We all wish we could paint wood furniture like a professional, but no sand primer is without a mess and painting finished furniture can feel intimidating for any new painters with an impressive canvas before them. The question on everyone’s mind is usually, “Do you have to sand wood before painting?” The answer is yes, but… and we’ll get into the not-so-gory details of how to paint furniture without sanding using various applications for a variety of wood-type surfaces.
Can You Paint Furniture without Sanding?
Think of painting furniture without sanding as a similar experience to getting a manicure without buffing your nails. Your base coat, and your top coat are both determined by the type of finish and paint you’ll be applying for your manicure. For example, any primers or deglossers you use should bond well with wood furniture paint. Deglossers are a wonderful way to substitute the sanding process and combining it with primers is a much faster alternative to getting a beautifully prepared surface for your paint.
Before Starting Painting without Sanding
Choose the Piece of Furniture
If you’re not working with a brand new piece of furniture and sourced it from a thrift store or brought it down from the attic, first make sure it’s stable and sturdy.
Evaluate the Wood
Check for any cracks which could indicate bugs or rot, stains, or any other internal damage to the interior drawers or shelving.
Clean the Wood
Gently clean your piece of furniture by using soap and water.
How to Paint Furniture without Sanding
1. Apply No Sand Primer
Apply a primer to the wood that bonds nicely with the type of paint you are using.
2. Use Chalk Paint
Chalk paint can be used for just about any type of wood. You can ditch the primer and enjoy the matte finish.
3. Use Milk Paint
Apply milk paint with a mixed bonding agent to create a paste that sticks directly to the wood’s surface.
4. Use Enamel Paint
Enamel paint should be your go-to option for outdoor furniture as the fumes are a bit heavier. You can find most options are oil-based, with some water-based selections available.
5. Apply Liquid Sandpaper or Deglossers
Apply a deglosser or liquid sandpaper using rubber gloves to rub the application onto the wood with a cloth or any rag that doesn’t produce lint.
6. Add a Bonding Agent to the Paint
Ensure the paint doesn’t chip by adding a bonding agent. Consider it the top coat to your new wooden manicure.
Tips for Greater Adhesion
Test the Paint in a Small Area
You’ll be able to determine many coats of paint you want and to test the color.
Apply Light Even Coats
Ensure consistent coverage throughout the furniture. Let the paint dry in between applying additional coats to avoid streaking the coloring in the wood.
How to Paint Furniture without Brush Marks?
Get a good brush, and make sure you familiarize yourself with the proper brush stroking method for your paint brush. It’ll be a lot easier when you’re painting over the same type of paint, but if you’re using new paint on raw wood or a different color wood, you should get a brush for the paint you’ve chosen.
For fusion or enamel paints, a rounded brush with a mixture of natural and synthetic brushes should yield the best results. Make sure you have enough paint to cover the bristles, but not so much paint that it’s dripping off.
Need Help Painting Furniture without Sanding?
It’s always a good idea to call in reinforcements when you’re feeling unsure about any project, but particularly when working with furniture that’s in good condition already. If you don’t want to test out your new painting abilities on your great grandfather’s prized rocking chair, we got you covered. Taskers come with a particular set of skills well suited for painting vintage or prized possessions.
Paint Furniture without Sanding FAQs
How to paint laminate furniture without sanding?
You may not be able to avoid sanding laminate furniture without proper prep and premium primers to give you a flawless, smooth finish.
How to paint veneer furniture without sanding?
For veneer furniture, you’ll need to remove any cracks first and use chalk paint to give the furniture a brand new look.
How to paint fake wood furniture?
For fake wood furniture, clear acrylic spray paint can be your best friend.
