How to paint furniture

Learn how to paint furniture. Turn your ordinary furniture into a work of art!

Here are some simple ways to transform an old piece of furniture into a work of art! If you have any painting skills whatsoever, you can easily accomplish this craft. Your "new" piece of furniture will keep its look for years if the directions are followed closely. After practicing on a few simple pieces, you may find yourself providing your new skill for friends and relatives (and maybe making a little money!). A few supplies that you will need are:

medium sandpaper (not too rough or fine)

flat, white, interior house paint

pencil

colorful, acrylic, craft paints

black (or other dark color) paint pen

clear, poly-acrylic paint (avail. At hardware stores, no fumes, easy clean)

2 - 3 inch fine house paint brush

small paint brushes

Step one: Choose a simple-shaped, small piece of furniture (footstool, end-table) if you are a beginner, so as not to be overwhelmed by a huge project.

Step two: Use the sand paper to slightly texture all exterior surfaces.

Step three: Paint the furniture white.

Step four: Let the paint dry thoroughly (sunshine works the best!).

Step five: Use the pencil to draw the image, design or pattern of your choice onto the furniture surface (creative ideas below).

Step six: Fill in the penciled shapes with bright colors of your choice. There is a wide variety of craft-paint colors to choose from. You can coordinate your color choices to match a room!

Step seven: Let the paint dry (sunshine works best!).

Step eight: Outline your images with the black (or coordinating dark color) paint pen.

Step nine: Coat entire furniture piece with clear coating.

Step ten: Once again, let dry!

YOU'RE ALL DONE!

Here are some creative images to paint on your furniture: polka dots, stripes, flowers, zig zags, copy a child's drawing onto the seat of a stool, fish, smiley-faces, and on and on!