The #1 e-mail inquiry I get is from people wanting to know the specifics about how I paint furniture. I tend to giggle at this because I certainly don’t consider myself an expert. I’ve been lucky that (knock on wood) I haven’t had any disasters yet. If that makes me “in the know”, then so be it.
![IMG_7617_thumb[2]](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzpqGt5NyaY/S43WQQ7-D9I/AAAAAAAAFyA/7LuxG9Glb10/s1600-h/IMG_7617_thumb%5B2%5D%5B6%5D.jpg "painted dresser black")
#1. Clean it!
I make sure that I use a cleaner to get all the grit and grime off any piece of furniture that I paint. TSP works best for me, and it can be found at Lowes, Home Depot, etc. You’ll be amazed at how much sickness you’ll get off the furniture by using this.
![IMG_7749_thumb[2]](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzpqGt5NyaY/S43WRMEbJRI/AAAAAAAAFyI/KnT1JzC--jM/s1600-h/IMG_7749_thumb%5B2%5D%5B5%5D.jpg "IMG_7749_thumb[2]")
#2. Prime it!
A lot of people ask me about primer, but I don’t have a set kind that I use. AND I don’t necessarily use a primer on everything (see below). The primer below is what I use if I don’t want to do a lot of sanding. Speak with your paint guy. What? You don’t have a paint guy? Get one!
![IMG_7751_thumb[3]](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzpqGt5NyaY/S43WR2bA3PI/AAAAAAAAFyQ/fYREfapE--M/s1600-h/IMG_7751_thumb%5B3%5D%5B6%5D.jpg "IMG_7751_thumb[3]")
![IMG_6984_thumb[2]](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzpqGt5NyaY/S43WS5n_xxI/AAAAAAAAFyY/1O71L9IB39c/s1600-h/IMG_6984_thumb%5B2%5D%5B7%5D.jpg "primed dresser")
#3. Choose great paint!
My love. My passion. My life’s desire. Benjamin Moore Metal and Wood paint. BM doesn’t pay me for this promotion, but they should. You hearin’ me, Ben? It’s that good. Beautiful coverage, smooth finish, and gorgeous look. I’m sure everyone has “their paint choice”, and this is most definitely mine.
![IMG_7757_thumb[2]](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzpqGt5NyaY/S43WTjd0anI/AAAAAAAAFyg/Yzb3URMMFco/s1600-h/IMG_7757_thumb%5B2%5D%5B6%5D.jpg "IMG_7757_thumb[2]")
#4. TOOLS!
A lot of people wonder about the paint brush. I ONLY use a roller on furniture. I use little foam brushes to get into crevices and trim work, but I NEVER use a brush on the flat pieces. I truly believe this is the difference between a piece looking nice or spectacular. Ideally, I would have a paint gun, but I don’t. Instead, I have a $2.o0 foam roller from Wal Mart.
![IMG_6306_thumb[3]_thumb[4]](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HzpqGt5NyaY/S43WUbYAJmI/AAAAAAAAFyo/UNfFY66TtDg/s1600-h/IMG_6306_thumb%5B3%5D_thumb%5B4%5D%5B5%5D.jpg "IMG_6306_thumb[3]_thumb[4]")
![IMG_5345_thumb[11]](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzpqGt5NyaY/S43WVHian1I/AAAAAAAAFy0/pL4blZ9bwrg/s1600-h/IMG_5345_thumb%5B11%5D%5B5%5D.jpg "painted black door")
I might continue to get some questions about when to sand, how much to sand, or words that rhyme with sand. However, I don’t have a definitive answer for you. I generally sand enough to rough up the surface.
![IMG_7210_thumb[3]](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HzpqGt5NyaY/S43WV1fCOOI/AAAAAAAAFy8/xPFGNmHhrno/s1600-h/IMG_7210_thumb%5B3%5D%5B5%5D.jpg "painted cabinet white dove")
I sanded the heck out of these barstools, and it was completely unnecessary. Lesson learned.
