Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
ANNIE SLOAN
- It is an easy paint to work with for giving furniture of most materials an updated look.
It is an easy paint to work with for giving furniture of most materials an updated look.
- Although it doesn’t need a primer, you have to apply a sealant afterward.
Although it doesn’t need a primer, you have to apply a sealant afterward.
Annie Sloan is known as the originator of chalk paint, which lets you paint furniture without needing to sand or apply a primer first. It’s also one of the best options for refinishing distressed vintage furniture and transforming it into a new statement piece.
Many painters and DIYers love it because of how easy it is to use. “It is beyond remarkable in its transformative qualities and goes on anything,” Jernigan says.
The paint can be used on a ton of surfaces including metals, fabrics, floors, and glass. It comes in 43 colors including soft pastels and bright hues. Also, you can blend colors from the palette to create a custom shade. The paint is available in one-liter and 120-milliliter sizes.
One liter should be enough to cover a small dresser. Just be aware that the paint needs to be sealed with wax or lacquer afterward, which can be expensive. Also, avoid using it on teak or other oily woods.
Sizes Available: 1 liter and 120 milliliters | Finishes: Chalk | Number of Colors: 43 | Dry Time: 24 hours
Key Terms to Know
- Primer: Primer is the base coat that is applied to the surface before you start painting. The benefit of using a primer is that it helps paint stick better to the surface and covers up old colors.
- VOCs: Volatile organic compounds are toxic chemicals used in paint formulas that evaporate at room temperature. They are potentially harmful and can irritate the eyes, throat, and skin as well as cause damage to internal organs.
- Binder: A binder is an ingredient that holds or glues the color pigments together. The quality of the binder directly affects paint performance.
- Finish: This refers to how paint looks like after it’s painted on the surface. Finishes are available in matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and high-gloss.
BEHR Premium Interior/Exterior Cabinet, Door and Trim Paint
HOME DEPOT
- This water-soluble acrylic paint is a breeze to clean up with soap and water.
This water-soluble acrylic paint is a breeze to clean up with soap and water.
- There are no matte finishes.
There are no matte finishes.
Regardless of whether you’re doing cabinets, furniture, or doors, the Behr Premium Interior/Exterior, Door and Trim Paint offers a smooth finish at a wallet-friendly price. Besides wood, it also sticks to non-wood surfaces such as metal, vinyl, and drywall.
Use a paintbrush, sprayer, or roller to apply. The paint is formulated with a tack-free film that keeps painted surfaces from sticking together. However, this is not an all-in-one option—it requires you to prime and sand your surface before you start.
It covers up to 100 square feet depending on the application and how porous the surface is. Plus, it’s fast-drying and will be ready for recoating in about two hours (though darker colors or humid climates may extend the drying time).
This paint is available in satin and semi-gloss finishes (no matte options). It’s water-soluble and cleans up easily with soap and water if paint splatters on your floor. We also like that it’s formulated to resist mold and mildew. It’s only available in one-quart or one-gallon sizes.
Sizes Available: 1 quart or gallon | Finishes: Satin, Semi-Gloss | Number of Colors: 58 | Dry Time: Two hours
C2 Cabinet and Trim Satin
C2 PAINT
- The formula uses dairy whey proteins to give the paint an extra smooth look akin to that of an oil-based paint.
The formula uses dairy whey proteins to give the paint an extra smooth look akin to that of an oil-based paint.
- It is not an all-in-one paint—you’ll have to prime and sand before use.
It is not an all-in-one paint—you’ll have to prime and sand before use.
C2 Cabinet and Trim Paint has the luxe look of an oil-based paint but it’s actually acrylic, which tends to be more versatile and quick-drying. What's cool about this paint is that, instead of harsh chemicals and VOCs, it uses recycled dairy whey proteins to give it a smooth, satin finish.
This is not an all-in-one paint, which means you’ll have to clean and prep the surface with a primer before you apply. You’ll get around 400 to 450 square feet of coverage per gallon, which should be more than enough to complete a furniture project.
