I can give you 11 really good reasons why you should paint furniture with latex paint also known as water based paint. The first type of paint I used on furniture was latex. That was back in the day before paint shelves at hardware stores and shops online were overrun with specialty furniture paints.
You guys know I use some of those specialty paints on occasion but I use latex paint more often than not and I’m going to share the reasons with you.
This post probably won’t be a hit with the folks who sell specialty furniture paints. I one time I retailed specialty furniture paints…and more than one kind…but I got out of that business. Furniture paints are on every street corner, in every antique mall, on Amazon, and just about anywhere there is an empty spot on a store shelf.
This post is about why I use latex paint for many of my furniture makeovers and why you should consider latex paint too.
11 Reasons Why You Should Paint Furniture With Latex Paint
1. Availability
Latex paint is readily available at hardware stores, home improvement stores, department stores, paint stores, etc. It can also be ordered online. Did you know you can even buy latex paint at Target?
2. Price
Price is probably tied with availability for the number one reason to use latex paint. Let’s face it, most of the furniture paints are a little on the pricey side. Latex paint is a fraction of the cost of these paints.
I’ll let you in on a little secret too. Most stores that custom mix paint colors have a shelf where you can find “oops” paint at a greatly reduced price. Oops paint is a custom mix color that a homeowner selected and then decided they didn’t like the color. The store will mark the paint down considerably.
I have purchased quarts of oops paint for $4 where the regular price would have been $18 and gallons of oops paint for $8-$10 where the regular price would have been $38+. A lot of times you can find sample jars of paint on the oops shelf and those are as low in price as 50 cents.
You would be surprised how much paint is in those samples, usually enough for a nightstand or vintage wood sewing cabinet. If you don’t see any oops paint at your local hardware store ask the paint guy where you can find it.
You can also purchase latex paint at a big discount at Habitat Restores. Some DIY’ers and contractors donate leftover paints from home projects to Habitat Restore. Sometimes you can get new cans of paint at Habitat too. There may be other stores in your area that also collect paint to resell. It would be worthwhile to check listings in your area for this type of shop.
3. Color Selection
There are endless displays of paint color chips in the stores. You can get your own paint deck from the manufacturer for a price. There are literally thousands and thousands of paint colors to choose from. Sometimes when I’m talking a break in the workshop I look through my paint decks for inspiration.
And here is a little secret I learned from my friend Karianne, Thistlewood Farms, and I have yet to try it. It’s hard to explain so I’m going to give you an example. Say you paint your cabinets dark gray and you want your kitchen island to be just a bit lighter but the next color on the paint chip is too light.
You can ask the guy at the paint store to make 50% formula or any percentage of your color to white paint. This will give you a lighter shade of that dark gray. Genius huh! Kari says she thinks they can only do this mix at a paint store like Sherwin Williams, etc.
4. Sheens
Latex paint comes in a variety of sheens. The following sheens are usually available from the paint manufacturer; Matte/Flat, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss, Hi-Gloss. At this time my favorite sheen for furniture is Flat (or Matte depending on the manufacturer) and a close second is Eggshell. I like Hi-Gloss for the retro-modern look that’s trending now.
5. All In One Product
Paint & Primer and sometimes sealer (if needed) combination paint is the norm. For most projects there is no need to buy an additional primer product. For most furniture projects the paint doesn’t require an additional top-coat either. Win-Win!
{Find my favorite furniture paints, spray paints, brushes, tools, etc. on the Petticoat Junktion Amazon page here.}
6. Wax, Sealant, Top-Coat Not Required
As a rule a top-coat on furniture is not needed for latex paint. If I were painting a dining room table I would use a sealer or top-coat over any paint type. If you do need to seal or wax over latex paint there are many products to choose from. Specialty furniture paints require their own special waxes and sealers which are usually pricy.
7. Quality And Durability
When buying latex paint stick with top brands and manufacturers. Paint quality and durability has been steadily getting better and better over the last few years. I have used a number of paint brands that cover in one coat! It all depends on the color you are using and what color or stained finish you are covering.
8. Custom Mixes
The best thing about latex paint is the ability to have the color of your dreams. Take in a favorite blanket, decorator pillow, rug, fabric, you name it,and the paint guy can match the color to a tee or pretty darn close.
Junktion Red Cedar Chest Antiqued With Wax
I love to combine my own colors at home until I come up with the perfect color for a project. For example, I mixed a fabulous red from different latex colors in my stash. I liked it so well I brushed some on a paint stirrer and had Home Depot color match the paint for me. It’s called Junktion Red!
9. Special Paint Techniques Friendly
Latex paint can be distressed, antiqued, aged, white-washed, glazed, crackled, stenciled, decoupaged over, etc. You name it, I haven’t found a technique I couldn’t use on latex painted furniture. Latex paint can be used in a paint sprayer. I often use it in my HomeRight Finish Max Sprayer. Foam brushes, bristle brushes, and rollers can be used to apply latex paint.
10. Ease of use
Buy the latex paint of your choice, bring it home, shake or stir, and paint. There is no mixing of powders or painting with lumpy paint.
