How to Paint an Old Wooden Chair: 10 Steps

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How to Paint an Old Wooden Chair: 10 Steps
How to Paint an Old Wooden Chair: 10 Steps
Anonim

There are tons of possibilities when painting an old wooden chair. You can paint it to make it a flagship, to give an extra touch to the room or for a specific purpose. Once the surface of the chair is prepared, draw a decorative pattern or a solid color according to the paint you choose. The good thing about painting a wooden chair is that if you don't like the result, you can always start over and repaint it!

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Prepare the Surface

Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 1
Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 1

Step 1. Wash the chair

Use a cloth dipped in soapy water to remove any cobwebs, debris, or dirt build-up. If there is a buildup of grease, use a specific degreasing product and then rinse with water. Let the chair dry completely.

Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 2
Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 2

Step 2. Sand the chair to create a smooth surface for painting if needed

If the chair is coated with chipping paint, use coarse sandpaper first to remove larger pieces, then gradually use finer and finer grit until you get the desired result. Sand away light scratches and dents, as they would show when painting the chair.

Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 3
Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 3

Step 3. Fill any gaps with wood putty

If the imperfections are too deep to be removed by sanding alone, apply some wood filler and let it dry according to the instructions on the package. Once dry, smooth away any excess grout until the surface becomes smooth.

Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 4
Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 4

Step 4. Dust off the chair

Use a Swiffer-type cloth or a slightly damp cotton cloth to remove the dust caused by sanding.

Method 2 of 2: Paint the Chair

Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 5
Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 5

Step 1. Choose a color or color scheme for your chair

Use a solid color or a combination of contrasting or complementary colors, choose the solution you prefer.

For a whimsical look, paint the seat in one color, the backrest in another, and the legs in yet another. For a more subtle result, paint the entire chair in a solid color, then apply details, such as stripes or polka dots, using one or two different colors

Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 6
Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 6

Step 2. Place the chair on a cloth or tarp to protect the floor from splashes or drips of paint

Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 7
Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 7

Step 3. Mix the color well before applying it

Use a brush that is easy to handle and small enough to reach all parts of the chair. It is usually easier to paint it by turning it upside down and starting with the legs. When finished, put it straight on its legs and paint the rest.

Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 8
Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 8

Step 4. Let it dry and then apply the other coats as needed

If you want to get results quickly, use spray paint. Shake the jar well before painting

Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 9
Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 9

Step 5. Apply several light coats rather than a single thick coat to avoid dripping

Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 10
Paint an Old Wooden Chair Step 10

Step 6. Cover the newly painted chair with a clear protective layer

Depending on the finish you want, use a matte, satin or glossy finish. A spray finish is easy to apply, but if you use a brush you get more control over the application as well. If you plan to add decals, put them on before applying the clear protective finish. Then let the clear coat dry according to the manufacturer's instructions and apply it in several layers if desired.

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