Transform Pine Bedroom Furniture With Paint

Painting pine bedroom furniture is a great way to upcycle and transform a piece. Painting pine is not super easy, but with some key principles in mind, any keen DIY painter can achieve excellent results. Preparation is key, and the right tools and paint will make the job easier. Before painting, ensure the surface is thoroughly cleaned and degreased, and sanded to provide a key for painting. Then, choose the right paint and brushes for the job, and get creative!

Choose the right brush for the job

The right brush is key to achieving a professional finish when painting pine bedroom furniture. The best brush for the job will depend on the type of paint you are using.

Chalk Paint

Chalk paint is a popular choice for painting pine furniture as it can be used on a variety of surfaces and requires minimal preparation. If you are using chalk paint, a soft flat brush or an oval brush is a good option. Oval brushes are specially designed for chalk paint and can help you achieve a smooth finish.

Acrylic Eggshell Paint

For acrylic eggshell paint, a good all-round brush that is made in the UK is the Fox brush. Developed by a group of traditional painters and brush-makers, this brush has super-fine bristles that hold their shape and work well with water-based, oil-based, and heavy shellac-based paints.

Oil-Based Paint

Synthetic bristle brushes are the way to go for oil-based paints. Before painting, dunk your brush in water so the bristles are wet, then shake out any excess water. This will help the paint flow better and make it easier to clean the brush afterward.

General Tips

• For any type of paint, a decent brush is important. Better brushes hold their shape, hold more paint without running, release paint evenly, and are well-balanced.
• When in doubt, invest in a higher-quality brush. Cheaper brushes from big DIY stores are often not worth the money and can make your job more difficult.
• Consider the size of your hand when choosing a brush. Different handle styles will suit different people.
• For oil-based paints, you can add Owatrol oil (up to 10%) to help brush marks flow out nicely and extend drying time.

Prepare the pine furniture

Before you start painting, it's important to prepare the pine furniture to ensure the paint adheres well and that you get a smooth, professional finish. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Assess the piece of furniture: Look for any damaged areas that need to be treated or filled. Check for any old wax or oil that needs to be removed. Identify any knotty areas that need to be treated with a knotting solution to prevent them from bleeding through the paint over time.
• Clean the furniture: Use sugar soap or a modern eco-friendly cleaner to scrub the furniture and remove any grease, silicone polish, or grime. Rinse and allow the piece to dry thoroughly.
• Sand the furniture: Lightly sand the entire piece of furniture by hand. This will create a slightly rough surface for the paint to adhere to. Wipe off any dust that may have been created during the sanding process.
• Protect the work area: Use floor coverings to protect your floors and surrounding surfaces from paint drips and spills. Use masking tape to cover any areas that you want to protect from paint.
• Gather your tools and materials: Ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials, such as brushes, paint, and protective gear, before you begin painting.
• Take a "before" photo: Don't forget to snap a photo of your piece of furniture before you start painting. You'll want to show off your transformation!

Choose the right paint

Painting pine furniture is not as simple as it may seem. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right paint. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:

First, it is important to understand the different types of paint available. There are three main types of paint that can be used on pine furniture: chalk paint, water-based paint, and oil-based paint. Each type of paint has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Chalk paint is a popular choice for painting pine furniture because it is easy to use and requires minimal preparation. It can be used to create a smooth, sleek look or a distressed, shabby-chic effect. Additionally, chalk paint comes in a wide range of colours, so you can find the perfect shade to match your bedroom decor. However, one downside of chalk paint is that it requires a wax or sealant for protection and durability.

Water-based paint, such as acrylic eggshell, is another option for painting pine furniture. It is low odour, quick-drying, and easy to clean up. However, it requires thorough preparation, and the surface must be cleaned, primed, and sanded before painting. Water-based paint is a good choice if you want a solid colour or a distressed finish.

Oil-based paint, such as oil eggshell, is a traditional option for painting pine furniture. It provides a durable, mid-sheen finish and is self-undercoating, meaning you only need a primer and a few coats of paint. However, oil-based paint has a strong odour and requires a well-ventilated space for application.

When choosing the right paint for your pine bedroom furniture, consider the level of preparation required, drying time, odour, and the desired finish. If you want a quick and easy option with minimal preparation, chalk paint is a good choice. If you're willing to put in more time and effort, water-based or oil-based paint will give you a more durable finish.

In addition to the type of paint, there are a few other factors to consider. First, make sure you have the right tools, including brushes, rollers, and sandpaper. Second, always prepare the surface properly by cleaning, sanding, and priming the furniture before painting. Finally, take your time and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid any health hazards.

By following these tips and choosing the right paint for your project, you can transform your pine bedroom furniture into a stunning statement piece that complements your bedroom decor.

Consider a second colour

You don't have to stick to one colour. Think about using different colours on the drawers and frame of a chest of drawers, or a light colour on the wall units and a darker one on the base units in your bedroom. If you're going for a multi-coat shabby chic effect with one bold colour underneath another, leave the paint to dry completely between coats.

Don't underestimate the power of colour. The right colour combination can elevate an otherwise dull piece of pine bedroom furniture into a stunning feature.

Seal your work

Sealing your painted pine furniture is an important step to ensure its longevity and to protect your hard work. The type of sealer you use will depend on the type of paint you've used, and how much protection your furniture will need.

Wax Sealant

Wax is a great option for sealing chalk paint. It enhances the colour and depth of the paint and is very durable once it has cured. However, it does have a long cure time and can chip if not fully cured. It also needs to be reapplied every few years.

Water-Based Sealant

Water-based sealers are a good option for most painted furniture projects. They add a layer of protection without altering the colour of the paint. They are also less toxic and easier to clean up than oil-based sealers. When applying a water-based sealer, work quickly and in thin coats to avoid clouding.

Oil-Based Sealant

I generally don't recommend oil-based sealants, such as polyurethane, over paint because they can amber over time, affecting the colour of your furniture. They are also more toxic and challenging to clean up.

Hemp Oil Sealant

The easiest way to seal painted furniture is with hemp oil. You simply wipe it on, let it sit for several hours, and then wipe back the excess. However, like wax, it needs to be reapplied every few years and doesn't work as well over non-porous paints.

Frequently asked questions