Painting wooden chairs can be a bit tricky because of their small, narrow, and spaced wooden parts. The details may take time, but with the right preparation and steps, you can turn this into a successful DIY project. A fresh coat of paint will not only refresh the look of old wooden chairs but also help protect them for years to come.
How to Paint Wooden Chairs
Before you grab your paintbrush, it’s important to prep your chairs properly so the paint will adhere well and last, especially on areas like the seat and backrest that experience a lot of wear and tear. Set your chair on a drop cloth and follow these professional tips to get the best results.
1-Check If the Chair Is Sturdy
Before you start painting, make sure the chair is solid and doesn’t wobble at the joints. If it does, repair it first using wood glue, screws, or nails. Avoid saving this step for later, as it could damage your fresh paint job. If you don’t want visible screw or nail marks, use a polyurethane wood glue instead. If your glue expands as it dries, remember to clamp the chair with a vise for a secure bond.
2-Fill Holes and Cracks
Inspect your chair for any holes, dents, or cracks. Fill them with a quick-drying, water-based wood filler. If possible, choose a filler color that closely matches your paint color so patched areas will blend in better once painted. After applying the filler, let it dry completely. Thin applications usually dry within 3–4 hours, while deeper cracks may need up to 24 hours.
3-Sand the Chair
Sanding is an essential step to help the paint adhere better. Pay extra attention to areas you’ve filled, smoothing them out and leveling the surface. If the chair has old, flaking paint, sanding will help remove it. For chairs previously coated with a glossy finish or varnish, lightly sanding the surface will allow the new paint to bond properly.
4-Clean the Chair
After sanding, clean the chair thoroughly — but avoid using water, as it can cause some wood types to absorb moisture and warp. Use a damp cloth to wipe away dust and sanding residue so the paint can adhere to a clean, smooth surface.
5-Apply Primer
You can paint your chair with or without primer, but using a primer is recommended for better paint adhesion and to help cover any filled areas. A single coat of white primer should be enough for this step.
6-Apply the First Coat of Paint
Wait about 5 hours for the primer to dry before applying your first coat of paint. Use a soft-bristled brush for better control around the narrow, intricate parts of the chair. This will help you reach tight corners and paint the thin wooden pieces smoothly.
7-Let the First Coat Dry
Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat. For water-based paints, this typically takes around 5 hours. This ensures the new paint will cover the old color properly and hide any patched areas. If you’re using oil-based paint, allow at least 24 hours for the first coat to dry.
8-Apply the Final Coat
The second coat is usually the final one, and it’s the most important for achieving a clean, flawless finish. Carefully apply the paint, covering any missed spots or imperfections. Most wooden chairs look great with two coats, but after the second coat dries, inspect the surface. If necessary, apply a third coat after 5 hours.
Things You’ll Need:
- Drop cloth
- Wood glue (polyurethane recommended)
- Screws, nails, or clamps (if needed)
- Quick-drying, water-based wood filler
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Damp cloth
- White primer
- Water-based or oil-based paint
- Soft-bristled paintbrush
How to Paint Wooden Chairs Without Sanding
If the chair’s paint is peeling, sanding becomes a critical step in the painting process. It prevents the new paint from peeling off and allows for a smooth, even finish. At the very least, we recommend sanding off any loose or flaking paint before moving forward.
After that, using an acrylic primer, all-purpose primer, or bonding primer will help you paint the chair without fully sanding the entire surface. Just make sure the primer is completely dry before applying your paint. “Related post: How to paint a dining table.”
How to Paint Wood Chairs with Spray Paint
When using spray paint, a large portion of the paint can go to waste through the gaps and spaces in the chair. For this reason, we generally recommend painting chairs with a brush. However, if you prefer to use spray paint, follow these steps:
- Sand the chair.
- Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth.
- Apply one coat of spray primer.
- Let the primer dry for about 30 minutes.
- Apply the first coat of spray paint.
- Allow the first coat to dry for about 30 minutes.
- Apply the final coat.
Painting a chair with spray paint is usually more challenging than using a brush. Spray paint can create uneven and wavy layers on the surface. Thick coats may drip, and paint droplets can form around the edges of the chair. “Related post: How to get spray paint off wood.”
