How to Use Acrylic Paint on Furniture

Painting furniture might just be one of my absolute favorite home projects, and I’ll tell you why. There’s something magical about taking an old, tired piece and transforming it into a bold, colorful work of art with nothing more than a little acrylic paint and some elbow grease.

It’s a bit like giving furniture a second chance at life—and honestly, who doesn’t need that once in a while?

If you’ve been eyeing that plain dresser in the corner or an old piece you picked up at a thrift store, wondering if you could maybe… just maybe… turn it into something fabulous, I’ve got you covered.

I’m here to spill all my secrets on how to use acrylic paint on furniture. No stress, no complicated jargon. Just real tips from someone who’s been through the mess (and the joy) of painting furniture more times than I can count.

Why Acrylic Paint?

Okay, so why acrylic paint, right? Why not chalk paint or spray paint or some fancy, mythical paint that influencers swear by?

Here’s the deal. I love acrylics. They’re affordable, versatile, and come in every shade imaginable. Plus, they’re water-based, so cleanup is easy, and they dry quickly—not to mention they’re beginner-friendly.

Sure, chalk paint has its moments, and spray paint can be fun (on a good day when the wind is on your side), but acrylic paint lets you control the process. And when it’s sealed properly, it’s durable enough for everyday use.

Now that we’ve established the supremacy of acrylic paint, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty.

Supplies You’ll Need for using acrylic paint on furniture

Before you grab the nearest brush and go to town on your furniture, take a deep breath and make sure you’ve got the right supplies. Trust me, having everything ready ahead of time will save you from mid-painting “oops” moments.

Here’s what I always keep on hand for painting furniture with acrylics:

Acrylic Paint (Obviously): Choose high-quality acrylic paints. You’ll need more than one color if you’re going for a fun design.
Paint Brushes: Get a variety of sizes—from wide brushes for large surfaces to smaller ones for edges and details.
Foam Roller (Optional): Perfect for large, flat areas like tabletops.
Sandpaper: Go for 120-180 grit for smoothing the surface and 220 grit for finishing touches.
Primer (Optional but recommended): This creates a nice, even base for your paint.
Sealer/Topcoat: A good sealer will protect your hard work and give the furniture a lasting finish.
Drop Cloth: Because nobody wants a painted floor or carpet disaster.
Painter’s Tape: For clean lines and avoiding paint where it doesn’t belong.
Sponge or Cloth: For cleaning your furniture before painting.
Bucket of Soap and Water: Clean furniture = better paint adherence.

Now that you’ve gathered your tools like the creative warrior you are, it’s time to prep your furniture.

Step 1: Pick the Right Piece

Not every piece of furniture is going to be the perfect candidate for a makeover. For starters, you’ll want something sturdy. No amount of paint can save a wobbly chair that looks like it might collapse if someone sneezes on it.

Wood (real wood, not that fake MDF stuff) is ideal, but don’t feel limited. Even laminate and veneer furniture can take acrylic paint with proper prep. Just make sure the surface is clean, smooth, and damage-free.

Step 2: Prep Like a Pro

I can’t stress this enough. Prep time = happier painting experience. A lot of people skip this step, throw on a coat of paint, and then wonder why it chips off two weeks later. Don’t be that person. Here’s what I do every single time.

Clean the Surface: First, grab a damp sponge or cloth with a bit of dish soap and clean off any dirt, grease, or sticky toddler fingerprints. You can’t paint over grime and expect it to stick.
Sand It Down: This is especially important if the piece has an existing glossy finish. Use 120-180 grit sandpaper to lightly scuff up the surface. You’re not trying to sand it down to bare wood, just enough to give the paint something to grip onto.
Wipe Off Dust: After sanding, wipe everything down. Dust and paint are not friends.
Prime It (If Needed): I’ll admit, I don’t always prime my furniture, but it does help, especially if you’re working with a dark surface and want to use light colors. A thin coat of primer works wonders for coverage and durability.

Step 3: Start Painting

Now comes the fun part! Here’s my tried-and-true method for achieving a flawless finish.

First Coat: Start with a thin layer of acrylic paint. Trust me, less is more here. Big globs of paint will just end up streaky and uneven. Use a wide brush or foam roller for large surfaces.
Dry Time: Acrylic paint dries pretty fast (another reason I adore it), but I like to give each coat at least 2-4 hours to dry completely. This prevents peeling and ensures the next coat goes on smooth.
Second (and Third) Coat: Repeat the process with as many coats as it takes to achieve solid coverage. Two coats are usually enough, but darker colors or poor coverage might need three.

Step 4: Details and Design

If you’re like me and love a little pizzazz, this is your moment. Add some stenciling, freehand designs, or maybe even stripes using painter’s tape.

This is where you get to make the furniture piece uniquely yours. I once painted polka dots on a small side table—I wasn’t sure how it’d turn out, but now it’s my favorite piece in the house!

Tip: Use smaller brushes for details and take your time. Rushing always leads to uneven lines or smudges.

Step 5: Seal the Deal

Here’s the thing about acrylic paint. It’s awesome, but it’s not invincible. That’s why sealing your work is critical for preserving it.

Use a clear topcoat (matte, satin, or glossy, depending on your style) to protect your furniture from scratches, water rings, and the occasional coffee spill. Apply 1-2 thin coats with a brush or foam roller, letting each coat dry fully before adding another.

Pro tip? Use a water-based sealer to avoid yellowing. No one signs up for a chic white dresser that turns mustard yellow over time.

Tips to Nail Your Furniture Transformation

Start Small: If you’re nervous, choose a small, inexpensive piece to experiment on first. A nightstand or stool is perfect.
Play with Color: Don’t be afraid to go bold! Teal, coral, mustard yellow… the options are endless. If it doesn’t work out, you can always repaint.
Be Patient: It can be tempting to skip dry time, but trust me, a little patience now will save you headaches later.
Invest in Good Topcoat: A great sealer can mean the difference between a two-week paint job and a ten-year masterpiece.

Step 6 (the Most Important One): Enjoy It!

Once your furniture is painted, sealed, and ready for action, give yourself a round of applause. You’ve single-handedly turned an everyday object into something special. Every time you see it, you’ll feel that smug, “Yeah, I did that” satisfaction.

And remember, painting furniture with acrylic paint isn’t just about the end result. It’s about the process, the creativity, and having fun while making something unique.