![IMG_6304[14]](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzpqGt5NyaY/S43WWj-WoLI/AAAAAAAAFzE/sE9Lh-v2x5o/s1600-h/IMG_6304%5B14%5D%5B6%5D.jpg "painted barstools black")
And finally, I don’t seal my pieces with anything. I pay a little more for my paint than other brands, and that’s one of the many reasons why. It doesn’t need to be sealed after painting it. Perhaps that’s wrong, but keep in mind I’m not the expert here. I just play one on this blog.
Don’t forget to enter for the Timeless Treasures giveaway. The winner will be announced tomorrow!
{ 104 comments… read them below or add one }
Can you come to Washington and paint my furniture please? =)
I love your honesty… and your humor! You cracked me up with "… I just play one on this blog." I think you do what works for you and if someone wants to give it a go — hey… they should!
I appreciate what you do. It's pure awesomeness! One of these days I'll take the time to tackle somethign like it. Until then, I have you to live vicariously through! 
I used your advice (you've posted some before right?!?) and it worked perfectly on a desk I redid that I was not willing to sand because it would have taken me the rest of my life…anyway, all of the products you suggested are Perfect! Thank you!
I definitely think I need to take my paint up a notch. I tend to buy cheapy paint. E.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g you paint looks fabulous!!
♥ Amber
I got that Benjamin Moore paint after you recommended it and I wanted to THANK YOU! It truly is wonderful paint that went on super easy–so very much worth the $65 price!
Thanks, this is awesome! I'm writing down that paint recommendation for sure!! Hoping to find a lovely sideboard to re-do for the dining room at our local flea market this weekend
!
Blessings,
Stacey
Great post. Thanks for posting your experience with painting. When you paint a table top with the Benjamin Moore paint, how long do you let it dry before putting something on it? Most latex paints tend to be perpetually sticky on table tops. Do you have this problem with the paint you use?
Thanks for sharing your tips. I'll have to give the TSP and the Benjamin Moore paint a try.
~ Sarah @ http://www.queenofdiy.com
Great advice. And now I need to go buy me some Benjamin Moore!
Have you painted any pieces that have a laminate top? I have a dresser that I want to redo but I'm not sure how the paint will stick to the laminate? Any help will be greatly appreciated
Thanks!
I am singing right now! Finally…. another Metal and Wood lover! I mention it all the time! Benny Moore should pay me also!!!!!!! We are using it today on furniture piece mixed to the SW color "Sawdust"….. it's a gem!
I found your blog on my friends, and I love everything you do! Thanks so much for the tips, I am getting ready to tackle a hope chest for my little sister in law that is graduating high school. I am going to use your product recommendations… I know it will turn out great!!
PERFECT timing.. I'm getting ready to paint my first thrift store treasures this weekend! THANKS!
I hesitate so much when it comes to painting furniture…but I have quite a few pieces that NEED it. This is great…simply put…good photos…who knows maybe I'll paint something this weekend. I will be following you too! So excited!
Holly
504 Main
I would like a tutorial on how to paint a piece of furniture with helpful 7 and 5 year old boys and a 2 year old girl who doesn't understand no.
THEN I'll know how amazing you REALLY are. Because the thought of trying to make something look that pretty with my kids around me just about brings me to tears.
Chris~Thank you for all these tips! I'm thinking the iron clad paint would be great for kitchen cabinets??
My motto is – whatever works.
Your process definitely works – thanks for the info.
Good tips! That'll work. I have a credenza to paint!
I have that exact rug that is under your table
I agree with the sanding, I think the cleaning is what you usually need the most. Great job laying it all out for us!
What a helpful post! You made it sound so simple. Maybe one of these days I'll get up the courage to try it. Thanks!
When I came across your blog some months ago I saved it mainly because of the painting tips. I have wanted to paint my master bedroom furniture but didn't know the best way to go about it until i saw how in your blog…thanks so much for sharing your tips…I followed all of them. Me and hubby are super happy with how our master is coming all the furnture painting is done. I will be posting pictures in my blog soon.
I'm a big fan of BM paint, next time I am going to try the wood and metal paint because your stuff looks so good !
Thank you for all your tips. I've been thinking of painting my dining room table black and now after looking at some of your pieces and what you use, I am so inspired to do it, thanks!
I have a recently completed video I made of painting my bathroom cabinets. It was fun to see that you use foam rollers and brushes too.
