https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 28 May 2026 00:04:54 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-535098 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 17:49:30 +0000 shopaholic 535098@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm in the middle of my nursery dresser re-painting and re-finishing project. Ugh! It's exhausting let me tell you! Seriously Pinterest people make thing look so easy! I did finish the night-stand and I really like it! But I don't think just by looking at it you could tell how much work it too me to do it! bahahah! The night stand was a lot easier and quicker, so I think if you do your night-stands, it's a good, small project to start with. Not too many tips from me, except for "wear gloves!" if you plan on using an oil-based primer! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534744 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:49:46 +0000 ladyfingers 534744@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh to go along with @Mrstiz 's brush comment, if you need to stop in the middle of a project, wrap your brush in saran or put it in a ziploc bag and stick it in the refrigerator. That way you don't have to worry about whether the brush is dry when you pick the project back up later that day/next day, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534729 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:47:32 +0000 ladyfingers 534729@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nah, painting furniture is super easy and fun (not that you are a failure if it didn't work out, but I'm saying don't let that experience dissuade you from trying again). What turned out awful about the bedroom furniture you painted? Did you just not like the color, etc? Or was there something you can learn from?</p> <p>The YHL tutorial is great, here are some others I've saved:</p> <p><a href="http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/2010/09/aging-is-so-distressing-techniques-for.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/2010/09/aging-is-so-distressing-techniques-for.html</a></p> <p><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/furniture-updating-with-black-spray-paint/" rel="nofollow">http://southernhospitalityblog.com/furniture-updating-with-black-spray-paint/</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oleanderandpalm.com/2012/05/painting-laminate-furniture.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.oleanderandpalm.com/2012/05/painting-laminate-furniture.html</a></p> <p>And this whole series from Design*Sponge, written by the woman who owns Knack Studios is awesome:<br /> <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/category/barb-blair" rel="nofollow">http://www.designsponge.com/category/barb-blair</a><br /> (the most basic concepts start at the beginning of the series so scroll down and click on "older entries")</p> <p>Some tips...</p> <p>- Start with something you won't feel bad about ruining. My first painted piece was a $5 nightstand from Craigslist. I painted it all one color. Then I moved onto a $20 dining room table -- I stained the top a dark brown and painted the legs and apron white, and had it for about 4 years until we got rid of it because it was too small. I just recently did my first experiment playing around with flat paint, distressing and sanding, black stain, and wax, and loved the result. It can be really fun playing around with different finishes, techniques, doing multiple colors, stain/paint, etc. But starting out small with one paint color for the whole piece is great for building confidence.<br /> - If you want a really shiny finish, use oil-based paint. The brush strokes will fall out, whereas they won't with a high-gloss latex.<br /> - Oil-based polyurethane as a protective coat will tend to yellow -- water-based polyurethane won't, and is better environmentally and just easier to work with. I also like wax as a finish for a less shiny look, but it's hard on pieces like dining room tables, nightstands, where you'll be placing glasses and stuff on the surface. I like it better for dressers, etc.<br /> - When working with all one color like white, etc. you can snazz things up easily with fun knobs. I love Anthropologie's knobs and handles for sprucing up a piece.<br /> - You really don't have to completely sand down a surface if you're painting it, which is why painting is a great alternative to staining. But you should "rough" up the surface with some sandpaper, use a tack cloth (stick cheesecloth, can get at Home Depot/Lowe's) to remove dust, and then apply a primer. The rule is, you can use latex over an oil primer, but not oil paint over a water-based primer. And of course water/water oil/oil works fine as well.<br /> - If you can get access to chalk paint, it's a different type of finish and you do not have to sand OR prime. I haven't worked with it yet but I have a project in mine I want to use it for. This isn't chalkboard paint -- it's called chalk paint and is a specialty item. Annie Sloan is one brand, but there are others. You can find retailers by visiting the sites or you can order online.