How to paint veneered furniture
If you have veneered furniture that needs a new finish, painting is a great option for renewing it. Paint can give your furniture a completely new and fresh look without having to replace the entire piece.
However, painting veneered furniture requires some precautions and specific techniques to achieve the best results. In this article, we will explore how to prepare your furniture for painting, what types of paint to use, and how to apply it correctly.
Preparing the Furniture
Before starting to paint your veneered furniture, you need to make sure it is clean and free of stains or scratches. Start with a thorough cleaning using a mild detergent and a soft cloth. If there are persistent stains, you can use a solution of diluted muriatic acid (1:10) to remove them.
In addition, if the furniture has deep scratches or dents, you will need to fill them with wood filler before painting. This will help you achieve a smooth and even surface on which to apply the paint.
Choosing the Type of Paint
There are different types of paint that you can use to paint your veneered furniture. The choice depends on your personal preferences, the final look you want to achieve, and the type of furniture you are painting.
Acrylic paint is a good option if you want a modern and glossy look. Additionally, it is easy to apply and dries quickly. Oil-based paint, on the other hand, is ideal for furniture exposed to a lot of wear because it is resistant and durable. However, it takes longer to dry and can be difficult to clean.
Applying the Paint
Before applying the paint to your veneered furniture, make sure you have covered all parts that should not be painted with tape or tissue paper. Then start painting the furniture evenly with a brush or roller, always following the direction of the wood grain.
Let the first coat of paint dry completely before applying a second coat. If you want an ultra-smooth finish, you can also lightly sand the furniture between coats of paint using fine sandpaper.
- Gently remove the tape or tissue paper after finishing the paint application and let the furniture dry completely.
- To achieve an even more durable finish, you can apply a clear sealer over the paint.
By following these simple techniques, you will be able to paint your veneered furniture with ease and achieve a completely new look. Always remember to work in a well-ventilated area and protect your floor and surrounding furniture during paint application.
Preparing Veneered Furniture for Painting
Preparing veneered furniture is essential to achieving quality results in painting. Here are the steps to follow:
Cleaning
First of all, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the furniture with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove dust, dirt, and grease accumulated on the surface. Make sure that the furniture is completely dry before proceeding.
Removal of old paint
If the furniture already has old paint, this must be completely removed before applying new paint. There are several options for removing old paint: you can use fine sandpaper or a wire brush to smooth the surface, or you can use a specific chemical stripper for paints. In any case, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gloves.
Repairing damages
It is important to carefully check the condition of the furniture and repair any damages such as scratches or dents before proceeding with painting. If there are broken or missing parts, these must be repaired or replaced before proceeding with painting.
Primer and putty
After cleaning and repairing the furniture, you can proceed with the application of primer and putty. The primer is a preparation that helps to even out the surface and better adhere the paint. Putty is used to fill any imperfections or holes on the surface of the furniture.
Sanding
After applying primer and putty, it is necessary to sand the furniture carefully with fine sandpaper to obtain a smooth and uniform surface. Make sure to completely remove the dust generated by sanding before proceeding with painting.
Primer
Finally, apply a specific primer for veneered furniture. This will help to better anchor the paint on the surface of the furniture and protect the veneer from direct contact with the paint. Wait for the primer to completely dry before proceeding with actual painting.
- Thoroughly clean the furniture with a damp cloth and mild detergent
- Completely remove old paint if present
- Repair any damages such as scratches or dents
- Apply primer and putty
- Sand the furniture carefully with fine sandpaper
- Apply a specific primer for veneered furniture
Choosing the right paint for veneered furniture
Choosing the right paint for veneered furniture is important to ensure a quality and long-lasting finish. Here are some factors to consider when choosing paint:
Type of paint
There are different types of paints available on the market, including: acrylic, water-based, solvent-based, and polyurethane. Water-based paints are often the best choice for veneered furniture because they dry quickly, have no strong odor, and are easy to clean.
Finish
The finish is another important consideration when choosing paint for veneered furniture. The finish can be matte, satin, or glossy. A satin finish is often the best choice because it offers the right balance between shine and wear resistance.