All of your projects looks professionally done so I think you know what you are doing, well enough to be considered an expert.
Thanks Chris for all the wonderful tips! Your furniture looks like it was done by a pro!!
Take care-
Kristin
Had to comment on your previous post–I don't have pierced ears either and sometimes I feel like I'm the only person the planet. LOL! Thanks for the great furniture painting tips!
My brown eyes have just turned green with envy over your gorgeous side board. I covet it.
Hahahahaha…. guess I wasn't the only one then! You are an excellent resource – thanks for sharing all of your mad furniture painting/refinishing skillz with us!
Benjamin Moore paints are the best. I am so with you on that. And for heaven's sake, if I am going to put my precious time into painting something, I do not want to use bad paint. It's not worth the few dollars of savings.
Ben really should pay you!
If I can get a piece to come out like your F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S dresser…I will do whatever you say! That thing is GORG!
Thanks for sharing!! Just one more quick question–how many coats on black paint do you use??
kellygirl562@gmail.com
Great post. I love the step by step process. I'm highlighting you on my Spotlight Saturday this week with this post.
I was just the other day telling my husband that I wanted to paint our purchased-dirt-cheap-on-Craigslist dining room furniture just like your buffet. It is GORGEOUS! I just have to save up for the good paint! I'm thinking about frosting the glass in the hutch. Just need time and money.
These pieces look spectacular. Painting my dining table and chairs is on my definitely must do list this spring. I can't wait and I'll definitely be looking to get some of that Benjamin Moore paint.
Ruth
Hi Chris-
I work at Benjamin Moore and we liked your post so much that we had to share it with all of our fans on Facebook. Perhaps they will become your fans, too.
Check it out at:
http://www.facebook.com/benjaminmoorepaints
Great info friend! I think that i would consider you an expert. No bad painting problems to tell about it? I am jealous-I have had more than a few-mostly because I am impatient. Shocker right? I didn't know that about benjamin moore-thanks for the tip!!
Chris, you are adorable. Thank you! Plus, your work is lovely!
Keep painting!
The Benjamin Moore product used here is excellent for these projects. It is one of my favorite Ben Moore products to sell.
Okay, am I the only one who laughs a little on the inside when I read "BM paint"?
Echoing what everyone else here has said, thank you so much for demystifying the paint process – it's incredible how paint can completely change things.
And nice job getting the 'BM' (laughing myself silly) people to recognize you.
Carol
Great tips! I agree, the roller works much better than a paintbrush and the end result is so much cleaner.
Of course, without you, I wouldn't have even attempted to paint my hutch white. Thanks for sharing your tips.
Lisa
That black buffet is like butta, seriously. I still can't get over it. I may have to try this magic paint you speak of. It's all FANTASTIC!!
You are so talented!
Like Buttar indeed! HA! I love it, you guys are making all the BenMoore (not BM) reps drool!
All their paint products are top notch, try em and see.
As a BenMoore professional color specialist I have also become a total paint NERD! Aura and Natura interior paints are fantastic and GREEN, not just the color either!
Feel free to visit my blog; http://www.ArtZenFlowers.wordpress.com for more nerdishness…
Your pieces turn out great every time. I like the look…now i know your secret!
The finish is beautiful on that black piece. It looks just glossy enough. Did you sand that one? How many coats of paint? Any advice about technique? Your blog is great!
Thanks for sharing your great tips!
I NEED those nickel pulls. Where did you get them? I too am a fellow BM convert. I've never tried the metal/wood paint. Can't wait. I love a foam roller.
Thank you for a step by step guide. I'm terrified to paint my rolling kitchen island! Maybe I can try it now
That black looks beautiful and so sleek! Thanks for all the tips.
Wow! You've been a busy girl. Everything looks great and I love the barstools.
I absolutely love the cabinet. The black is perfect. I want!!!! Great job on all your projects.
Chris,
Just found you…Can't remember how! Anyway, GREAT paint tips.
I have painted a lot, but I must say, I think you are a bit smarter than I! You've figured some things out that have always annoyed me.
I will definitely try your paint recommendation. Everything looks beautiful!
Jamie
Love how color can give new life to otherwise "dated" furniture. In my interior redesign business I often repurpose furnishings and advise clients to update their decor on a budget by recycling this way. I'm going to refer them to your blog so they can see and read for themselves what you have done. Wonderfully well written!
