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This article was co-authored by Ez's Painting LLC and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Ez's Painting LLC is a team of Painting Professionals based in Olympia, Washington. With more than twelve years of experience, the EZ's Painting team specializes in both commercial and residential painting projects. Ez's Painting LLC holds a contractor license in the state of Washington.
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There are a lot of possibilities when it comes to painting an old wooden chair. You can paint your wood chair to be a showpiece, a room accent, or to strictly serve a utilitarian purpose. After prepping the chair's surface, apply a design or a solid color in the paint of your choice. The nice thing about painting a wooden chair is that if you don't like the results, you can always start over again and repaint it.
Steps
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![Step 1 Wash the chair.]()
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![Step 2 Sand the chair to create a smooth painting surface, if needed.]()
Sand the chair to create a smooth painting surface, if needed.[3] If your chair is covered with chipping paint, use a coarse grit sandpaper to remove the larger pieces, then use graduating levels of finer grits until you reach the desired finish. Sand out light scratches and dings, as they will show when you paint your chair.[4]Advertisement -
![Step 3 Fill any holes with wood putty.]()
Fill any holes with wood putty.[5] If the blemishes are too deep to be removed with sanding alone, apply wood putty to the marks and allow it to dry per the manufacturer's instructions. Once dry, sand the excess putty away until your surface is smooth. -
![Step 4 Tack off the chair.]()
Tack off the chair. Use a tack cloth or slightly damp cotton cloth to remove the dust from sanding.[6] Allow the chair to air dry before proceeding.
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![Step 1 Pick a color or color scheme for your chair.]()
Pick a color or color scheme for your chair. Use a solid color, or a combination of contrasting or complementary colors.[7]- For a whimsical look, paint the seat one color, the back another and the legs another. For subtle touches, paint the entire chair a solid color, then apply accents, such as striping or polka dots, using an alternate color or 2.
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![Step 2 Place the chair on a drop-cloth to protect the surface below from paint spatter and drips.]()
Place the chair on a drop-cloth to protect the surface below from paint spatter and drips.[8] -
![Step 3 Apply Primer.]()
Apply Primer.[9] Stir the paint thoroughly before applying.[10] Use a brush that's easy to hold and small enough to fit between all of the chair's components. It's typically easiest to turn the chair upside down and paint the legs first. When finished, stand the chair on back on its legs and paint the remainder of the chair. -
![Step 4 Allow to dry and apply additional coats as needed.]()
Allow to dry and apply additional coats as needed.- Use spray paint for fast results. Be sure to shake the canisters thoroughly before applying. Use several light coats rather than 1 heavy coat as this discourages drips.
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![Step 5 Apply your chosen paint.]()
Apply your chosen paint.[11] Use several light coats rather than 1 heavy coat as this discourages drips. -
![Step 6 Cover your newly painted wooden chair with a protective clear coat.]()
Cover your newly painted wooden chair with a protective clear coat. Depending on the desired finish, use a matte, satin, or gloss coating.[12] A spray finish is easy to apply, but a brush-on finish offers more control for even application. If you plan to add decorative decals to your newly painted chair, apply them before applying the protective clear finish. Allow the clear coating to dry per the manufacturer's instructions, and apply as many coats as desired.[13]
Expert Q&A
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QuestionDo you have to sand before painting?
Ez's Painting LLCEz's Painting LLC is a team of Painting Professionals based in Olympia, Washington. With more than twelve years of experience, the EZ's Painting team specializes in both commercial and residential painting projects. Ez's Painting LLC holds a contractor license in the state of Washington.
Painting ProfessionalsDefinitely! Sanding creates a rough surface that allows the paint to adhere properly. Just make sure you thoroughly dust everything off before you apply any primer or paint. -
QuestionWhat is the best wood primer?Ez's Painting LLCEz's Painting LLC is a team of Painting Professionals based in Olympia, Washington. With more than twelve years of experience, the EZ's Painting team specializes in both commercial and residential painting projects. Ez's Painting LLC holds a contractor license in the state of Washington.
Painting ProfessionalsOil-based primer is the best! It creates a thin barrier so the paint doesn't get all sucked up into the wood. -
QuestionWhat kind of paint should I use on a wooden chair?
Community AnswerYou could use water, oil or chalk base paint. Make sure you prime your wooden chair and use two coats of paint and then seal it with two coats of a polyurethane.
Tips
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It's critical that the surface of the chair be properly prepared so the paint will adhere to the chair and will not prematurely peel.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Clean cloth
- Soap and water
- Sandpaper
- Wood putty
- Putty knife
- Tack cloth
- Drop cloth
- Paint
- Paint brushes
- Clear glaze or shellac
References
- ↑ Ez's Painting LLC. Painting Professionals. Expert Interview. 12 January 2022.
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-wood-furniture/
- ↑ Ez's Painting LLC. Painting Professionals. Expert Interview. 12 January 2022.
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/sanding-wood/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-use-wood-filler/
- ↑ Ez's Painting LLC. Painting Professionals. Expert Interview. 12 January 2022.
- ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/color-mistakes_n_4224926
- ↑ https://www.glidden.com/inspiration/all-articles/how-to-paint-a-wooden-chair-furniture-painting
- ↑ Ez's Painting LLC. Painting Professionals. Expert Interview. 12 January 2022.
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/30124-dream-it-do-it-how-to-paint-wood-furniture/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/30124-dream-it-do-it-how-to-paint-wood-furniture/
- ↑ Ez's Painting LLC. Painting Professionals. Expert Interview. 12 January 2022.
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-paint-furniture-222412
About This Article
Before painting an old wooden chair, wash it with soap and water to remove any debris or dirt. After allowing the chair to dry, use a coarse grit sandpaper to remove any paint chips, then use one with a finer grit to get rid of any scratches or dings. If any of the blemishes are too deep to be sanded out, fill them with wood putty. When you’re done sanding and filling in holes, use a tack cloth to remove any dust. Once the chair is dry, put it on a drop-cloth, apply a spray primer, and allow it to dry. Then, apply several light coats of your chosen spray paint. Allow the chair to dry, then put on a protective clear coat. To learn how to pick the right kind of finish for your chair, keep reading!
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