Before applying a second coat, it’s recommended to wait about two to four hours. It’s great to use on all things wood including cabinets, patio chairs, and raised garden beds. But you can also use it on metal and on concrete floors.
The C2 paint is available in more than 50 colors and six finishes including satin sheen, matte, eggshell, gloss, semi-gloss, and flat. It comes in quart and gallon sizes and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Size: 1 quart or gallon | Finishes: Satin sheen, matte, eggshell, gloss, semi-gloss, and flat | Number of Colors: 50+ | Dry Time: Two to four hours
Outdoor Furniture Paint
For outdoor furniture, look for weather-resistant latex paints that won’t peel or fade from rain or sun exposure. You can also use spray paints, which also offer protection because they are rust-resistant and have long-lasting color.
Jernigan says that when using spray paint, make sure the temperature is at least 55℉ and not too humid, as this will affect how the paint cures.
Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover
AMAZON
- It helps to protect outdoor furniture from the elements and is resistant to fading.
It helps to protect outdoor furniture from the elements and is resistant to fading.
- The paint is not thick—you may need a few coats to cover a surface completely.
The paint is not thick—you may need a few coats to cover a surface completely.
DIYers will love the Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Paint because it features a special formula that protects outdoor patio chairs and tables from the elements. It’s also expert-approved and one of our top choices for keeping outdoor furniture in good shape.
The Rust-Oleum formula comes in satin, gloss, metallic, and clear finishes and works on metal, wood, unglazed ceramic, and plaster surfaces. However, it’s not meant to be used for countertops, showers, or floors. Each quart covers up to 120 square feet.
Before applying, sand the area with 180/200 sandpaper and clean thoroughly with a degreaser for smooth, even results. Primer is recommended, especially if you’re working on wood or metal. Keep in mind that it is not a one-coat paint; it’s pretty thin and may need multiple coats for total coverage.
That said, it dries completely in two to four hours. The paint is a water-based acrylic, which means it’s washable as long as the paint is still wet.
Sizes Available: 1 quart or pint | Finishes: Satin, Gloss, Metallic, Clear | Number of Colors: 9 | Dry Time: Two to four hours
Krylon Color Maxx Spray Paint and Primer
AMAZON
- The paint dries to the touch after only 25 minutes and completely dries after two hours.
The paint dries to the touch after only 25 minutes and completely dries after two hours.
- Since it’s not water-based, you’ll need to use a solvent cleaning solution on messes.
Since it’s not water-based, you’ll need to use a solvent cleaning solution on messes.
Krylon Color Maxx Spray Paint is Jernigan’s go-to for both exterior and interior projects. In general, spray paint helps target hard-to-reach spots. “Spraying is usually the easiest and most uniform way to cover a surface with a lot of detail like, say, an Adirondack chair,” Jernigan says.
One spray of this formula covers up to 25 square feet. It also acts as a primer, so aside from sanding and cleaning, you don’t have major prep work to do. It comes in a variety of finishes including satin, gloss, matte, and semi-flat.
The formula adheres to wood, metal, wicker, glass, plaster, and plastic, making it a great pick for outdoor patio furniture. The brand claims that the formula is five times stronger than the average paint; it’s also rust-resistant and can protect your furniture piece in the long run.
After 25 minutes, the paint will be dry to the touch. It completely dries in two hours, which is faster than regular furniture paint. It’s not water-based, so you need a solvent cleaning solution if you spill it. Wear a mask when applying spray paint, and be sure to do so in a well-ventilated area.
Sizes Available: 12 ounces or 15 ounces | Finishes: Satin, floss, matte, semi-flat | Number of Colors: 100+ | Dry Time: Two hours
Cabinet Paint
Painting your kitchen or bathroom cabinets offers an instant upgrade. To get the desired results it’s important to choose paints that can stick to wood and laminate surfaces.