I work at Benjamin moore and found out that the low lustre metal & wood latex has been gone off the market for years now, so what kind of finish do you use now?
Hi Anon,
Not sure what to tell you. I purchased the quart in that picture just a couple of months ago. Hmmm…
How do you get the foam roller pattern out of the finish coat? I hate the little "holes" that come with a rolled on finish. A little tip – the next time you paint with a dark paint color, have your primer tinted gray. Makes painting so much easier. Best!
Your dresser is GORGEOUS!! And thanks for the tips!
Hi, hope the year end procedures at school are going well. Did you ever paint the chairs and table to match the top piece on this post? I have the same set and really want to paint it all but wondering how the table held up? I have a 2 year old that would be testing the durability of the paint job
i love the black. it's SO creamy and rich. you done good, girl!
Thanx for sharing your tips..
Double Bathroom Vanities
I just bought the paint in June 10. I am hard at work painting.
Love the black buffet!
I use the same paint for my furniture because someone told me it would work good in my sprayer. I love it too. Have you tried not priming and just using the paint alone? I have just sanded and painted and so far so good.
I want to thank you for posting this! I was able to print off the whole entry and take it to Lowes to find everything that we needed to refinish this: http://chrisandmeloniebosch.blogspot.com/2010/10/china-cabinet-redo.html Your blog is an absolute inspiration!!
Good paint tips, especially the one about your choice in paint. I new to your blog and totally needed these tips a few weeks ago. I love that you also mentioned how dirty used furniture can be at times because I totally agree.
Chris, I love you for posting this non expert expert blog! I am getting up steam to attack a whole bedroom suite that is still quietly speaking the language of 1973 "Far Out Man!" But in a traditional, "we came with a matching water bed dude!" kinda way and this is precisely the info I required! Mahalo! Gracias! and Thanks a whole bunch! Nancy
When I came across your weblog some months ago I saved it chiefly because of the painting tips. I have desired to paint my master bedroom furniture but didn't know the best way to go about it until i saw how in your weblog.thanks a lot for sharing your tips.I followed all of them.
I love everything you do! Thanks a lot for the tips, I am preparing to tackle a hope chest for my tiny sister in law that is graduating high school. I am going to make use of your product recommendations.
This project turned out wonderful. I have been wanting to paint my hutch and dining room table black for some time. DH says NO! Of course I had to google to find someone who did the same and your hutch looks great! Hopefully this will convince him.
do you have any tips on painted already crackled furniture. My daughter's bedroom set is gorgeous, but being a 14 year old girl, we don't exactly share the same taste in home decor. she wants to redo her bedroom, beginning with painting her furniture black. it is currently an ivory crackle finish…and we would love it to be have a nice smooth finish like the item you posted here. any suggestions on how to get rid of the crackle????
The only way to properly achieve a smooth finish would be to strip the crackle finish, sand and clean the surface, and repaint it. Try using Citrus Stripper, as it is an easy, low odor approach to finish/paint removal.
I really love every tutorial you do. All of your projects come out really well. I am coming back for more!
Your furniture looks awesome. How many coats of primer and paint do you usually use on a piece? I’m going to attempt to paint my son’s dresser.
Hi, Thank you so much for inspiring me to paint a piece of furniture! I love your blog! Check it out:
http://meyerskids.blogspot.com/b/post-preview?token=n-8YMTEBAAA.HpRzA56xFRVPo1LdrxP2kQ.e67b-QMAPzhS6wJcESoHzA&postId=4451743534498686533&type=POST
Thank you for your help!
Loni
I was wondering what is the name of the color of the Ben Moore paint used on the black buffet. Um…could it be as simple as “black” or is it some other fancy color?
Also, Do you sand after priming or before priming? Thanks!
Hi, thanks I love the detail with the pictures of the painting products! My question to you is, I have a bedroom set that I painted white and the dang wood knots show through. I primed and painted the piece with several coats. Those knots are driving me nuts!!!
It might be the primer you used. However, if it’s the texture of the knots you’re worried about, those won’t necessarily go away. You could use wood filler to hide them a little better. Otherwise, I might look into a better primer that will disguise them. Good luck!
