How to Paint Wood

New to wood painting? Here's the how-to page you've been looking for. We'll cover all the topics including prepping your wood, painting it evenly, and sealing in the color to keep it fresh for many years to come. Check out the discussion boards, slideshows, projects, and you can even go ask a question.

A Guide to Painting Wood – Tips and Tricks to Get the Perfect Finish

Wonderful Ways to Paint Wood

Select the right tools: Before you paint wood, get the right tools. As well as a brush and sandpaper, you need primer and acrylic-latex paint for the perfect finish.
Clean, sand, and clean again: Before you put brush to wood, clean it. Mix TSP with warm water and gently wipe the surface. Sand out any imperfections and wipe again.
Prime before painting: Add at least one coat of primer before you paint wood. If the first coat dries clear, add extra layers until you get a chalky finish.
Use rollers and brushes: For large, regular surfaces, save time by using a small foam roller. For intricate details such a crown molding, always use a brush.
Paint, sand, and paint again: After an initial coat, lightly sand the wood. This engrains color into the wood, providing a deeper finish when you apply additional coats.

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Top DIY Wood Painting Projects

The top projects in DIY wood painting are all here for you to check out.

The Three Basic Steps to Stain Wood

Staining wood may sound intimidating, but you don't need to be a woodworker or a skilled crafts-person to create fun projects and make incredible improvements in your home with newly stained wood. All you need is to learn the basic steps: how to prepare the wood, apply the different types of stain, and protect your project so it can remain beautiful for a long time. I will also tell you the differences among the main types of stains and give you some tips to avoid frustration, save time, and accomplish great-looking results.

Best Of Hometalk

Staining With No Stripping

I hate stripping. It is messy, time consuming and to be effective, it usually involves harsh chemical products.If you also hate it, you will like this tutorial. I will show you how I re-stained the top of this buffet without stripping or sanding it down using gel stain.

Pat Rios

This is Why We Paint Wood Furniture

This is an antique dresser with great detail that you can't see. Agree?

Kris Haberman

Faux Wood Grain Paint Technique

Ok you guys... if you haven't heard of this page has some great painted furntiure ideas and projects to check out!Love this project? You can buy your own by clicking the link below. Just so you know, Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.

Amanda C, Hometalk Team

Dry Brush Old Wood Technique

How to dry brush over a dark stain to create a weathered wood look

Doodles & Stitches

How to Stain Wood With Vinegar

Nothing seizes to amaze me. I’ve been staining wood for years and though I’ve tried just about every technique out there. NOPE! This was totally new to me. Who would have ever thought of combining vinegar and steel wool to make a stain? Check it out:

Cheryl Phan

Refurbish Wood Furniture Without Sanding or Stripping

Today I am sharing an easy method to refurbish wood furniture without sanding or stripping the old finish. The dresser I am working on is from the early 1900's and is in very rough shape.

Patricia

She Uses Stain to Refresh a Furniture Piece Into a Piece of Art

Stain has become my medium of choice lately. I have always used stain to do my shading on my signs and other artwork, so one day, I decided to try using it as my "paint"... and so it began :)

M&M Embellishments

How to Condition Wood Furniture Instead of Having to Refinish It - DIY

I paint furniture but I have to admit I'm a purist when it comes to true antique pieces. I can't seem to bring myself to paint them and most of the time I don't even want to strip and stain them. I like patina on wood and that only comes with age and years of use. I love the story it tells. The dents, dings, and scratches. The wear and tear. All of those are part of the story. Last year we bought 4 pieces of late 1800s furniture. Every piece was faded and had its own share of scratches and dings. I knew I didn't want to lose the patina, so I researched until I found a solution I could live with.

At Home With The Ellingtons

How To Stencil Nesting Tables Using The Passion Mandala

Rather than toss your old furniture to the curb, we want you to consider giving it a stenciled makeover. What sounds like an advanced project is actually so easy that even a beginner can do it. Today we're sharing a stencil tutorial showing how easy it is to makeover old nesting tables using our Passion Mandala Stencil. Let's take a look...

Cutting Edge Stencils

The Three Basic Steps to Stain Wood

Best Of Hometalk

Staining With No Stripping

Pat Rios

This is Why We Paint Wood Furniture

This is an antique dresser with great detail that you can't see. Agree?