</p> <p>Have fun with it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534426 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:23:24 +0000 mrskc 534426@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have painted a dresser before and my DH redid my old childhood dresser for our nursery. We sanded it first then wipe off all the dust. We then used an oil based primer because I've heard it makes it more durable. I also like to lightly sand in between coats with steel wool to make it extra smooth. Then you can even apply a poly coat for even more durability. We just used a spray one and only applied in on the top of the dresser since that gets more wear. </p> [attach=684/13/mhej70.448x600.image.jpg] [attach=684/13/mhej72.600x450.image.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534421 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:21:42 +0000 Mrsbells 534421@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've never done it but have painted a lot of wooden things for our wedding DIYs its hard at first but then you get the hang of it. I prefer spray paint </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534412 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:19:45 +0000 Chillybear 534412@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>John and Sherry over at YoungHouseLove have some great tutorials for painting just about anything on their site</p> <p><a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/02/how-to-paint-furniture/" rel="nofollow">http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/02/how-to-paint-furniture/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534391 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:14:23 +0000 Springtime 534391@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@emg86: that's awesome! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534369 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:09:52 +0000 T.H.O.U. 534369@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have heard that "Penetrol" is the key too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534351 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:04:57 +0000 emg86 534351@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsaudi: Thanks! Our bedroom has been featured on many blogs and sites, so it does get pinned quite frequently. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534339 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:01:12 +0000 Springtime 534339@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@emg86: wow, good job! I love that yellow dresser, I think I have seen it on pinterest?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534311 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:56:28 +0000 Beebug 534311@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We've stained, and painted. We have lucked out painting over and not sanding down, but I prefer the stained pieces, but it is just so much more work!</p> <p>Here is a piece I bought for $20 off kijiji, and painted for C's nursery.</p> <p>No tips, we just lucked out I think? </p> [attach=2471/13/mhehy4.600x450.D.jpg] [attach=2471/13/mhehy7.400x600.IMG_1961.JPG] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534305 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:55:24 +0000 T-Mom 534305@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: Well, I got curious, and I found some resources that I should have looked ino prior to painting my IKEA changing table. Turns out I should NOT have sanded. Lesson learned!</p> <p>Here's a helpful link in case anyone is interested in painting IKEA stuff.<br /> <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/08/the-boys-dresser/" rel="nofollow">http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/08/the-boys-dresser/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534296 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:52:17 +0000 emg86 534296@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I LOVE to paint furniture! Call me crazy :-) I don't enjoy it in the summer months, which is always when I end up doing a big project, lol. A good sander is key for big pieces, foam rollers, primer and thin coats are your best friends. </p> <p>Here are some pieces I have done! </p> [attach=1995/13/mhehr6.400x600.Chair-before.jpg] [attach=1995/13/mhehr7.267x400.Bedroom_Chair_Closeup.jpg] [attach=1995/13/mhehr8.400x267.WWDresser.jpg] [attach=1995/13/mhehra.400x267.Bedroom_Opposite_Wall.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534293 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:51:09 +0000 avivoca 534293@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I painted two Ikea Rast dressers this fall. It was time-consuming, but nothing I wanted to tear my hair out over. They were bare pinewood though, so I didn't have to sand them or anything. I have another dresser that I want to repaint, but after sanding that thing down, I don't want to paint it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534265 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:44:35 +0000 Foodnerd81 534265@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm afraid to paint anything that's not real wood. We did buy a few unfinished pieces that we sanded, stained, and sealed ourselves, but they started out unfinished so it was easier. I would only do it on something I just don't care if it's ruined. But like you, I see so many cute things on the internet. I don't even know where these mythical "thrift stores" are that people find great, solid wood furniture for $20. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534260 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:43:36 +0000 T.H.O.U. 534260@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Great question!!</p> <p>We have some handme down master bedroom furniture and I love the style and size for our room but it REALLY needs to be painted! