Best Paints for Refinishing Furniture

Sometimes it can be hard to know which medium of paint to use on which projects. There is a wide variety of paint brands, bases, and finishes that make it hard to determine what works best.

Water-Based Paints

Water-based paints can be a great way to start with paint. They are very forgivable and water-soluble, which makes it easier to spread and coat a piece.I recommend using water-based paints as a first-time furniture flipper. It is easy to dilute and using water while painting can create a smooth and even finish. Using water-based paints can also be helpful because you can mix colors and create your own mixes for your projects.

Some of my favorite water-based paints include Fusion Mineral Paint, Farmhouse Paints, Dixie Belle Paint, Lilly Moon Paint, Melange, WiseOwl Paint to name a few. These brands are reputable and established paint brands specifically for furniture. Many furniture refinishers use and love these brands!

Interior Paint

Some interior paints that I love to use include Behr, Sherwin-Williams, and Benjamin Moore paints. Interior paints can be a cheaper option to using the water-based furniture paints. They are usually more accessible in all hardware stores. A favorite hack of mine for buying paint on a budget for projects is using sample-sized paint pints. You can get multiple colors and they usually cost $5 - $10 and cover the entirety of the project. The interesting part about interior paint is that you can choose the finish that you want the paint to have (i.e. eggshell, matte, glossy, satin, etc.) and this can provide more versatility.

In my experience, interior paints can provide a super clear and smooth finish when used properly. Interior paint takes preparation before use. Making sure to properly scuff sand and prime before application can ensure a long-lasting, durable finish. I love to use interior paint because it is budget-friendly and it gives a harder finish at the end that protects the furniture.

Chalk Paint

Personally, I am not the biggest fan of chalk paint. It can be cakey if not applied properly or if it is overdone. Making sure to sand in between coats is a must when applying chalk paint. This ensures that the paint is applied smoothly and evenly on the piece. You don't want there to be and excess build up of paint.