Ok- Your BFF is so lucky! I love your web page. UR 2 cute! Thanks for sharing all the tricks of our trade. I have done a lot of restoration and the paint is the key. Oh, and sprayers are really hard to get an even surface unless your sprayer cost $800. Then you might as well buy new furniture- am I right?
hi Chris, Because of your post, I’ve been inspired to paint my dining room set. I began the project yesterday – a table and six chairs. I cleaned the entire set with TSP and have primed the table and three of the chairs. My husband has me paranoid because he noticed I was applying the primer with the foam ‘brush’ rather than the foam roller. Will brush strokes show through once I apply the Benjamin Moore paint? I’m wondering if I should start all over with the primer, except using the foam roller instead. Of course I’d like to NOT do that, but will since it’s early enough in the project to correct. Please let me know what you think.
Thank you!
Hi Michele!
Can you see the brush strokes now? If so, just try sanding it a bit before you apply your paint. I would definitely apply it with a roller in the future, but since you haven’t applied the paint yet, you might still be able to get away with it. Just sand it down some. Should work ok. Good luck!
Hi! I followed all the steps on this post exactly- from the type of paint and primer to application, etc… It turned out great for my first piece. I have a question though- it was a wood table, which I primed {2 coats} and painted white {2 coats}, however, I decided that I want to paint it navy instead. Do I need to paint it and prime it again or can I just paint navy over the white? Sorry if that is a silly question- I’m a newbie painter!
You can definitely paint it again! Just do a light sanding over it to rough up the surface, and you should be good to go. Good luck!
Wow! I did not know that kind of finish was even possible! I am definitely going to change the way I approach my furniture makeovers. Thanks for discovering this!
Hi,
I love your blog and found your painting tutorial very helpful. I went to the Ben Moore dealer here – the one that is the dealership – with the helpful know how paint guy – (they sell it at all kinds of places but they don’t have the helpful paint guy).
I asked about the low lustre iron clad latex enamel. What they sell here now is called ‘Super Spec HP® D.T.M. Acrylic Low Lustre (P25)’
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-contractors/super-spec-hp-dtm-acrylic-low-lustre-p25
I got the black p25 80 Negro. He said unless I wanted a specific black that this would be the best choice. He said that this would be the same as what you posted originally – just a different name.
Beth,
I have been wanting to try this at home and was wondering how the Super Spec HP low lustre paint in the black worked out for you ? Please email me at anniasamhuff@gmail.com .
Thanks
Hi:
I love your paint jobs and am already to do the same – however!! Looking at the BM sites in Canada and the U.S. they no longer show the low lustre Metal & Wood Enamel. What they are showing is Impervex Latex High Glass Enamel 309. Is this the same paint that you used, but with a different name? Also, I noticed that your paint says that it is a pastel base and when I went to BM this a.m. they said that they can’t make pastel base into black. What tint did you use to make it black. Really appreciate your help. I’ve got it all TSP’d down, primer ready to start, but now am just unsure what to do about the paint. Just noticed that another person was basically asking the same question.
Love your site..and boy do I ever need help. I need to paint two dressers, kitchen, and bathroom cabinets, just for a start. You mentioned using a paint sprayer, would you use the BM metal and wood paint in the sprayer and do you need to adapt the paint in any way (thin with a substance)? Is the Super Spec HP® D.T.M. Acrylic Low Lustre (P25)’ actually the same at the metal and wood paint that you spoke of?
Thanks,
Deb
Great post. I usually like to do the painting in my house and my husband always say to get someone to do the job, but after I finish one thing at a time, he takes it back. Now I want to do the doors and some chairs… He’ll love them. Thanks for shearing.
Monica
Thanks for the Benjamin Moore tip. I paint kitchen cabinets and rich people’s furniture professionally and sometimes they have accounts at BM. Sometimes Home Depot credit cards, sometimes Lowes. I like to accommodate them as much as possible. And since they pay for all the supplies . . . So it’s good to know which of the many types of paint to get while shopping at BM!
However, the lack of a top coat scares me a little. I might try ‘no top coat’ on something of my own, but for my customers, I want to make sure it’s as durable as possible. People are generally rough on stuff they didn’t do themselves having no idea the work that went into it.
