Looking to spruce up some of your old, dilapidated furniture or wanting to give your DIY project a fun pop of color? When it comes to selecting the best type of paint for your furniture, it’s important to consider which paints work best on what material and the overall effect and appearance you’re aiming to achieve. Different paints have different benefits—which kind is right for you?
Latex
Latex paint is inexpensive and accessible, and it comes in a wide range of colors. You can find a variety of different brands and finishes at your local hardware store. Latex paint is also fast-drying, which makes it suitable for small touchups and projects that you need to finish quickly. It isn’t recommended for projects that will endure heavy use due to its soft and easily worn finish.
Another huge bonus of latex paint is the availability of color. If you can’t find your ideal shade on the shelves, having a paint mixer make it for you is fast and simple. This makes latex paint ideal for smaller—and colorful—DIY projects.
Oil
Oil paint is tough and long-lasting—the perfect choice for furniture that will be used frequently. It’s also the best type of furniture paint for people who want to ensure a smooth painting experience. You can apply oil paint over water-based and oil-based paints, which means you won’t have to fret over your new coat not sticking. Oil paint’s versatility and durability comes with the downsides of an increased cost and dry time, but these are small prices to pay for furniture that’ll last a lifetime.
Acrylic
If you’re looking for paint that’s versatile and easy to use, then you might want to consider acrylic. Acrylic paint, like latex paint, is widely available. Often sold in smaller cans, it’s the ideal paint for quick and simple projects. In addition, the drying time for acrylic is notoriously short.
If you’re worried about spills and stains, have no fear. Acrylic paint is easy to clean. It’s also elastic enough to withstand minimal tear and wear, which means you don’t have to worry about unsightly chipping or scratches.
Specialty Paints
Bored with some of the more common paint options? Luckily for you, there’s a growing variety of specialty paints. Chalk paint, for example, provides a smooth, matte appearance and a thicker texture. If you’re looking to give your furniture a weathered, rustic look, chalk paint is easy to sand and distress. Want to avoid toxic chemicals and fumes? There’s an option for that, too. If you’d prefer a thin, eco-friendly alternative, consider giving milk paint a try.
When it comes to selecting the right paint, you have many options. Be sure to keep in mind what’s best for not only your furniture, but also your own personal preferences and budget.
