paint or other light colors can breathe new life into your space, creating a bright, clean, and modern feel. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a home decorator looking to experiment with upcycling, this how to paint furniture white guide is designed to walk you through the process, ensuring a beautiful perfect white finish. From selecting the best supplies to applying the final protective top coat, I have you covered.
Best Supplies for Painting Furniture White
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Before you start, gather all the necessary supplies to make the process as smooth as possible.
Quality White Furniture Paint:
Use a paint that’s specifically formulated for furniture. Look for terms like “cabinet paint” or “furniture paint” on the label for best results. I would not recommend using latex paint or wall paint. With so many quality furniture paint brands on the market, there is no need to use a product intended for another use.
Here are my recommendations for the best white paint for furniture:
- General Finishes Milk Paint – is an acrylic paint formulated for furniture and cabinetry that dries to a satin finish. Perfect for spraying, rolling, or brushing. This is my “go-to” paint as I prefer to spray it on for a flawless paint finish. General finishes white paint colors are: snow white which is a true white without being a bright white, antique white is a perfect off-white color, and linen is a soft cream color.
- Country Chic Paint – Paint dries within 30 minutes to a chalky matte finish that’s easy to distress if desired, yet very durable and self-leveling for a flawlessly smooth finish. Country Chic white paint colors: Simplicity is a crisp and modern white color, Crinoline is a crisp white with soft pink undertones, Vanilla Frosting is an off-white that is warmer than Simplicity or Crinoline, and Cheescake is a creamy white that is warmer than Vanilla Frosting.
- Amy Howard One-Step Paint – is a chalk-based formula that provides the perfect base coat for countless creative finishes. One-Step white paint colors: Ballet White is a timeless and clean white, Bauhaus White is a vibrant white and a shade softer than Ballet white, Waybridge White is a smooth off-white. There are 103 color offerings in the One-Step Paint line, so you are sure to find the perfect paint color.
Primer
Most furniture paint products do not require a coat of primer to start, however, there are many times one is needed to prevent bleed-through or to ensure the paint adheres well to the surface. Trust me on this, as I have used many products that state no priming is needed and I discovered after painting that a primer was indeed needed.
When painting dark stained wood furniture like a cherry or mahogany I would prime, especially if the piece needed to be sanded due to flaking varnish. Also when painting a very shiny surface, some paints will not adhere properly. All pieces of furniture are unique and each requires different prep work.
The above buffet was painted with white paint directly on the wood finish. As you can see how yellow the paint turned immediately upon painting. This is paint bleed-through and a perfect example of why applying a primer before painting is necessary.
Another reason to use an oil-based primer would be for painting over painted furniture. Many times you may buy a second-hand piece of furniture that was painted. You have no idea the paint finish that was used on the furniture. Many times it could have a wax sealer and painting over that sealer could compromise how much your paint will adhere to the painted finish. In this instance, I recommend to sand and prime before painting.
Quality Paint Brush, Roller, or Sprayer
Using great quality applicators for painting furniture is crucial for a smooth finish. Cheap rollers will leave bubbles, cheap brushes will leave brush strokes or streaks and cheap sprayers can spit out the paint. Here are my favorite furniture painting applicators:
- My favorite quality furniture paintbrushes are Cling-On, Purdy, and Zibra. I love the Cling-On oval short handle which provides a smooth finish and fits perfectly into my hand. The short handles are much needed when working in tight-fitting areas. The Purdy XL cub is my go-to angled brush, it also has a short handle. Zibra paintbrushes offer a great variety of brushes for different detail work like spindles and corners.
- The quality of the roller does matter. I like to use the 4-inch rollers for furniture. They are small enough for most flat surfaces without being too small for tabletops. I love to use the Whizz black foam rollers to get an ultra-smooth finish.
- Paint sprayers are not the best option for everyone since you have to have a larger area to work and you can not use them in your home due to the paint dust. However, if you do enough furniture painting, I encourage you to get a paint sprayer. The finish is quality and they save a lot of time. Yes, you may use slightly more paint, however you have the time savings. My favorite furniture paint sprayer is Wagner. I use the Flexio 5000 but you can also start with the FlexiO 570.
Sanding Blocks, Sandpaper, or Electric Sanders
Sandpaper is a supply staple for furniture painting. I would make sure to have a variety of grits on hand from a very fine to a coarse grit. You never know what you might need to remove or smooth. I also like to use a sanding block as they fit into your hand easier without having to tightly grip the sandpaper with your fingers.
If you flip furniture as a hobby or side business, I highly recommend investing in a high-quality finishing sander. After many years of using the Ryobi orbital sander and corner cat, I have upgraded to a SurfPrep. The SurfPrep does all the sanding I need from a very smooth sanding between paint coats to the heavy removal of old finishes. I only wish that I started using my SurfPrep years ago.
Hands down it has given me a better finish and is so easy to use. I can even hook it up to my shop vac and sand in my workshop, no more sanding outdoors in the cold winters. I can offer you an affiliate discount: use code DesignedDecor for an additional discount.
Painters Tape
Sometimes a surface will need to be taped off and I only use Frog Tape. I have used the others and after having paint pull off, I swear by using Frog Tape. I use the green multi-surface painter’s tape. Frog tape has a paint block technology and leaves a clean smooth paint line.
