Looking for easy upcycling ideas? Revamping a well-loved piece of furniture with paint can give your room an update in a few hours. Whether you're breathing new life into an old bar cart or giving a vintage chair a modern makeover, painting wood furniture is one of the most rewarding DIY projects. Read on to discover our top painting tips and find colour ideas you’ll love.
What paint to use on wood furniture
We have several interior wood paints that will transform tired furniture in no time, including:
Dulux Quick Dry range, available in Satinwood, Eggshell and Gloss finishes. The quick-drying formula and low odour make it ideal for refreshing interior wood furniture.
Apply your first coat of paint and allow it to dry according to the instructions on the paint tin label. Work from the top down to prevent drip marks, and rotate the piece of furniture as you paint it to ensure even coverage on areas such as legs and spindles.
Once dry, apply a second coat to achieve the desired opacity, colour and finish.
When the second coat is dry, reattach any hardware, and your furniture is ready to use again.
For a two-tone look, paint the top shelf in a contrasting colour to the legs and frame. Alternatively, embrace bold jewel tones to add an authentic Art Deco feel to your entertaining space, such as Emerald Glade, Sapphire Salute and Decadent Damson.
Step One
Time: 35 minutes (+ drying).
Sand the surface, then wipe down with a damp cloth. Mask off areas not being painted. Stir Dulux Primer & Undercoat for Multi Surfaces before applying an even coat. Leave it to dry according to the drying times specified on the paint tin label.
Step Two
Time: 40 minutes (+ drying).
Cut out Art Deco-style wallpaper to fit the tiered trays. Apply border adhesive and allow this to soak for a minute, then apply the wallpaper to the surface and brush down any air bubbles. Leave it to dry according to the drying times specified on the product label.
Step Three
Time: 15 minutes (per coat).
Stir the paint and apply the first coat to the frame. Leave to dry according to the drying times specified on the paint tin label. Lightly sand the surface, then apply a second coat and let it dry for the required time.
Step Four
Time: 20 minutes (+ drying).
Add 1-2 coats of clear varnish to the wallpaper and allow it to dry according to the instructions on the product label. Remove the masking tape. Now you’re ready to roll out the cocktail classics!
Chairs
Step One
Time: 20 minutes.
Sand and clean the cabinet to prepare it for painting.
Step Two
Time: 40 minutes (+ drying).
Apply Perfectly Taupe to the inside of the cabinet with a quality 3” paintbrush (use a 1” brush for the fiddly bits). Two light coats will give a better finish - make sure the paint inside the cabinet is touch-dry between coats, and fully dry before moving on to step 3. Check the paint tin label for exact drying times.
Step Three
Time: 40 minutes (+ drying).
Apply the first coat of your second colour, Rich Black, to the outside of the cabinet and leave it to dry, according to the time specified on the paint tin label.
Step Four
Time: 30 minutes (+ drying).
Apply a second coat of Rich Black and leave it to dry, as per the time specified on the paint tin label.
Step Five
Time: 5 minutes.
Attach new handles and hardware to your cabinet to complete this upcycling project.
Shelves
Shades Used in Image: Cobble Cove, Almond Butter, Golden Sands, Rock Salt
Painting wood shelves can transform them into eye-catching displays, especially if you use bold, contemporary colours. Consider painting the front or back panel of open shelving in a contrasting shade to make items pop, such as Rock Salt or Vanilla Sundae. Or opt for a colour-drenched look that blends your shelving unit into the walls, using dramatic hues like Village Maze and Acai Berry.
Tables
Whether you want to try a contrasting table top or a seamless colour-drenched design, there are plenty of ways to get creative when painting tables. A high-contrast combination, like Honey Nut and Rich Black works well for a side table, dining table or coffee table, especially when paired with pastel or neutral walls.
Wooden bed frames become bedroom centrepieces when painted in soft, soothing colours. Try dusty blues like Denim Drift for a calming feel, or soft neutrals like Knotted Twine for warmth and versatility. If possible, disassemble the bed frame and paint the headboard, footboard, side rails and legs separately, then reassemble once dry.
Tips for painting furniture
Successful furniture painting comes down to preparation and technique. Take time with each step to achieve professional-looking results that last, and follow our top tips for the best results.
Remember to fill cracks and marks
Paint amplifies imperfections rather than hiding them, so check your furniture carefully for any cracks or marks. Here are our top tips to ensure a professional finish:
Apply flexible wood filler in layers for deep cracks, and use wood glue for loose joints.
Overfill holes slightly as wood filler shrinks when drying.
Allow the filler to dry completely, then sand down for a smooth finish.
How long should you wait for paint to dry before putting furniture back?
Patience is crucial when painting furniture. Always check the paint tin label for exact drying times for your specific product, but as a rule of thumb, wait 6-8 hours between coats. Allow 24 hours after your final coat before putting any furniture back in its original place and using it.
Some additional environmental factors can increase drying times, including high humidity, cool rooms and thicker coats of paint. If possible, paint your furniture in a well-ventilated area and apply thin, even coats to speed drying.
When to use a brush and when to use a roller
When painting furniture, brushes are ideal for detailed areas such as spindles, carved details, corners, and edges. Rollers are better for large, flat surfaces such as tabletops and wardrobe doors. We recommend combining both tools: start with the brush to cut in around the edges, then roll large surfaces while the cut-in area is still wet.
Looking for more tips on how to paint old wood furniture? Check out these related guides:
