Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Prepare the surface of the chair
• Method 2 of 2: Paint the chair
• Tips
• Necessities

There are many options when it comes to painting an old wooden chair. You can paint your wooden chair to make it a decorative piece, to add an accent to the room, or to strictly fulfill a function of use. After you have prepared the surface of the chair, apply a motif or a solid color to the paint of your choice. The nice thing about painting a wooden chair is that if you don't like the result, you can always start over and paint it again.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Prepare the surface of the chair

1. Wash the chair. Use a cloth dipped in soap and water to remove cobwebs, dirt, or dust deposits on your wooden chair. If there is a grease layer, use a grease remover and then rinse it out with water. Let the chair air dry completely.
2. Sand the chair to get a smooth painting surface if necessary. If your chair is covered in crumbling paint, use coarse-grit sandpaper to remove the larger pieces, then work with progressively finer grit until you get the desired finish. Sand away light scratches and pits, as these will show when you paint the chair.
3. Fill any gaps with wood putty. If the blemishes are too deep to remove with sanding alone, apply wood putty to the stains and let it dry according to the manufacturer's directions. Afterwards, sand off the excess filler until the surface is smooth.
4. Dust the chair. Use a tack cloth or a slightly damp cotton cloth to remove the dust from the sanding. Let the chair air dry before continuing.

Method 2 of 2: Paint the chair

1. Choose a color or color palette for your chair. Use a solid color or a combination of contrasting or complementary colors.
   • For a unique look, paint the seat in one color, the backrest in another and the legs in another. For subtle accents, paint the entire chair in a solid color and then add accents, such as stripes or dots, with one or two other colors.
2. Place the chair on a piece of tarpaulin to protect the surface underneath from paint splatters and drips.
3. Apply primer. Stir the paint well before applying. Use a brush that is easy to hold and small enough to fit between all parts of the chair. It is usually easiest to turn the chair upside down and paint the legs first. When you're done, put the chair back on its legs and paint the rest.
4. Let dry and apply additional coats as needed.
   • Use spray paint for a quick result. Make sure to shake the cans well before applying the paint. Apply several light coats instead of one thick coat to minimize dripping.
5. Apply the chosen paint. Apply several light coats instead of one thick coat to minimize dripping.
6. Coat the freshly painted wooden chair with a protective clear lacquer. Depending on the desired finish, use a matte, satin or glossy lacquer. A spray finish is easy to apply, but a brush finish still gives you better control for an even application. If you plan to put decorative stickers on the freshly painted chair, apply them before applying the protective clear coat. Let the clear coat dry according to the manufacturer's directions, applying as many coats as desired.

Tips

• It is extremely important that the surface of the chair is well prepared so that the paint adheres to the chair and does not peel off prematurely.

Necessities

• Clean cloth
• Soap and water
• Sandpaper
• Wood filler
• Putty knife
• Tack cloth
• Sail
• Paint
• Paintbrushes
• Clear lacquer or shellac