11. Paint Samples!
I talked about the paint samples earlier but I didn’t mention how useful they are. Most specialty furniture paints don’t come in sample sizes. You have to pay the big price for the big jar…..and what if it isn’t the color you thought you wanted. No returns. Most latex paint companies have sample sizes you can purchase for less than $6.
I just thought of another reason to use latex paint on furniture. You can use a paint sprayer with latex paint. I’m not sure about some of those other paints. I just painted my metal glider using beautiful yellow latex paint by HGTV Home Sherwin Williams. You can see the video tutorial below…..
How To Use A Paint Sprayer
Disclaimer: My opinions are based on my experience using latex paints. I am not a professional contractor or paint expert.
Now you know why I paint furniture using latex paint! The following furniture makeovers feature latex paint. To see the complete makeover with paint information and more photos just click the photo or the link below it. If you have any questions or observations on latex paint there is a comment section below.
Latex Painted Furniture…..
White Chest with Metallic Gold Knobs
White paint is so classy. Paint a chest of drawers for your bedroom or a stunning piece for your foyer. Did you know there is an endless number of white paint colors? Just go to your local hardware store and check it out.
Silver Metallic Paint Aged With Toner
Metallic paint is one of my favorites. You can just let it shine or give it an aged or antiqued look by applying a toner or dark wax. The table above was dark and drab. I applied one coat of primer tinted gray (my favorite is Glidden Gripper), two coats of metallic silver paint, and toner to give the paint depth.
Paint Furniture Using Latex Paint
Do you have any latex paint around the house? Maybe some leftover from a house painting project. Maybe you have a piece of furniture that needs a little love. Go for it!
As always, thanks for being here and have a great day, Kathy
TM says
I have painted furniture for years also using latex paint for all the reasons you described. I’m not interested in the bazillions of other types of paint out there and researching the best ways to use them. Why bother, when you can get a great latex paint in the desired color and get fabulous results with it. Although prices have risen some, latex is still more affordable and like you Kathy, I always check out the oops and sample paints and keep an ample stash of those. In my opinion you just can’t beat latex.
Lori says
Thanks Kathy for this post. I totally agree with you. I have used some of the expensive ones, and I am not so keen about all the sealing. I love latex paint like you.
M. Constance Colvin says
I enjoy you!
Rose Lefebvre says
You really sold me!
Alice Hanson says
Kathy, I totally agree. I have been using oops paint for years. I do like my DIY homemade paint too. But latex is easy! I really enjoy your blog!
Smiles, Alice
Susie @ The Chelsea Project says
I love to read this information. Personally, I like to try everything…all kinds of paints. And I also love latex for some projects. i hope you will keep the dialogue going. It’s good to review why we do what we do. And you are a great resource and teacher. Thanks so much. Susie from The Chelsea Project
Debrashoppeno5 says
I like the color selection of latex paint although most times I do make it into DIY chalk paint. I have also used it on furniture pieces without adding anything to it and it holds up very well.
Jennifer Kavanagh says
Saw this link from “DIY like a boss” and I had to click! Finally some truth out there!!!! I have painted a ton over the years and like you, I love all paint types but the “chalk is the only way” band wagon drives me a bit crazy. Nothing wrong with it but yes you can create a jaw dropping amazing paint finish with good old house paint! And the myth that is wont last isn’t true either. I have a beutiful piece sitting in my entry that my grandfather painted with good old house paint 40 years ago! Good luck with your article. People get pretty defensive of their chalk paint ? But seriously folks, house paint people, it is just as good.
Melanie says
I completely agree with you. I just tried chalk paint and nope, I’m a latex girl forever.
Rebecca says
Thank you for posting this. I have an old dresser that I want to paint a darker shade of the room’s wall color, and I was worried that the latex might not go on well or hold up. After reading your post, I’m going to try it! Your furniture example are beautiful.
Kathy Owen says
Thank you. Let me know how your furniture project goes!
Kim~madeinaday says
Great post I haven’t thought of using just latex for furniture. thanks for the tips! Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Sharing on Pinterst! Have a great week!
Kim
Christine says
Great tips on latex! Loved it, you’re right it is pricey for some of those brand name chalk paints and I am not a wax person. It is too high maintenance.
I did try a cheap chalk paint from a local craft store to paint my kitchen table and it turned out pretty good with a coat of poly over it, but some other projects I rely on latex and the usual sprays for outdoors.
Terri says
I just found your blog and love it! My question…I have a dining room table that I painted with chalk paint (ASCP). A family member put waxed paper on it and poured hot popcorn out. Unfortunately, it melted the wax and now the table looks terrible. Do you know if I can use latex over the chalk paint? I remember wanting to paint a furniture piece in 2004 and asked the paint store people how to get that rubbed off paint look (now known as distressed!) and they had no idea. Anyway, I ended up just painting it with latex and it has held up beautifully! Thank you for the great post!
Kathy Owen says
I haven’t painted over chalk paint with latex paint but I wouldn’t think it would be a problem. I would use a good primer first then the latex paint. So glad you found the blog and thanks for the kind words!
