We all want our furniture to look its best after refinishing it. One way to do this is by getting educated before attempting to paint. The best paint for furniture must be compatible with the type of furniture you are going to paint or you may run into problems a few months down the road.
Best Paint For Outdoor Furniture
Enamel Paint
Enamel paint is one of the best paints for outdoor furniture because it becomes hard and glossy when it dries, and it is usually washable. It can withstand a lot of abuse, and it is more resistant to moisture than other types of paints.
There are two types of enamel paints:
- Oil and Alkyd-based
- Water-based
Water-based enamels dry faster and are easier to use than oil-based ones, so many agree that they are the best option for outdoor furniture painting.
Brushes, roller equipment, and spray equipment can be used to apply enamel paints. The application method you choose should be decided by the type of the paint you’re using and what you plan to use it for. Generally, several thin coats will provide better results than just a few thick ones.
Latex Paint
Latex paint, which has strong wear tendencies, can also be used for either indoor or outdoor furniture. However, it is mostly used indoors because it isn’t toxic and it has fewer odors than oil paints. It is smooth, easy to clean, and is thinned by water. When using this kind of paint, make sure that the surface you are painting is perfectly clean because latex doesn’t stick to dirty or dusty surfaces.
Newer latex paint products can resist yellowing and fading over time, and are resistant to mildew. They don’t usually crack or peel either. Latex paints are generally better for touch-ups than oil-based paints, but enamels work just fine as well. One advantage of latex paints over any other kind of paint is that it is very environmentally friendly.
You may find our earlier post on Enamel vs Acrylic paint an interesting read if you’re having a hard time deciding between the two.
Best Paint For Wood Furniture
Enamel Paint
Enamel paint may also be the best paint for wooden furniture as well. Other than everything mentioned above, enamel paint can also cover stains and other small damages. Surfaces coated with enamel are usually easier to clean too.
Oil Paint
Oil paints can also be a good option, especially if you’re looking for something durable. Like enamel, it can also be used to cover stains. Cabinets and other wood furniture that need harder finishes are examples of furniture that are best painted with oil.
Although it makes your furniture harder and more durable, there are also a lot of disadvantages when it comes to using oil paints. First of all, its fumes are toxic and it is quite flammable. It also gives out a strong odor, so it is best to use facemasks and work in well-ventilated areas when working with it. It also takes longer to dry and is difficult to clean up because it requires mineral spirits or turpentine. It also requires solvent-based thinners and cleaners, which also give out fumes that are toxic and have strong odors.
To learn more about oil based paints please read our earlier article Water Based vs Oil Based Polyurethane.
Latex Paint
Latex paint, on the other hand, is definitely not the best paint for wooden furniture because it has a water-soluble base that will cause rising in the wood’s grain.
As you can see, the best paint for furniture actually depends on its type and purpose. One type of paint may be the best for one type of furniture while another type of paint can totally ruin the furniture, as in the case of latex paint on wood. If you are not sure which paint you should use on your furniture, you can always ask the advise of professionals.