“Painting cabinets requires more prep work with sanding, cleaning, and priming the surface,” says Dede Bailey, a paint expert and owner of Designed Decor. “When using cabinet paint, you don’t have to use a top coat, which is helpful when needing to touch up,” she adds.
Clare Semi-Gloss Trim Paint
CLARE
- The low odor formula contains zero VOCs or EPA chemicals of concern.
The low odor formula contains zero VOCs or EPA chemicals of concern.
- Swatches cost $3 a piece.
Swatches cost $3 a piece.
If you’re looking for a flawless finish for your cabinets, consider the Clare Semi-Gloss Trim Paint. It’s a sustainably made acrylic paint formulated without EPA chemicals of concern or VOCs. It is also mildew-resistant, so it’s a good option for humid areas like the bathroom.
The paint is also washable and scrubbable—you don’t have to worry about the paint peeling if you’re removing marks from cabinets—and specially made for high-traffic areas like the kitchen and living room. This is another reason it’s a top pick for cabinets, which tend to get a lot of use.
The fast-drying formula dries to the touch within 30 to 60 minutes, with a total dry time of two to four hours. Although it is a self-priming option, you’ll still need a primer if you’re painting over a dark color or glossy finish.
Note that although you can find gorgeous color options, you’ll have to pay $3 a pop for color swatches to see if a color is right for you before committing. The paint is available in gallon and quart sizes.
Size: 1 quart or gallon | Finishes: Semi-gloss | Number of Colors: 77 | Dry Time: 2 to 4 hours
Benjamin Moore Advance Interior Paint
BENJAMIN MOORE
- It’s available in thousands of colors, so it’s nearly impossible not to find the one you want.
It’s available in thousands of colors, so it’s nearly impossible not to find the one you want.
- This paint has long drying times.
This paint has long drying times.
The Benjamin Moore Advance Interior Paint features a water-based alkyd formula that’s ideal for cabinets because it’s durable and has excellent coverage. The formula also has fewer VOCs than other options, which means it doesn’t give off a strong smell.
It is available in over 3500 colors, so it’s going to be hard to not find a color you like. If you’re looking for a suitable color for your cabinets, Jernigan recommends Pearl due to its low-luster sheen.
After applying the primer to your surface, it’s best to sand it down again to ensure it’s absolutely smooth before the first coat. Keep in mind that drying times are long—it will be 16 hours before you can apply a second coat.
Sizes Available: 1 gallon or quart | Finishes: Satin, Semi-Gloss, High-Gloss | Number of Colors: 3500+ | Dry Time: 16 hours
Fabric Paint
Fabric paint can give your upholstery a whole new look at a cheaper price than reupholstering or buying new. It’s easier than you think, and you can get long-lasting results if you take the time to do it right.
FabriCoat Dark Fabric Paint
AMAZON
- One 17 ounce bottle is large enough to paint an entire armchair.
One 17 ounce bottle is large enough to paint an entire armchair.
- It takes a lot of time and effort to paint fabric thoroughly.
It takes a lot of time and effort to paint fabric thoroughly.
Furniture paint is not only for the frame—did you know that you can paint upholstery, too? The Fabricoat Dark Fabric Paint is one of the best paints for furniture because it helps give your chairs, couches, or curtains a whole new look.
The paint is formulated to restore color to faded fabrics, hide stains, or change the color of your upholstery without altering the texture. This means that your furniture’s fabric will not become stiff or hard after applying multiple paint coats.
It comes in sixteen pigments including black, dark blue, green, and dark gray. The material should be dry enough to touch after an hour, but it's better to wait overnight before you put the piece to use to ensure it won’t stain or skin or clothing.
One 17-ounce bottle is enough to paint an armchair. To achieve the best results, you must really take the time to work the paint into the fabric and make sure it is completely covered. It’s a more time-intensive process than painting other materials.
Sizes Available: 8.5 ounces or 17 ounces | Finishes: N/A | Number of Colors: 16 | Dry Time: 24 hours