Shelly says
It is great hearing that you can use latex paint without sanding the piece first. I have been using chalk paint only for that reason. It always seems to chip off on pieces used everyday. Could I use the dark wax or clear wax that is used for chalk paint on latex paint.
[email protected] says
I’m with ya! Love latex paint, and I will add that those three dollar samples changed my life!! I just painted an entire twin bed frame for three dollars in paint! I love the durability of latex; I love how when you distress it the sheen wears down, adding another layer of color…it gives depth without added work or treatments. I have used chalk paints and enjoy them, but it is so nice having a a hard finish all in one (and much more cost-effective)! I’m lazy, I guess!
Kathy Owen says
Very true Jenny!
Terry says
What about painting a coffee table? Will latex work with this as well? What about potential “rings” from liquid markings & surface scratches that will occur due to excessive use?
Mary Murphy says
Love the cedar chest! One question about the wax – does it need to be reapplied every so often? I am thinking about using this technique on some dining room chairs. Thanks for inspiring us.
Kathy Owen says
It may need to be reapplied every 6 months or yearly. It’s not something that has to be done very often at all…..maybe just once. Thanks for the comment. I love that chest too!
Rose L. says
You make a good point. For me, if the outcome makes me happy, then that is all that matters,
Sandy Irwin says
I was just trying to decide what to do with a big corner cabinet i have and thanks to you i am going to paint it with a good latex paint and wax it it and use it in my kitchen
love your web site .
Maureen says
Kathy… the stereo cabinet is gorgeous! How did you distress it with latex??
Kathy Owen says
Are you talking about the gray cabinet Maureen? I just hand distressed it with sand paper. The paint is Benjamin Moore in a flat finish.
Kim says
I am somewhat new at the furniture painting and just couldnt get into the “chalk” paint. 1, the texture and 2. the outrageous expense. Plus all the extras, brushes, waxes, . I just use latex and so far havent had any trouble. However, can you suggest a paste wax that Shelley had mentioned in her post. BTW Thank you for this post, I thought I was just missing something with all this new paint phase, I guess Im not as behind as I thought, thanks for clearing that up.
Kathy Owen says
Kim, I’m not sure what Shelley uses but I like Howard’s Wax and you can get it in neutral or colors like Golden Oak. If you click on the photo of the red cedar chest you can see the info on using wax to antique or age furniture. You’re not behind at all. I say use what you like!
Kim says
Thank you. You are so inspiring
Nancy says
Well, here goes….No one will agree with me but, since I have been painting furniture for 50 plus years before latex paint was invented I will never use latex to paint furniture. Oil primer and oil enamel finish. This is called Professional finish….thanks…
Kathy Owen says
Thank you Nancy. As I said in my disclaimer I am not a professional. I will agree with you. I think that oil primer and oil enamel are probably better than latex but I hate working with oil.
shelley says
I have used milk paint, chalk paint and latex paints…and I also like latex, cheaper in the long run…I do like to add a paste wax finish…as it changes the color just a bit…deeper….which I like…I painted a vintage door headboard with latex samples from Lowe’s…they were on sale at the time for .99 cents each…so I bought 2…
Lowe’s and maybe Home Depot will make most paints “sample” sized for you…sometimes you don’t need a quart or gallon…
Kathy Owen says
I agree with everything you said Shelley!
Becky says
Be still my beating heart! I am in total agreement and thought I was the only one who used latex and I also thought I was the only one who felt this about the chalk craze. I have used it, but love everything about good ole latex?
Kathy Owen says
Thanks for the laugh this morning Becky 🙂
Dixie Lee says
I’ve been using Latex to paint funiture for years. But I do have a caveat – when painting case furniture (bureaux, buffets, etc.) on top of which you may rest items that will not move (clocks, vases, jewelry boxes, etc.) put at least coat of wax on top to prevent items from sticking – especially rubber feet which can leave ugly black marks, or pull the paint off the top.
I have also had good results with making my own chalk paint out of latex, plaster of paris and water.
Kathy Owen says
Yes, great tip. Thanks!
Debbie ridings says
HOORAY! Glad you posted this.
Dawn says
I agree Latex is wonderful if for no other reason than color choices 🙂
Bonnie says
Do you have to sand it first?
Kathy Owen says
Bonnie, As a rule I don’t sand furniture before painting. These are some of the reasons I would sand first- 1. rough surface or edges 2. covered with fingernail polish, glue, stickers, permanent markers 3. laminated surface
Terry says
I have been painting furniture for 20+ years and have always used latex paint. I buy the paint that has the primer already mixed in and I also buy the oops paint that is so affordable. Like you said, it can be distressed, aged, antiqued etc; it is so versatile, and the colors are endless. Latex is smooth and creamy, I love how it goes on and I am always amazed with the results. I never fell for the chalk paint craze. I personally don’t think painted furniture will ever go out of style, contrary to what some have said. In my opinion, nearly everything looks better painted!
Cindy Bailey says
But do you have to seal latex? how do you keep it from peeling? thanks.
Kathy Owen says
Hi Cindy, Have you used latex paint and had a problem with it peeling? If so, can you tell me the circumstances; what type furniture, what brand of paint, etc.