If you’ve been wondering how to paint wood furniture without the stress, the mess or a streaky finish, good news! It’s easier than you think. Whether you're giving a thrifted find new life or modernizing a hand-me-down dresser, painting wood furniture with our premium, zero-VOC formulas delivers a smooth, long-lasting finish that looks professionally done. 

Here’s how to paint wooden furniture, from prep to topcoat, so you end up with a piece you’ll love for years.

Blackish, @welcome_idahome

Preparing Wood Furniture for Paint 

How to clean and prep wood furniture 

Before diving in, evaluate the surface. If the existing finish is peeling, flaking or uneven, you may need to strip it. Here's how to remove paint from wood furniture when the old finish is beyond saving: 

Use a paint stripper or a heat gun following manufacturer instructions. 

Scrape gently with a plastic scraper to avoid gouging the wood. 

Wipe the surface clean and allow it to dry fully before moving to sanding. 

If the old paint is intact and smooth, you can skip stripping altogether and focus on scuff-sanding and priming. 

Furniture Painting Supplies 

For the best results, you’ll want: 

Our Zero-VOC Primer (sorry, not sorry!) 

Your chosen shade (the best paint for wood furniture is a high-quality, durable interior paint—aka, our Perfect Eggshell) 

Sandpaper (120–220 grit) 

Microfiber cloth or tack cloth 

A high-quality angled brush + small roller 

Drop cloths and painter’s tape (we’ve got both, don’t you worry!) 

How to Paint Wood Furniture Step by Step 

How to apply paint smoothly and evenly 

Prep is everything when you're learning how to paint wooden furniture. 

Clean the surface. Remove dust, oils and residue with a gentle cleaner. 

Remove hardware. Unscrew handles, knobs and hinges for an easier, neater job. 

Repair imperfections. Fill dents or scratches with wood filler; let dry and sand to smooth. 

You don’t need to sand down to bare wood—just scuff the surface so your paint grips beautifully. Wipe away dust with a microfiber cloth or tack cloth. This simple step is key to a flawless finish, especially when you paint wood furniture that has an existing topcoat. 

Priming ensures your color looks even, true and long-lasting. 

Apply one thin, even coat of primer. 

Let it dry completely before painting. 

Lightly sand again for ultra-smooth results, then wipe clean. 

Priming also prevents stains or tannins from bleeding through, especially important when painting wood furniture like oak, pine or cherry. 

How to apply paint smoothly and evenly 

Time for the magic moment. 

Start with a brush for edges and details. 

Use a small roller for flat surfaces to avoid brush marks. 

Apply thin, even coats. Two coats are typical; darker colors may need a third. 

Let each coat dry fully before adding the next. 

Our durable, zero-VOC formula is truly the best paint for wood furniture. It offers smooth coverage, low odor and consistent color that won’t chip or peel.

Classic, @ashleyswhiteside

How to Finish and Protect Painted Furniture 

When to use a clear coat for painted furniture 

Our Perfect Eggshell is durable enough that you often don’t need an extra topcoat. But for high-traffic pieces—like desks, dressers or dining chairs—you can add a water-based polyurethane for added protection once the paint has fully cured. 

Once dry, reinstall hardware or update it with something modern and fun. Then style your refreshed piece in its new home and pat yourself on the back for completing a custom makeover!

Daily Greens, @funhomebuilding

Common Questions About Painting Wood Furniture 

Can you paint over wood furniture?

Yes! As long as the surface is clean, lightly sanded and properly primed, you can paint over most wood furniture—even previously painted or stained pieces.

Beigeing, @merrittbeck

What type of paint works best on wood furniture?

A high-quality, durable interior paint with a smooth finish is ideal. Our zero-VOC Perfect Eggshell offers excellent coverage, easy application and long-lasting results without the fumes. 

Ready to Start Your Furniture Refresh? 

Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a first-timer figuring out exactly how to paint wood furniture, we make the process simple, safe and beautiful. Explore our premium primer for perfect prep and our curated paint collection to find your new favorite shade. 

Your next furniture transformation starts here.