Water-based Sealer
Choose a non-yellowing protective topcoat to protect your white finish. Most of the furniture paint brands no longer require a sealer for protection as they include it in the paint formula. However, when painting furniture like tables that will be used frequently, I recommend using a sealer for added protection. Do not use an oil-based sealer on white or light paint, it will yellow the paint. I only use High-Performance water-based sealer for all of my furniture makeovers.
Step-by-Step Instructions for White-Painted Furniture
1. Repair Any Damages
Start by inspecting your furniture piece for any damages including the doors and drawers. Fill in scratches or dents with wood filler. Some pieces might need repairs to the veneer with gluing or removing.
Check out my how to prep furniture video tutorial to get more details on all your furniture-prepping needs.
2. Properly Prep
Preparation is key to a professional-looking finish. Sand the entire piece with fine-grit sandpaper to create a surface that the primer or paint can adhere to. Remove the dust with an old paintbrush or blow dryer. I typically do not recommend using a tack cloth as it can leave behind a sticky residue. Clean the furniture thoroughly to remove any remaining dust, dirt, or grease. I like to use a 50/50 mix of water or vinegar. If you need something more than vinegar and water, I recommend using clean slate furniture cleaner. You do not need to use water after applying the clean slate.
Can you paint furniture white without sanding?
This is a common question many ask as sanding is a very tedious task. The answer is yes and it truly depends on the furniture piece and the type of paint you are using for the project. There are many reasons why a piece of furniture would need to be sanded before painting. Older pieces with flaking varnish will defiantly need to be sanded to smooth out the surface. Pieces with a lot of scratches and damage will also need to be sanded.
There is a great product called liquid sandpaper. This is a great option for shiny surface furniture pieces. You apply the liquid sandpaper with a lint-free cloth, let dry and the piece is ready to be primed or painted.
The picture on the right is after using the liquid sandpaper. Notice the shine is no longer visible.
3. Apply Oil-Based Primer
For me, using a quality oil-based white primer is non-negotiable for most of the furniture pieces that I paint. Apply an even coat and allow it to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step will prevent any wood tannins or existing stains from bleeding through your white paint.
If possible avoid sanding really dark stained wood furniture as sanding opens up the wood spores and makes the paint bleed through worse.
The best primer is 2X Ultra Cover, since you are spray painting, there is no brush cleanup with chemicals. I also use this handy spray nozzle which gives me better control when using a spray can. Please wear the proper respirator mask when using oil-based paint or chemicals.
4. Apply Thin Coats of White Paint
Patience is your best friend here. Apply the white paint in thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. This method helps avoid drips and buildup, which can detract from the smooth finish you’re aiming for.
Most white and light color paint will require 2 or 3 coats of paint. Lighter paint colors tend to need extra coats of paint.
5. Sand Between Coats
Once the first coat of paint is dry, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper, before applying the second coat of paint. This will help the next coat adhere better and results in a super smooth finish. Remember to wipe away the dust with a damp clean cloth before applying the next layer of paint.
6. Apply the Proper Sealer
Applying a sealer is optional if using the all-in-one furniture paints. Again, you may want to apply a coat of sealer for added protection on furniture pieces that will be heavily used. Apply the sealer according to the manufacturer’s directions and allow it to dry completely.
Most sealers are very thin so you need to apply very carefully and not load up the roller or paint brush with too much sealer. Light even coats are best and you may only need 1 coat especially if using the all in one paints.
How to seal white painted furniture so it does not yellow?
This is another furniture painting question that many people ask. DO NOT use an oil-based sealer on white painted furniture, or other light colors. The oil-based sealers do yellow over time if not instantly. I recommend using a quality water-based sealer such as General Finishes High-Performance.
White Painted Furniture Makeovers
A fresh coat of white paint can transform any piece of furniture into a stunning statement piece. From dressers, buffets, tables, chairs, and cabinets, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few white furniture makeovers to inspire you to use white paint for your next furniture painting project!
- Powder Glazing over White Paint
- Painted Side Board with One Step Paint from 2 Bess in a Pod
- DIY Apothecary Cabinet/Hutch with chalk paint by Celebrated Nest
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Painting Furniture White
- Skipping the prep work. Proper prep is crucial for a long-lasting finish.
- Selecting and using the wrong type of paint. Ensure you’re using paint intended for furniture.
- Applying paint too thickly. Thin, even coats are the way to go.
- Not using any primer. This step is vital for preventing bleed-through.
- Using the wrong type of sealer. Always opt for a non-yellowing sealer to maintain that crisp white look.
Personal Tips for Success
Taking the time to do it properly from the start will save you time and frustration later. Always use a primer before applying your white paint. It makes a world of difference in preventing bleed-through and ensuring your paint job lasts for years to come.
Painting furniture white may seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and patience, you can achieve professional-looking results. Remember, the beauty of DIY projects lies in the process as much as the outcome. Happy painting!
DeDe Bailey
DeDe Bailey is the artistic mastermind behind Designed Décor and The Puzzle Table. With a rich background in home décor retail, she has transformed her website into a platform driven by a profound passion for helping individuals craft spaces they adore. As a self-taught furniture painting artist and thrift decorator, she loves sharing her knowledge and empowering others to beautify their homes through furniture painting and thrifting. When she isn’t sharing her wisdom on the Designed Décor blog, DeDe is occupied with showcasing her ingenious jigsaw puzzle table design and expanding her short-term rental located in NE Ohio.
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