The Key to Using Latex Paint on Furniture

This post is all about how to use latex paint on furniture. Yes, it’s okay to use latex paint on your wood furniture, but you’ll want to follow these important tips before getting started!

This page includes affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally vet.

From paint samples to extra paint from other projects, I seem to always have extra latex paint lying around. Let’s put it to good use and flip some furniture!

I was skeptical at first when I learned I could actually use latex paint on wood furniture. I’ve done several projects with latex paint and am pretty impressed with how well the pieces have held up. Dare I say better than chalk paint?!

The One Thing You Must do to Use Latex Paint on Furniture

No, it’s not sanding. It’s PRIMING! And using the right primer for the job. I promise this one thing can make all the difference in how your painted furniture turns out. My absolute favorite tried and true primer for furniture painting without sanding is Zinsser Bulls Eye 123.

One to two coats of primer is all your need – enough to cover all of the undertones. It will not only block any dark wood underneath the paint but it will also give the latex something to stick to.

I like to use a smooth roller brush for primer as well as latex paint when I am painting furniture. I find this gets the best smooth finish. Opt for a high-density cabinet brush like these from Amazon.

What happens if I use latex paint on bare wood?

Latex paint will peel or chip off if you do not use the right primer beforehand. I highly recommend using a shellac primer. My favorite is Zinsser BIN 123 because it is water-based and does not require any sanding. Yes, I said it… it doesn’t require sanding!

I was skeptical about using this primer without a sander but the two projects I’ve done with this primer on wood furniture have held up really well. I did our nightstands and a coffee table, so both are used daily too.

Why should I use latex paint on furniture?

There are many pros to using latex paint to paint your wooden furniture. Here are my reasons why you should opt for latex paint on your next furniture flipping project:

• Latex paint is an affordable option
• It comes in any color you could ever want!
• It creates a smooth finish
• It is durable if prepped and painted the correct way

Can I turn latex paint into chalk paint?

If you want a matte, chalky finish on your furniture, then a great, affordable option is to turn latex paint into chalk paint. By simply adding Plaster of Paris, baking soda, or calcium carbonate to the latex paint, you can make your own chalk paint!

How to seal latex painted furniture?

To seal your latex painted furniture pieces, I like to use a clear coat of Rust-oleum Painter’s Touch 2x UltraCover. I chose a satin finish for these nightstands but depending on your desire, you can choose matte, semi-gloss, or gloss. One can was able to cover both nightstands.

I’ve also used clear polycrylic to seal latex painted pieces. To do this, simply use a paint brush to paint on the clear coat of polycrylic. My favorite brand is Miniwax Polycrylic Water Based Clear coat.

Before you begin the sealing process, make sure your latex paint is completely dry. I like to be absolutely sure and wait at least 24 hours before sealing.

I used to be a chalk paint girly but I’ve since been converted to a latex paint girl for my furniture painting needs. The finish and durability is so much better! But the key here is to use the right type of primer – a shellac primer. I promise you will soon be converted to!