12 Furniture painting techniques to update tired pieces

Home renovation is a huge task, and upgrading to new furniture is expensive – especially when all you want to do is update the look of a space. The solution? Get creative with furniture painting techniques! Painting furniture lets you work with pieces you already have while sprucing up a home or office.  

As you master these painting techniques, you can do it for other people and earn money painting furniture. 

Here are different furniture painting techniques and ideas you can try for your DIY projects or painting jobs. 

1. Patterned paint techniques 

This painting technique is for you if you like bold designs and want to challenge yourself. Patterned furniture paint techniques involve using masking tape, stencils, or other guides to achieve interesting designs. Whether you go with plaid, striped, or polka-dotted, your new table or chair is sure to make a statement in any room!  

2. Distressed painting techniques

No need to go to the antique store to get rustic, weathered side tables! Distressed painting techniques are quite popular and easy to do, and you can pick a different distressed painting technique depending on your skill level and the materials you have on hand! 

Here are different methods to achieve a distressed paint look.

Woodblock technique

To do this technique, get a block of wood and some cans of paint. Dip the block in the different colours, then use this as your “brush”. This leaves rough strokes that instantly make surfaces look distressed.

Wet paper technique

Tear up small pieces of paper, wet them, and then stick them onto the furniture. Paint the wood while the paper is still wet, then gently lift the bits of paper off. 

Dry brushing technique

Painting furniture with a dry brush is key to getting a lovely distressed surface. Get an old, dry brush and dip it straight into the paint. Take the excess paint off, then use quick random strokes. Leave out some parts of each table leg or surface to get a weathered feel. 

Rinsing or scraping 

These furniture painting techniques involve lifting paint off of the piece. Start by painting the chair or table in your colour of choice, then scrape off random bits of paint! You can also try dipping the furniture in water while the paint is still wet. 

3. Layering paint techniques

Layering involves applying different shades of paint on top of each other. The steps are pretty straightforward, allowing you to easily get that layered look.  

• Apply your first layer of paint and let it dry.
• Apply the succeeding layers of paint, or swirl the wet paint around each new coat! 

4. French wash paint technique

The French wash furniture painting technique creates a subtle marble-like and elegant effect. French wash typically uses a special French wash paint and a dry flogger brush. These materials help create a textured, swirling effect. Depending on your brush strokes, your furniture can look fancy or have a more industrial look. 

5. Matte paint furniture 

Matte paint is great for older furniture, as it conceals dents and imperfections. (The low gloss of matte paint absorbs light instead of reflecting it.) But keep in mind that this painting technique isn’t ideal for frequently used furniture; Flat finishes are usually harder to wash. 

6. Faux linen effect

Make cross-hatching strokes to get a faux linen effect. Start by applying a thick layer of paint in one direction. Once this layer has dried completely, apply the second layer in the opposite direction. You can even use two colours for a more prominent cross-hatching pattern. 

7. Chalk paint furniture 

Are you going for a rustic, shabby-chic look? Chalk paint is another easy way to give furniture a distressed look with a vintage charm. 

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8. Faux verdigris finish

If you love the blue-green tinge on antique copper, bronze, or brass look, you’ll want to try this painting technique! You can easily create a faux verdigris finish with some paint and patience. You’ll need staining gels and patinas, appliques, and chalk paint. 

Here’s how to make paint look like verdigris: 

• While the paint is still wet, use a damp rag to distress the coat. 

• Follow this up with some sanding and waxing to further age the details of your furniture. 

This furniture painting technique works best on pieces with lots of carving and moulding since they’ve already got an antique look. 

9. Jewel tones  

Chalk paint, spray wax, and a gilded patina can create a beautiful jewel tone that looks great on ornate side tables and cabinets. This furniture painting technique is quite easy to follow. 

• First, use two coats of your chalk paint of choice and let the furniture dry overnight.
• Follow up with a wash of paint in a complementary colour (e.g. green paint for a blue base). 
• Brush two different colours of spray wax all over the piece - ideally the same colours as the base and wash. 
• Use a dabbling or stippling motion to add texture to the surface. 
• Finish up with a coat of patina for a metallic sheen, then seal everything up with a top coat. 

10. Stencil painted furniture 

Try this raised stencil texture painting technique if you want to do more than just give your favourite chair a fresh coat of paint. You’ll need some chalk paint, wax, texture medium, and a stencil. You can also use some patina and metallic paint to enhance the details of the furniture. In just a few hours, you can turn a boring chair into hotel-worthy furniture! 

11. Antique silver finish

This furniture painting technique will lend an elegant look to your dining set or even your dresser. 

Here are the steps to do it: 

• Coat the piece in black paint. 
• Use the dry brush painting technique to apply silver paint to the high points of the furniture like carvings and grooves. 
• To emphasise these high points, you can swipe on a damp cloth dipped in some silver paint. 
• After the paint has cured, apply a coat of black spray wax and wipe it back with a damp cloth. This last layer both beautifies and protects your freshly-painted furniture.

12. Aged copper finish

If silver isn’t your thing, a warm copper finish might be the best fit for your home. This furniture painting technique uses copper gel wax, texture medium, and sandpaper. Achieve a coppery glow with a greenish patina that looks like oxidised metal. You can make the furniture look as new or as weathered as you like, depending on how much patina you apply. 

Earn money with these furniture painting techniques. 

Are you looking to go beyond DIY projects and make money from your painting skills? You can sign up on Airtasker to find furniture painting jobs near you. Put these furniture painting techniques into practice while earning extra cash as you grow your skills.