Kris Haberman

Faux Wood Grain Paint Technique

Amanda C, Hometalk Team

Dry Brush Old Wood Technique

How to dry brush over a dark stain to create a weathered wood look

Doodles & Stitches

How to Stain Wood With Vinegar

Cheryl Phan

Refurbish Wood Furniture Without Sanding or Stripping

Today I am sharing an easy method to refurbish wood furniture without sanding or stripping the old finish. The dresser I am working on is from the early 1900's and is in very rough shape.

Patricia

She Uses Stain to Refresh a Furniture Piece Into a Piece of Art

Stain has become my medium of choice lately. I have always used stain to do my shading on my signs and other artwork, so one day, I decided to try using it as my "paint"... and so it began :)

M&M Embellishments

How to Condition Wood Furniture Instead of Having to Refinish It - DIY

At Home With The Ellingtons

How To Stencil Nesting Tables Using The Passion Mandala

Cutting Edge Stencils

Wood Painting Videos

Looking for wood painting hacks? Here you'll find DIY videos all about wood painting.

DIY Antiques: Age Wood Decades in Moments With Dry Brush Painting

Nobody has the time to wait decades for that rustic, well-worn look. Forget forking out hundreds of dollars for pieces of antique wood though, our dry brushing technique tutorial will help you turn those brand new cupboard doors or baseboards into something guests are guaranteed to remark on. No sanding or power tools required!

Hometalk Skills

How to Create a Statement Ceiling Using Mandala Stencils

In the video above, Cutting Edge Stencils will provide you with all the details you need to know about how to stencil a statement ceiling. Pinterest has shown us all the possibilities of what you can do to make your ceiling stand out from the others. You can make a statement with just one bold color or you can take your statement ceiling to the next level with a stencils for painting! Statement ceilings range from geometric, tropical, floral, mural, tile etc. In this specific video, we are going to show you how to stencil a multicolor mandala around a light fixture in under an hour!

Cutting Edge Stencils

Garage Floor Metallic Coating

Please take a minute to click here to sign up for the Mother Daughter Projects weekly newsletter. You'll get notification about our new projects and what is up and coming.When Steph moved into her house, we knew we needed to redo the garage floor one day. It was half painted with carpet down the middle. We did some research on different products to use and found Rust-Oleum Rock Solid Metallic Silver Floor Coating Kit. Steph thought her mini cooper would look really cute parked on the floor so we decided to take on the project!

Mother Daughter Projects

Paint A Room In 30 Minutes

How to paint a room fast and easy. Painting a room does not have to take all day or even an entire weekend. Watch how we paint a room in 28 minutes.

Chris Berry

Hometalkers' Favorite DIY Wood Painting Projects

We've collected the best DIY wood painting projects for you right here.

Everything You Need to Stencil Your Tile Floors For Less

To our Cutting Edge Stencils fans, welcome back! We have the biggest blog post of the year for you to bookmark or save on your computer! We will show you EVERYTHING you need to stencil your tile floors for LESS using tile stencils. This step-by-step tutorial has every detail on floor preparation, stenciling technique, and top coat instructions to create the perfect tile floor. This will make all of your stencil projects so much easier and by the end of this post, you’ll be able to change your job title to “Stencil Professional.” First take a look at the complete “How-To” video tutorial and then follow along through each step with the written instructions.[PLEASE GO TO OUR BLOG FOR THE ENTIRE TUTORIAL AND TO ENTER OUR GIVEAWAY]https://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-stencil-your-tile-floors-for-less.html

Cutting Edge Stencils

Simple DIY Living Room Facelift

Since this is an investment property my BF is being very careful and economical with what efforts and spend he puts into the renovation. This isn't a long-term home, it is a one bedroom rental in an blue collar Pittsburgh neighborhood. Although this isn't a huge remake we are still having fun with the project and making significant changes.

Moscatoismymantra

Stenciled Stairs Worth Staring At!

There are many ways to dress up plain stair risers including paint, carpet, and even stencil designs. Our stencils are a surefire way to make your stairs standout! A stencil pattern is an easy and inexpensive way to add style to a stairway. Today we're sharing a stenciled staircase project using one of our craft stencils. Come take a look and remember to pin now, so you can complete your project later!

Cutting Edge Stencils

Paper Clay Brick Wall!

