If you cannot paint outside or in a well-ventilated area, make sure to keep a window open. If possible, keep a fan turned on, and turned away from you, so that it does not blow paint fumes or dust towards you. If you start start to feel sick or lightheaded, take a break and move to an area with fresher air.
If you have sensitive skin, consider wearing gloves to protect your hands in case you get paint on them. You can also protect a manicure with gloves.
Latex, acrylic, and oil-based paints have little to no fumes and can be used indoors. Unfortunately, improper painting techniques can result in visible brush strokes and tackiness. Brushes used for oil-based paints will need to be cleaned with paint thinner, which can create headache-causing fumes. For a sleek finish, consider using a black enamel paint with a semi-gloss finish. Enamel paints dry harder than other paints, so they’re a durable option for furniture. [1] X Expert Source Andres MatheuCommercial Painter Expert Interview. 28 July 2020. Wood stain gives you more of a translucent look, so you’ll still be able to see the wood grain. It will protect the surface of the wood, but it will still allow moisture to escape, so it’s ideal for outdoor furniture. Wood stain is available in both oil-based and water-based formulas. Both are fine, but the oil-based may last longer. [2] X Expert Source Andres MatheuCommercial Painter Expert Interview. 28 July 2020. Spray paint is fast and easy to use, but it can also be expensive. It creates a smooth finish, and you will not have to clean any brushes afterwards. You will have to work in a well-ventilated area to prevent lightheadedness, however.
Glossy finishes look elegant, but they show any imperfections in the paint and wood, such as brush strokes and dents. Glossy finishes can also be easily marred. Satin or semi-gloss finishes are decent at hiding imperfections, and are easier to maintain than glossy surfaces. Matte surfaces hide imperfections the best, but they can look simplistic. A chalkboard finish gives you a matte surface that hides imperfections well. It can create a fun, interactive surface that you can draw on with chalk. It also does not need to be sealed afterward.
For a weathered or antique look, paint your furniture a matte or semi-matte black, and then buff the corners with fine grit sandpaper. Keep in mind that anything underneath the paint will show through, depending on how much you sand. This includes primer, previous paint jobs, and the original surface of the furniture. Consider stenciling some designs onto your finished piece in a contrasting color, such as white, silver, or gold. Consider painting the entire piece a contrasting color first, and then adding black designs using stencils.
If your furniture has a varnish on it, then use 80 grit sandpaper. [4] X Research source
Be sure to choose a primer intended for the material your furniture is made out of.
If necessary, apply more primer and repeat the process. Remember, imperfections show up more on black surfaces, so your primed surface needs to be as smooth as possible.
Consider using higher-quality brushes or foam rollers for best results. Avoid cheap brushes with stiff bristles if you can, as these are more likely to create brushstrokes. Remember, details and imperfections show up more in black paint, especially if it has a glossy finish. You can also purchase spray paint and spray the paint on using light, even coats. Keep the can 6 to 8 inches away from the piece.
If you see brush strokes, you can smooth them out by going over them lightly with a foam roller. Keep rolling over the brush strokes while the paint is still wet until the surface is smooth. [8] X Research source
You can also consider using a wax sealer, but keep in mind that the finish will not be as durable. If you are using chalkboard paint, do not use a sealer, as it will ruin the surface and prevent it from functioning. After you have applied the sealer, sure that you give the sealer enough time to cure before you use the furniture. This can take anywhere between 24 hours to 1 week.
