6 Common Mistakes Made When Painting Furniture
One of the best ways to revitalize old furniture pieces is by painting them. You’ll give a side table new life simply by painting it a different shade. The power of transformation is in your hands. In a previous post, we talked about the steps to painting furniture—it’s not too difficult! However, there are a few common mistakes made when painting furniture that you have to watch out for. We’ve listed a few below to help prevent any mishaps and make these decorating transformations as seamless as possible.
You Don’t Prep and Clean Thoroughly
One of the most important, albeit least exciting, parts of painting furniture is the prep and cleaning that must be done beforehand. No matter how “clean” or “prepped” you already think the piece is, you should still give it a once-over with some sandpaper and a cleaning cloth. While some newer paints may not need as much prep, most furniture has some sort of factory coating or oil that needs to be removed. A light sanding will always help give the paint something to grab onto—don’t skimp on this step.
You Don’t Use Primer
Similarly, if you don’t use primer, then you’re shortening the length of time that the paint will last. Sure, there are plenty of paints out that have primer included, but those high-use furniture items or slicker surfaces should be primed first. This ensures better adhesion and reduces the risk of any rust or previous colors bleeding through.
You Don’t Sit With Your Color Long Enough
A lot of people make this mistake—they see a color they like and then go home and paint that day. Give yourself some time to sit with your paint choice before you dive into the project. Apply paint to a small portion of the furniture and then take time to see how you feel about it. You don’t want to wait too long, but a few days will help you discover whether you like the color or if you decided on a whim.
You Don’t Wait for Paint to Dry Between Coats
Another big mistake people make when painting furniture is that they don’t wait long enough for the paint to dry between coats. Even though you’re painting a smaller surface than a wall, you still need to wait quite a bit of time before you add on another layer. When you paint too fast, the previous coat will start to lift, so make sure to give yourself at least three to four hours.
You Use Cheap Supplies
If you really want your project to look professional and last a long time, then you need to purchase products that are up to the task. That means paying a bit more for a roller and brush and purchasing paint that’s meant to last and is high quality. It may seem best to buy a cheap brush from the store and get home and paint, but this could result in streaky furniture and an unattractive final product.
You’re Afraid, so You Don’t Start
Lastly, this is the trap many people fall into. You get really excited about the project, but when it comes down to it, you second-guess your abilities or the paint color. This happens to a lot of people, but when you follow guidelines and avoid these mistakes, your project will turn out just how you want it to!
If you really want your furniture-painting project to turn out well, make sure you invest in quality VOC-free paint. Reach out to ECOS Paints—we have all the colors for your project needs. Our cabinet and furniture paints are what you need for the smallest to the biggest furniture-painting jobs. Don’t make the mistake of not investing in quality paint. Shop ECOS Paints today—it’s the best choice for your project!