I love interior brick walls and this is how I made a realistic looking brick wall out of homemade paper clay.

Bryan's Workshop

How to Paint a Faux Marble Ceiling!

One thing that I love to experiment with is faux finish painting. My most popular project by far, is my Faux Stained Glass technique using paint and glue. I’ve also created some cool looks with a Faux Textured Chair Rail and Faux Carved Wainscoting using textured wallpaper. This week, I tackled a whole new Faux project- How to paint a Faux Marble Ceiling!

Susan Myers

Paint A Room In 30 Minutes

How to paint a room fast and easy. Painting a room does not have to take all day or even an entire weekend. Watch how we paint a room in 28 minutes.

Chris Berry

Everything You Need to Stencil Your Tile Floors For Less

Cutting Edge Stencils

Simple DIY Living Room Facelift

Moscatoismymantra

Stenciled Stairs Worth Staring At!

Cutting Edge Stencils

Paper Clay Brick Wall!

I love interior brick walls and this is how I made a realistic looking brick wall out of homemade paper clay.

Bryan's Workshop

How to Paint a Faux Marble Ceiling!

Susan Myers

Paint A Room In 30 Minutes

How to paint a room fast and easy. Painting a room does not have to take all day or even an entire weekend. Watch how we paint a room in 28 minutes.

Chris Berry

Popular DIY Wood Painting Discussions

Explore what Hometalkers are discussing about DIY wood painting here.

How do you paint over wood paneling?

/> New_DIY_Guy

What steps should anyone take in painting over old 1970s wood paneling?

View discussion

Can I successfully paint cabinets made from pressed "wood" and covered in a contact paper like stuff?

/> Toni E

I have no idea what one would call what these cabinets are made from! I only know they are ugly and I want to paint them! Does anyone have tips on how to paint kitchen cabinets?

View discussion

How do u paint paneling and make it look decent?

/> Debbie

The house I am renting has 4 out of 5 rooms covered with paneling! Help!!!! I want to live in a home not a dungeon. That's how it feels...so dark. If someone can help or give ideas I would love to hear them. Thanks in advance!!!

How do u paint paneling and make it look decent?

View discussion

Paint on hardwood floors?

/> Terri Brown Juarez

My roommate bought her home and it needs a lot of work. She's a senior on a fixed income so we're trying to do it ourselves as cheap as possible. The floors look like someone just splattered paint everywhere. Aside from getting an industrial sander and refinishing the whole house what else could we try? Even if we have to do small sections at a time, over time. Any ideas would be appreciated.

View discussion

New DIY Wood Painting Projects

Want to know what's new in the world of wood painting? We've got you covered.

How to Paint a Black and White Striped Ceiling

I love creating high drama and visual interest with painted patterns and faux finishes on accent walls and ceilings. In this bedroom makeover, I created a black and white striped ceiling. And it turned out STUNNING!!!Sp I’ve got 2 simple tricks for YOU to DIY a perfect striped ceiling!

Cheryl Phan

DIY Stencil Tutorial: Paint a Linen Fabric Wall Finish

The elements of design that every room needs are color, pattern, and texture. But with so many elements, it can be hard to include each when you are decorating. Not to worry! We’ve got you covered! Wall Stencils and a unique wall finish is all you need to decorate with color, pattern, AND texture. In this DIY décor tutorial, we show you how to do the technique of dragging, or stria, which creates fabric-like texture to an otherwise smooth wall.

Royal Design Studio

The Secret is Out! How to Stencil a Tile Floor

The biggest home decorating secret is out! This is what EVERYONE has been asking about (and raving about!)... In order to avoid the hassle of ripping out existing floor and the high cost of real tiles, you CAN achieve a similar look by painting your tile floors that only LOOK expensive. Get in with the inside scoop and check out how YOU can create paint directly over your tile floor to make it look pretty and patterned. Watch the video and follow the instructions below to learn how you can create your own faux aged blue glazed tiled floor in 10 easy steps using Tile Stencils from Royal Design Studio:

Royal Design Studio

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Wonderful Ways to Paint Wood

Select the right tools

Clean, sand, and clean again

Prime before painting

Use rollers and brushes

Paint, sand, and paint again

Cabinets

Exteriors

Furniture

Rooms

Walls

Cabinets

Exteriors

Furniture

Rooms

Walls