Color
The color of the paint is also important. You can choose from a wide range of colors to match your furniture design. However, it is important to ensure that the paint is compatible with the veneer of the furniture.
Surface preparation
Before applying the paint, it is important to adequately prepare the surface of the veneered furniture. This means removing any existing paints or finishes, sanding the surface, and thoroughly cleaning it to ensure good adhesion of the new paint.
Test the paint
Finally, it is always advisable to test the paint on a small area of the furniture before applying it to the entire surface. This way you can check if the color, finish, and adhesion are satisfactory.
- Choose the right paint based on type, finish, and color
- Adequately prepare the surface of veneered furniture
- Test the paint on a small area before applying it to the entire surface
By following these simple tips, you will be able to choose the right paint for veneered furniture and achieve a quality and long-lasting finish.
Application of paint on veneered furniture
After preparing the veneered furniture for painting, it is important to apply the paint evenly and precisely to achieve a professional result. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Prepare your work area
Before starting to paint, make sure you have a clean and well-ventilated work area. Protect the floor with cloths or newspaper to avoid dirt and stains.
2. Apply primer
The primer helps increase the adhesion of the paint to the veneered furniture. Apply a thin and even coat of primer with a brush or roller, always following the direction of the wood. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding with painting.
3. Paint the furniture
Choose a specific paint for veneered furniture and apply it with a brush or roller, always following the direction of the wood. Start with the most difficult parts such as corners and crevices, then proceed with the main surfaces. Make sure to spread the paint evenly to avoid streaks or drips.
4. Wait for the paint to dry completely
Allow the paint to dry completely before applying another coat. The drying time depends on the type of paint used and environmental conditions, so read the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
5. Apply a second coat of paint (optional)
If you want a more intense result or if the paint did not completely cover the veneered furniture, you can apply a second coat following the same steps as the first one.
6. Let it dry completely
Allow the paint to dry completely before touching or using the veneered furniture. This will ensure that the paint hardens and adheres well to the wood.
- Remember to always clean brushes or rollers after use to prevent the paint from drying and ruining them.
- If you need to repair any imperfections, such as scratches or dents, you can use wood filler or specific putty for veneered furniture before proceeding with painting.
Caring for and maintaining painted furniture
Once you have painted your veneered furniture, it is important to take care of it to ensure its longevity. Here are some useful tips for caring for and maintaining painted furniture:
Regular cleaning
It is important to regularly clean painted furniture to avoid the accumulation of dust and dirt that can scratch or damage the paint over time. Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust from your furniture every week.
In case of stains or persistent dirt, you can use a damp cloth soaked in warm water and mild soap to gently clean the surface of the furniture. Make sure to dry the furniture well after cleaning it.
Protection from direct sunlight
The UV rays of the sun can fade and damage the paint on your furniture over time. To protect your painted furniture from direct sunlight, position it away from windows exposed to the sun or use blackout curtains to reduce exposure to direct sunlight.
Avoid extreme temperatures
Temperature fluctuations can cause damage to painted furniture. Avoid placing your furniture near heat sources such as radiators or fireplaces. Also, avoid placing your furniture in humid or too dry places.
Use coasters and placemats
To protect the surface of your painted furniture from scratches and stains, always use coasters and placemats under glasses, cups, and plates.
Immediate repairs
In case of damage to the paint of your painted furniture, it is important to intervene immediately to prevent the damage from worsening. Use a small brush to apply some paint on the damaged area and let it dry completely before using the furniture again.
- Regularly clean painted furniture with a soft, dry cloth
- Protect your furniture from direct sunlight
- Avoid extreme temperatures
- Use coasters and placemats to protect the surface of your furniture
- Immediately repair any damage to the paint
Conclusions
Painting veneered furniture can be a great solution to give new life to your old furniture. However, it is important to carefully follow the instructions and use the right materials to achieve the desired result.
In addition, caring for painted furniture is essential to ensure its longevity over time. Follow the maintenance tips we have provided in this article to keep your furniture in perfect condition for many years to come.

Michael Anderson - Software Engineer
My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.
My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.
With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.