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534232 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:35:06 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 534232@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm glad someone posted this question because I have an old bookshelf of my husband's that I'm going to paint - it's mostly particle board on the inside with this dark, ugly veneer - and put in the nursery but I'm afraid that it's going to go terribly wrong. I'm going to have to do research on what paint is best for the material, I know, but I don't want this to go AWOL. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534218 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:31:57 +0000 MediaNaranja 534218@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't done any big projects, but I have a few end tables that I've painted and that have turned out well. I just make sure everything is sanded down, then wipe things off with a damp washcloth so that there aren't any dust particles hanging around. I didn't bother with primer because I didn't have any on hand. I used a foam brush and let it dry for 24-hours between coats, and I did two coats. It is not the most spectacular job, but the paint certainly made a huge difference! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534215 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:31:20 +0000 Mrs. Pen 534215@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T-Mom: yeah I'd be scared to do the ikea hacks too! They never use real wood so it takes a lot of sanding, like a lot. and sometimes I'm not sure that's enough..</p> <p>@mrsaudi: yeah I see some stuff and I'm like that is so cool but I never would have thought of that or even known how to do that! I like when they do the designs on the front too or get really cool updated hardware. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534197 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:26:10 +0000 T-Mom 534197@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am totally traumatized as well. We painted a changing table purchased from IKEA, but it ended up peeling. I sanded it and primed it, but I guess it wasn't enough. I still don't know exactly where I went wrong. It wasn't real wood, though, and a lot of their furniture is covered with a foil so maybe that's why. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534185 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:23:11 +0000 Springtime 534185@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Me! Mainly because it seems like there are so many different techniques, it seems overwhelming on what to do and how to do it. I would have no idea where to start lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534154 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:13:45 +0000 PearlBee 534154@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The one piece of furniture I've painted didn't turn out so well. I could use some tips, too. ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534116 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:59:50 +0000 MrsTiz 534116@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Start small! My first project was a kitchen table, and I was traumatized. Luckily DH was there to help, but now I can do it on my own.</p> <p>One thing that took me forever to realize is that if you use a brush, the paint strokes will even themselves out when drying. I always thought that the lines would stay, but don't worry!</p> <p>Get yourself one of these<br /> <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_42372-2167-144152320_0__?productId=3422402&#038;Ntt=angled+brush&#038;pl=1¤tURL=%3FNtt%3Dangled%2Bbrush&#038;facetInfo=" rel="nofollow">http://www.lowes.com/pd_42372-2167-144152320_0__?productId=3422402&#038;Ntt=angled+brush&#038;pl=1¤tURL=%3FNtt%3Dangled%2Bbrush&#038;facetInfo=</a></p> <p>and a bunch of trash-bags. Don't waste money on tarps (unless you have them already) or plastic wrap. Cheap trash-bags and a pair of scissors are your best bet!</p> <p>A roller is great for flat surfaces, and polyurethane them if you are going to use them a lot (foam craft brush, btw) </p> <p>Last tip- wash your brush ASAP! I used to let them sit for a bit while I cleaned up, but don't. Clean them even if your taking a break, unless you want to throw them out. Just hot water, and then I put it in between my hands and spin the handle by rubbing my hands together really fast..gets the excess paint out from up near the handle!</p> <p>Have fun!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-scared-to-paint-furniture#post-534077 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:48:52 +0000 Mrs. Pen 534077@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Everywhere on pinterest it's "Oh I found this at a thrift store- I knew I could paint it!" and it always looks amazing when finished...</p> <p>but before DH and I got married I painted our bedroom set and it was awful. It was really ugly and I hated it. Since them I'm so scared to paint furniture and fear it's a waste of money and won't turn out.</p> <p>I bought two bedside tables at a thrift store last year for $35 - great find and they are actually kinda cute. But they're an ugly brown and I know they have so much potential but I'm scared to take the plunge!! I want to paint them yellow. </p> <p>Anyone else?<br /> How about sharing your painting tips, and before/afters?? </p>