How to repaint bedroom furniture?

Giving your bedroom furniture a fresh coat of paint is the ultimate home upgrade, transforming dated or worn pieces into custom decor. Whether you are refreshing a hand-me-down dresser or giving a thrift store nightstand new life, successful furniture painting relies heavily on thorough preparation and the right materials.

Why Repainting Furniture Is Worth It

Repainting is more than just a surface treatment; it's a value-adding process that combines cost savings with creative freedom.

Affordable Way to Refresh Your Décor

The cost of high-quality furniture, especially solid wood pieces, is substantial. By investing a small amount in sandpaper, primer, and paint, you can achieve the look of expensive, custom furniture. This process allows you to update your entire bedroom aesthetic without replacing large, functional pieces.

Custom Colors for Modern or Vintage Looks

Repainting gives you complete control over the final style. You can select a bold, modern shade to act as an accent piece, or choose a soft, neutral color to blend seamlessly with existing decor. For vintage charm, techniques like distressing (sanding the edges to reveal wood beneath) work perfectly with specialized options like chalk paint.

Tools & Supplies You’ll Need

Having the right materials on hand before you start will ensure a smoother, professional-looking finish.

Sandpaper, Primer, Paintbrushes, and Sealant

Category

Recommended Supply

Purpose

Cleaning

Degreaser (TSP substitute), clean rags/cloths

Removes dirt, oil, and furniture polish.

Sanding

$80\text{-}120$ grit and $220$ grit sandpaper

Rough grits remove old finish; fine grits smooth surfaces.

Primer

Bonding or stain-blocking primer (e.g., shellac-based)

Essential for adhesion and preventing wood tannins from bleeding through light colors.

Application

High-quality angled brush and foam roller

Brushes are for edges and details; foam rollers create the smoothest finish on flat surfaces.

Finish

Paint (see below) and water-based Polyurethane or Wax

Provides the color and the final protective, durable layer.

Step-by-Step Repainting Process

Skipping steps in the prep phase is the single most common reason paint peels or bubbles later. Dedicate adequate time to preparation for a long-lasting result.

1. Clean and Sand Surfaces

• Disassemble: Remove all hardware (knobs, pulls, hinges) and set them aside. Remove drawers and doors.

• Clean: Thoroughly wash the entire piece with a degreaser solution to strip away furniture polish, oil, and grime. Rinsing the surface with clean water afterward is crucial.

• Sand: Lightly scuff the existing finish with $150$ to $220$-grit sandpaper. The goal is not to remove all the old finish, but to etch the surface to give the primer something to grip onto.

• Dust: Wipe the furniture down completely with a tack cloth or a damp rag to remove all sanding dust.

2. Apply Primer for Adhesion

• Stain Blocking: If you are painting raw wood or using a light color over dark furniture, apply a stain-blocking primer (shellac-based is ideal). This stops wood tannins from leaching into the paint and creating yellow or pink patches.

• Application: Use a brush for corners and edges, and a small foam roller for flat surfaces. Apply one thin, even coat.

• Drying: Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Paint with Smooth, Even Strokes

• First Coat: Apply your first coat of paint. For the smoothest finish, work in long, even strokes and avoid thick applications, which can lead to drips or uneven drying.

• Sanding Between Coats: Once the first coat is completely dry, very lightly sand the entire surface with $220$-grit or higher sandpaper. This removes any tiny imperfections or brush strokes and dramatically improves the feel of the final coat. Clean off dust.

• Second Coat: Apply the second coat. Most furniture requires two coats of paint for full, vibrant coverage. Allow it to dry fully before sealing.

Best Paints for Bedroom Furniture

Selecting the right paint type is key to achieving the desired look and ensuring the durability necessary for daily use.

Chalk Paint for Matte Finish

• Characteristics: Chalk paint is highly porous, provides a distinct matte finish, and is beloved for its ease of use. It often adheres well to slick surfaces with minimal or no sanding.

• Usage: Ideal for achieving a distressed, shabby-chic, or vintage European look.

• Durability Note: Because it is porous, chalk paint must be sealed with furniture wax or a protective topcoat (polyurethane) to make it durable and washable.

Enamel for Durability and Shine

• Characteristics: Modern acrylic enamel (water-based) paint provides a hard, durable, non-porous finish, usually in a satin or semi-gloss sheen. It is highly resistant to chipping, moisture, and frequent wiping.

• Usage: Excellent for nightstands, dressers, and any piece that sees heavy use. The high durability makes it a smart choice for children’s bedroom furniture.

• Durability Note: Enamel requires the most thorough surface preparation and priming to ensure proper adhesion.

FAQs

Can I repaint laminated furniture?

Yes, you can repaint laminated (or particle board) furniture, but the preparation is critical. Standard paint will not adhere to the slick plastic veneer. You must use a specialized bonding primer, sometimes called a shellac-based or high-adhesion primer, before applying your color coats. Lightly sanding the laminate surface ($220$-grit) before priming will also significantly improve the result.

Do I need to seal painted furniture?

Yes, sealing is highly recommended for longevity. Any paint used on furniture surfaces that will be frequently touched, wiped down, or hold items (like dressertops or nightstand surfaces) needs a protective topcoat.

• For Chalk Paint: Use furniture wax or a matte polyurethane topcoat.

• For Latex/Enamel: Use one to two coats of clear, water-based polyurethane, especially on horizontal surfaces. Make sure the paint is fully cured (usually $24\text{-}48$ hours) before applying the sealant.

Now that your furniture is ready for its transformation, why not give your walls a professional touch to complete the look? A fresh, expertly applied coat of wall paint can tie the entire room together.

Contact Masterpiece Painter today to discuss how we can professionally handle the walls while you master the furniture!