How to Paint Furniture White

White furniture is perhaps the easiest color to incorporate into your home. It can easily add a touch of simplicity and refinery to any space, and coordinates well with any other color you may choose to decorate your home. Painting furniture white on your own also presents a more affordable alternative to buying new furniture or requesting the services of a renovator. Sanding and priming the furniture, painting it, and applying a finisher are part of performing the best possible job and getting an attractive final product.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Sanding the Surface

  1. Step 1 Work on taking the furniture apart piece by piece (if applicable).
    Remove any drawers or shelf slots first, if necessary. Use a screwdriver to loosen and take off any hardware from the furniture, such as hinges and knobs. Take off the back of the furniture if you plan to paint the insides. Set the hardware aside in a box or container for safekeeping.[1]
  2. Step 2 Sand your furniture with coarse (30 to 50 grit) sandpaper.
    Rub the sandpaper in a circular motion along the surface of the furniture. Use the sandpaper on every part of the furniture you plan to paint. Keep sanding until the furniture's varnish is visibly roughened all over.[2]
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Sand the furniture again with medium (60 to 80 grit) sandpaper.
    Move the medium sandpaper in the direction that the wood grain moves in. Continue sanding until the furniture looks smooth. Afterwards, use a wet rag to wipe down the furniture and wait around an hour for it to dry.[5]
  4. Step 4 Mold water-based wood filler into any dents or holes you find in the furniture.
    You can purchase wood filler online or from your local home improvement store. It typically comes in putty form. Shape it so it fills and covers the holes in the wood. Depending on the depth of the hole, wait between 2 and 8 hours (for large holes) or 15 minutes (for small holes) before sanding the area and continuing work.[6]
    Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Priming the Surface

  1. Step 1 Assemble your workspace.
    Your workspace should be in a dry, preferably windowless area. Sunlight may harm the quality of your paint job. Make sure your workspace is large enough for you to move comfortably, as well as well ventilated to protect against fumes.[7]
    • Set up a lamp at an angle, so you can more easily see every area of the furniture as you paint. It should provide shadows to make it easier to spot mistakes in your paint job.[8]
  2. Step 2 Sweep and vacuum up any dust left behind from your sanding.
    Let the area air out for a few hours so it can become clear of any extra dust. Afterwards, wipe off any remaining dust off of the furniture with a clean rag, using smooth, circular strokes. Lay down tarp on the floor if you can.[9]
  3. Step 3 Cover any hinges and inside edges of the furniture with tape.
    If you were unable to remove any hinges from the furniture beforehand, wrap it with painter's tape. Press tape over the inside edges of the furniture, as well as any other areas you don't want to get paint on. You can also apply tape to the sides and back of the furniture. Be judicious and try to apply the tape as thoughtfully as you can.[10]
  4. Step 4 Apply primer to the furniture with a roller or brush.
    [11] Rollers are better for applying primer to large surfaces. Brushes are best for getting into tight corners or priming smaller areas. Cover the entire area you intend to paint.[12]
    • Use knot block primer on furniture with knotty and/or dark wood.[13]
  5. Step 5 Try to apply the primer to the furniture in a thin coat.
    Keeping your primer thin will prevent dripping. Afterwards, give the primer time to dry. The primer will take between 4 and 6 hours to dry.[14]
    • If your primer starts to drip, simply wipe off the dripping and reapply the primer in the affected area.
    Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Applying the Paint

  1. Step 1 Use latex paint.
    Latex paint is the standard for home improvement projects. When you choose your bucket of white paint, pay attention to the label. There are two different types of latex paint for furniture: indoor and outdoor. Indoor latex paint is, naturally, for indoor furniture. Outdoor latex furniture is meant for outdoor furniture, and is sturdier against the elements.
  2. Step 2 Apply the first coat of paint with a roller or synthetic brush.
    Keep your first layer thin, just like when you applied the primer. Try to paint one stroke at a time and make your strokes follow one direction. If you're using a roller, avoid moving it back and forth; this may create uneven areas in your paint layer. Afterwards, let the paint dry for 1 hour.[15]
    • If you're using brand new brushes, wet them with clean water and shake them dry. This will make it easier to use them with latex paint.[16]
    • If you notice drips in your paint job, you can scratch it off with a utility knife. Then add thin strokes of paint to cover the area.[17]
    • Letting the paint dry for longer, like 24 hours, is sometimes recommended for wood furniture since wood has a tendency to warp.[18]
  3. Step 3 Sand the dried paint layer with fine (100 to 180 grit) sandpaper.
    Doing this will get rid of dust or dripping. Sand each layer of paint after applying it and letting it dry. Work in gentle, circular motions.[19]
  4. Step 4 Paint 3 or 4 layers to ensure an even job.
    Working in multiple coats will help the paint to be as opaque as possible. It should take around 24 hours for your final paint layer to dry. Don't apply a new layer of paint until the first has dried.[20]
  5. Step 5 Add 2 coats of varnish once the final paint layer has dried.
    Work thin, just as you did with the primer. Use a soft paint brush to add the varnish, and work in unidirectional, long movements. Use fine sandpaper (100 to 180 grit) on the first layer of varnish before painting on the second.[21]
  6. Step 6 Put your furniture back together.
    Let the paint and varnish dry for around 72 hours before you start putting the furniture back together. Slide the shelves or drawers back into place. Use a screwdriver to re-attach any hinges and knobs. Now you can use and enjoy your newly painted furniture![22]
  7. Step 7 Finished!
    Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Will spray paint dry faster?
    Jeff Huynh
    Jeff Huynh
    Professional Handyman
    Jeff Huynh is the owner of Moseybolt, a full service solution in home services, renovations, and repair in the Greater Seattle area. He has over five years of handyman experience. He has a BS in Business Administration from the San Francisco State University and his Certificate in Industrial Electronics Technology from North Seattle College.
    Jeff Huynh
    Jeff Huynh
    Professional Handyman
    Expert Answer
    Spraying on the paint is going to add less paint over the surface area, so you could get away with spraying on more coats in a shorter period of time than with a brush.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
     Thank you for your feedback.
     If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit

