Painting furniture is a wonderful way to give an existing piece a new lease of life. Whether you’re transforming a vintage find, updating a chest of drawers or refreshing a much-loved bedside table, a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference. With the right preparation and a little patience, it’s a rewarding project to tackle at home. Here’s our step-by-step guide to painting furniture with Edward Bulmer Natural Paint. Cabinet painted in Chatsworth Stone with Georgiana shelves. Walls in Queen of Scots Step 1: Prepare your furniture Start by removing any handles, knobs or other hardware, where possible, and protect your work area with a dust sheet. Clean the furniture thoroughly to remove dust, dirt and grease, paying particular attention to areas that are frequently handled. Allow the surface to dry completely before continuing. Check for any cracks, dents or imperfections and repair these with a suitable filler. Step 2: Sand the surface Lightly sand the furniture to create a smooth, even surface and help the new paint adhere. The amount of preparation required will depend on the existing finish. Previously painted or varnished furniture may need additional sanding or specialist preparation, particularly if the surface is glossy. Remove all sanding dust with a clean cloth before painting. If you’re unsure about the existing coating or whether the surface is suitable for repainting, we recommend testing a small, inconspicuous area first. Step 3: Prime where necessary Depending on the material and existing finish, your furniture may require a primer before painting. Our Water-Based Eggshell Primer is designed to prepare suitable surfaces for painting with our Water-Based Eggshell. Always check the relevant technical data sheets to establish the correct preparation and primer for your particular project. Allow the primer to dry as directed before applying your chosen colour. Step 4: Apply the first coat Stir your paint thoroughly before use to ensure the pigments are evenly distributed. Using a suitable brush or small roller, apply the first coat of Water-Based Eggshell evenly across the surface. Work in manageable sections, following the direction of the wood grain where appropriate. Avoid applying the paint too thickly, as this can lead to drips and an uneven finish. Allow the first coat to dry for the recommended period before recoating. Step 5: Apply the second coat Once the first coat is ready for recoating, check for any rough patches or imperfections. If necessary, lightly sand the surface and remove the dust. Apply a second coat using the same technique, working carefully around edges, corners and decorative details. Two coats will typically provide a beautiful, even finish on a suitably prepared surface, although additional coats may be needed depending on the substrate and colour. Step 6: Allow the paint to cure Although your furniture may feel dry to the touch relatively quickly, the paint will take longer to reach its full hardness. Allow the finish to cure in accordance with the product’s technical guidance before subjecting it to regular handling, cleaning or placing objects on painted surfaces. Azurite cabinets with Wash Stop walls Drab Green cabinets with Spanish White walls by Westcot House & House of Kit. Photography: Michael Branthwaite Invisible Green cabinets with Silver White walls by Build Nine. Photography: Lucy Butler Walters Why choose natural paint for furniture? Our Water-Based Eggshell combines a plant-based binder with real earth and mineral pigments, offering a beautiful, durable finish for suitable interior woodwork and furniture. Available in our full palette of colours, it’s an ideal way to give existing pieces a fresh look without replacing them. Ready to get started? Explore our natural paint colours and order a sample pot or A5 colour card to help you choose your shade. For further guidance on preparation, application and drying times, please refer to our Water-Based Eggshell technical data sheet. If you’re unsure which products are right for your project, our team will be happy to advise.
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