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Quite often, in speaking with people, I’m left with the sense that many feel that painting bare wood furniture, must be a difficult process. Rest assured that it is not. As with most any job, preparation is the key, and with proper preparation, your end result will be everything you’re hoping for.

The first question that needs to be addressed is the why? Why are you painting the piece in question? If the piece is constructed of a softwood then it often makes sense, as the wood can be seen as somewhat less attractive than some other types, and a hint of color can be just the thing to draw out the full beauty of the piece. There are paints, stains and dyes available in a multitude of colors, so you’ll certainly have no trouble finding just the one that suits your personal style and specific decorating needs.

The first thing to do with the unfinished furniture then, is to prep it for painting. Most often, this means sanding. You’ll want to use a fine grit paper, and be sure to wipe the piece down well before painting. Make sure to apply sealant to any knots and/or cracks, then prime the piece before applying the paint. If you don’t, it might crack and peel off.

There are many different paints available, but more and more often, I’m seeing people gravitate toward water based acrylics. These are easy to clean, relatively kind to the environment, and fast drying. Don’t forget too, that if you’re painting a piece that’s destined for a child’s room, to be sure that the materials you’re using are suitable and safe for children! Many is the child who has attempted to taste-test the furnishings!

If you’ve bought a piece of unfinished oak furniture, then you may want to think twice before painting it. Oak is a beautiful, natural wood, and a simple wax or stain finish might be more appropriate, and serve to highlight its natural beauty. You can always use a tinted wax if you want to subtly alter the hue of the finished piece.

If you’ve purchased a piece of unfinished furniture for outdoor use, this changes the equation somewhat, and you’ll need to use a preservative to both stain and protect the piece.