Advertisement

Tips

  • Take a picture of your furniture from all angles before taking it apart. This will give you a better idea of how to put it back together. Retrieve any assembly instructions that came with the furniture if you still have it.
    Thanks
    Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • If you are allergic to dust, then you can even paint the furniture without sanding.
    Thanks
    Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

Warnings

Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Soft paint brush (for varnish)
  • Small paint brush (for hard to reach or small places and corners)
  • Drop cloth
  • Foam rollers
  • Cleaning rag
  • Paint tray
  • Painter's tape
  • Varnish (water-based)
  • Fine, medium, and coarse sandpaper
  • Latex paint
  • Primer (oil-based)
  • Wood filler (if necessary)

You Might Also Like

1
How to

Make a Warrior Cat Clan Indoors
2
How to

Drill Small Holes in Glass for Jewelry or Wind Chimes
3
How to

Pass As a Guy and Still Be Scene or Emo (for FTM Teens)
4
How to

Play wikiHow to Meme (wikiHow's Limited Edition Card Game)
5
How to

Play Minecraft in Real Life
6
How to

Act Like a Baby Again
Expert
7
How to

Be a Scene Girl
8
How to

Draw Donald Duck
9
How to

Microwave a Peep
10
How to

Act Like a Mermaid at School
11
How to

Airwalk
Expert
12
How to

Choose a Guitar Amplifier for Rock Music
13
How to

Watch Live Football
14
How to

Pull Harmless Pranks
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-paint-a-wooden-dresser-apartment-therapy-tutorials-178977
  2. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-paint-a-wooden-dresser-apartment-therapy-tutorials-178977
  3. ↑ Jeff Huynh. Professional Handyman. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Jeff Huynh. Professional Handyman. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-paint-a-wooden-dresser-apartment-therapy-tutorials-178977
  6. ↑ https://rainonatinroof.com/2016/10/prepping-furniture-to-paint-when-to-sand-when-to-degloss-and-when-to-prime/
  7. ↑ https://www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/paint-stain-and-wallpaper/paint-wood-furniture/project
  8. ↑ https://www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/paint-stain-and-wallpaper/paint-wood-furniture/project
  9. ↑ https://www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/paint-stain-and-wallpaper/paint-wood-furniture/project
  1. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-paint-a-wooden-dresser-apartment-therapy-tutorials-178977
  2. ↑ Jeff Huynh. Professional Handyman. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-paint-a-wooden-dresser-apartment-therapy-tutorials-178977
  4. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-paint-a-wooden-dresser-apartment-therapy-tutorials-178977
  5. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-paint-a-wooden-dresser-apartment-therapy-tutorials-178977
  6. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-paint-a-wooden-dresser-apartment-therapy-tutorials-178977
  7. ↑ https://www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/paint-stain-and-wallpaper/paint-wood-furniture/project
  8. ↑ https://www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/paint-stain-and-wallpaper/paint-wood-furniture/project
  9. ↑ Jeff Huynh. Professional Handyman. Expert Interview
  10. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-paint-a-wooden-dresser-apartment-therapy-tutorials-178977
  11. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-paint-a-wooden-dresser-apartment-therapy-tutorials-178977
  12. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-paint-a-wooden-dresser-apartment-therapy-tutorials-178977
  13. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-paint-a-wooden-dresser-apartment-therapy-tutorials-178977

About this article

Jeff Huynh
Co-authored by:
Jeff Huynh
Professional Handyman
This article was co-authored by Jeff Huynh. Jeff Huynh is the owner of Moseybolt, a full service solution in home services, renovations, and repair in the Greater Seattle area. He has over five years of handyman experience. He has a BS in Business Administration from the San Francisco State University and his Certificate in Industrial Electronics Technology from North Seattle College. This article has been viewed 41,960 times.
5 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 10
Updated: April 11, 2025
Views: 41,960
Article SummaryX

If you want to paint your furniture white, start by removing any drawers, shelf slots, hinges, or knobs. Sand the furniture in a circular motion with sandpaper, covering every part of the furniture that you plan to paint, then wipe down the furniture’s surface with a wet cloth and let it dry completely. Next, apply a thin coat of primer to the surface of the furniture where you want to paint. Give it 4-6 hours to dry, then apply a coat of latex paint and let it dry. Sand the paint with fine sandpaper and add another layer of paint. Repeat for a total of 3-4 layers. Keep reading to learn which grain sandpaper to use.

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 41,960 times.

Did this article help you?

Advertisement