Have you ever wanted to paint dark wood furniture, but didn't know where to start?
How to Paint Dark Wood Furniture
Tips for painting dark wood furniture a lighter color
DEWALT D26451 3-Amp 5-Inch Random-Orbit Sander with Cloth Dust Bag
It's no secret, I love to paint accessories and furniture……walls not quite as much.
This client project was perhaps my most challenging to date with the exception of my son's antique desk.
My client was given an antique bedroom suit from a family member. Her hope was to use it in her little girl's room. She wanted antique white so we decided on Old White from Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.
Generally, you really have no to minimal prep work when using Annie Sloan….which I love. From past experience in working with dark furniture AND painting it a light color…..I knew bleed through would be a possibility…..and it was.
Step 1
The first thing that I did was clean it really well and wipe it down with mineral spirits. It had been in storage and needed it. There are cleaning products for this purpose in the painting section. I had mineral spirits on hand so went with it.
On several pieces, you could visibly see the texture in the varnish. I knew that in order to get a nice smooth finish, I would need to sand, sand, sand. I used my Christmas gift from my hubby, my Dewalt Orbital Sander.
Rust-Oleum 2004 Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 White Water-Based Interior/Exterior Primer Sealer, 1-Quart
Buffer
Christy says
That is such a pain when that happens! So glad the shellac worked for you!
Sharon says
WOW! Wish I had read this BEFORE I pulled out my hair refinishing an antique loveseat! After first white coat dried pink & gray, I painted 2 coats of 1-2-3 and still had bleed thru. 2 coats schillac then 2 coats AS paint! I have a matching chair to paint and now I know what NOT to do!!
Christy says
So sorry to just be seeing this. I hope you figured out your problem, but yes you can spray shellac anytime during the paint process and keep painting. If you have stubborn areas you may need to use a stain blocking primer as well!
April Edwards says
Christy,
Today, before reading this post which I have pinned, I started to redo an antique nightstand and I am having terrible bleed through, the pink kind you mention. I even sanded most of the varnish and color off like you suggested. I have now painted two coats of white. Can I spray the shellac right over the chalk paint or do I need to sand again?
Thanks,
April
Christy says
Thanks so much!!! I hope you have great success with your project!
Julieane Hernandez says
I have this old dark drawer furniture and I’m planning to re-paint it. I’m glad that I found your great tips and ideas while searching for some inspirations in pinterest. Thanks Christy.
Christy says
I’m sorry, but I do not. When she delivered the furniture to my house for the job, I had asked her to already have it removed ahead of time. I didn’t want to be responsible for removing the nail head trim. The center was a thinner plywood base with foam and fabric. There is a recessed area for it to rest. You could have this cut at Lowes. The fabric was stapled underneath and then attached to the top with nail head trim all around.
Megan says
do you have a picture of the stool with the upholstery?
I bought that same stool for $1 at an antique store but had no Idea how I should go about covering the hole in the center lol
Christy says
Thanks! Just wanting to make sure you know the Never Dull is for the hardware and not the paint. Have fun with your project! ~Christy
Christy says
Thanks! Never DUll was to clean the brass hardware.
Deb says
Everything came out great! I didn’t see what you used the “Never Dull” for…was it distressing?
Christy says
Thanks so much!!! I got the dark look from the originally stained wood. If you want a color to come through with your sanding, you can painted a darker black or brown under your white. When you sand the edges, it will show.
Christy says
Thanks!!! No I didn’t paint black. It’s the dark stain coming through when I distress the white. If you have a heavy coat of poly, I’d definitely give it a light sanding to give the paint something to cling to!
Marilyn says
Love these projects…I have a dresser almost identical to that one and it is covered in dark mahogany type paint plus a heavy layer of poly(?)…How do you get the black look on the edges? do you paint black underneath first or what? Thanks, Marilyn
Pam Lee says
I am using ASCP to paint my bathroom cabinets. They current have white oil base paint. I want to distress them to look like they once were stained. After you did all of the sanding and priming, how did you make your distressed places dark? Beautiful work!
Barb Sanders says
WOW! I had an identical set but sold all of it in original condition which was very good. Now I want to paint my Queen Anne set. Thanks for sharing this information. ..very helpful!
Becca says
Amazing transformation!! Ugh, I ran into that same “bleeding” issue before … learned my lesson, fo’ sho’ !! I know your client must be thrilled with her “new” pieces!! Outstanding!!
Sheryll & Critters. says
Wow, a lot of work, but it turned out beautifully. Do you have any suggestions for painting over veneer? I would not be worried, except that I have four inside kitty kats and three pups, that have and might again get on the furniture. I only have cheap stuff, but if I paint it, I so want it to last at least a decent while. lol
Christy says
This set turned out beautifully, Christy! I have had bleed through on anything mahogany. I shellac those pieces too with a foam brush and the can of shellac and it dries super fast and lets me get on with my project. I didn’t realize they made it in a spray. I’m sure the little girl is thrilled to have this in her room! Very nicely done!
Barbara Ann says
Thank you for sharing your process. But can you share or advise about paint sprayers? I have been looking and researching and am more confused. I have a issue with strength in my hands so would like a lightweight sprayer. But a good one. And cost is all over . I’m looking in the $100. -$150 range. I paint small items and furniture. I appreciate you input.
Thank You Barbara Ann
http://Www.etsy.com/shop/barbaraannscreations
Paula says
I am so glad to read your tips, Christy! I’ve had problems with bleed through when painting with AS white, even when I used primer. Now I know to use shellac! I did a dresser for a friend’s teen daughter this summer and had that problem on one of the legs. Luckily it was in a place that wouldn’t be seen.
I’m sure your client was pleased with the end result of your paint job on her set of furniture. It’s perfect for a bedroom!
Hetty says
Lovely bedroom set, you did a fabulous job! I am going to try “never dull” wax, first time I hear about it.
Debbie w says
I love the dresser…what a transformation!
Marty says
It turned out to be exquisite. Gorgeous. You do great work.
Marisa Franca says
Whew!! Lots of work! It does look great! To think of all the great “old” pieces of furniture I’ve gotten rid of over the years makes me cringe! I had an antique dining room set that I wish I had now. What we’ve got is a Early American looking oak. And as far as the Anne Sloan brush? The right tools makes jobs so much easier.
martina says
Christy the pieces turned out beautiful!!
AtHomeWithTheBarkers says
It all turned out beautiful Christy! Many people really have no idea how much work can go into painting furniture, especially all of the unforeseen things! Happy Friday ~Sonya