I agree with you, Holly. That is the only piece that doesn’t have a top coat. I have since done the top coat just to be safe. However, I will say that the original buffet doesn’t have a single scratch or nick in it. Kinda cool! Thanks for stopping by!
Chris,
Can you tell us what product you use as a top coat and how you apply it? Thanks for sharing all your know-how and experience with us. It is so helpful and gives me the courage to do these projects on my own.
I’m in the process of using this technique step by step, product by product! The problem I’m having is, the finish isn’t as smooth as what yours seems to be!!!!!!! I’m expecting a baby boy in Feb 2012 and I’m trying to use my daughters old nursery furniture. I’m almost positive it’s not all “real” wood………..would that make a difference???? When I roll the paint on with the foam roller, it leaves (while wet) a finish that looks textured, like little bitty bubbles has splattered all over!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even after it’s dried, it still doesn’t look smooth!!! I’m wondering if I should sand in between the black coats, or if that would even make a difference! I’m getting scared since now it’s Dec 2011 already and I still don’t have the nursery furniture done, that I am gonna be out some major money having to buy another set! Please help me asap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks, Tasha
I’m having the same problem as Tasha. I bought all the products. Am painting a white buffet. After using the foam roller I see roller marks, and the texture to the top of the buffet is rough. Last night I tried using some steel wool to soften it a bit, with no success. I’m worried. Do I try the roller again over this? I’m wondering if I didn’t have enough paint on the roller or something….I’m with Tasha…. Please help ASAP. Thx. Mary
Hi Mary,
I wish I could understand why you’re seeing the roller marks. If you’re using all the same products, it should come out super smooth. I would say the only thing is that you’re rolling it too hard. I roll it, and as I continue to roll, I make sure to apply it lighter and lighter with each stroke. It might just be in the technique. This is where a “hands on” lesson would be great, eh? I hope that helps!
Painting your furniture, cabinets and dresser makes them looks new. We choose our favorite color or depends on our mood.
I too was inspired by all this and so I’m in the process of painting a maple bed (head/foot boards) in the low lustre black (BM P-25) I’ve done everything accordingly but I’m having difficulty too. I think part of the problem is my lousy technique. I’ve had to sand/repaint because of drips, etc. and the bed has spindles which are a pain to paint. With the lastest coat, however, I noticed that I was getting roller marks, too. I think painting in 2 directions (back/forth / up/down) may alleviate this but I also think it was the temperature that was starting to affect the paint. I had to do the painting in my unheated garage (we have a tiny half-basement and no room there to do anything) and it was starting to get cold (I live in CT). The roller began to “stick” and “drag” leaving roller marks and bubbles. So I re-sanded and I’m waiting for when I have more time and for the weather to break which will probably be around April! It’s a good excuse to clean out the basement to carve a space to finish!
According to my local BM dealer, the paint above has been discontinued. Have you experienced the same thing? If so, any suggestions for a brand of paint?
Hi Glenn, I know that some other commenters have made some suggestions based on their paint store. I have not spoken to mine yet, but I’ll get back to you when I do!
While doing a search on painting furniture I found your blog post & advice. Thank you for sharing!! I am definitely checking out the Benjamin Moore and trying it on my next project. Yay!
Hi Chris. I’m in the process of revamping our dining room (as in gutted to the bones) and I was wondering … do you have a mix of white, creamy white, black & cherry in your dining area? I noticed your dining table and chairs look like a cream color with cherry finished tops and then the black bar stools … did the white china cabinet make it in there as well? I like all 4 color pallets (for lack of a better word) but I’m afraid to put it all together for fear of it not looking right.
So disappointed Wanted to follow your directions to the very last detail. Only to find that B Moore has “reformulated” the paint you so loved. They tell me it is now called “Super Spec”. I am at best a rookie at this. Have you tried the reformulated version? Hoping not to botch this job!!
thanks for making the how to so easy to understand having the pictures to see exactly what you bought was great I have started to refinish a dresser, I’ll let you know how it comes out so far so good
Thank you so much ,I’m painting my cabinets in bath and this was so helpful THANKS AGAIN DEB
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