Beginner
- A great finished product, starts with proper preparation. Sandpaper and a good primer are your best friends.
- Practice makes perfect. Buy second hand furniture at garage and estate sales to refine your technique.
- Pick the right paint. Spray paint works well for smaller pieces with lots of nooks and crannies. Latex paint is fine for larger pieces.
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| Estate sale globe painted with spray paint. |
Intermediate
Once you have honed your skills, try some of these tips to up the ante.
- Mix your own paint colors. I like to use leftover latex wall paint to make custom colors for furniture.
- Try different painting techniques like distressing. Paint a base color, then a contrasting top coat. Use sand paper to remove the top color in areas that would typically show wear like corners.
- Change up the paint finish you are using. High gloss gives a modern look, whereas a flat finish will look primitive.
Now you're an expert...have some fun.
- Mix your mediums. Paint and stain are a great combination, or mix your paint colors for a contrasting look.
- Decorate with paint. Try polka dots for a child's room, or stripes in the entry way. If you don't have a steady hand, use painters tape or stencils (buy or DIY).
- Try different types of paint like chalk or milk paint.
