Paint can protect and add color. With furniture you can change its appearance to suit your taste by using different color paints. Paints can be used for both interior and exterior furniture to provide stylish protection from the elements and to improve the look of furniture that has stains, scratches and other damage.

Preparation Paints

Preparation paints will allow your finished paint job to be free from uneven coloring. Prep paints should be used for new wood that has never been treated or painted White shellac will prevent the natural sap in woods from showing up on your finished paint job. Transparent filler paints are good for mahogany and oak woods that have never been painted before.

Filler Paints

Transparent fillers will result in a paint job with a smooth finish. Use a paste filler for rougher woods with indented lines and liquid fillers for smooth fine woods. The more transparent the filler is the the more the natural color of the wood will show through.

Flat Paints for Furniture

Flat paints should be the color that you want your finished piece of furniture to be. Apply your first coat of flat paint, using a mixture of ten parts paint and one part paint thinner. Then apply two or more coats of flat paint.

Finishing Paints

Whether you are applying two different coats or five different coats of paint, enamel paint only needs to be used as the final coat. Enamel paint is expensive, but it will ensure that the furniture has a long lasting and attractive look and is easy to clean.

Decorative Painting on Furniture

For decorative painting on furniture you can use oil paints. Have a cloth and some turpentine ready to quickly remove any mistakes before they dry. Once your design is complete and dry. Paint over the whole piece of furniture with latex paint. Remember to work in well ventilated areas and avoid using paints around children and pregnant women.

Source:

MarthaStewart.com: Painted Furniture Tools and Materials

OldandSold.com: How to Paint Furniture

Craftsman-Style-Info: Types of Wood Fillers