How To Paint Furniture White

On my long to-do-project list before baby #2 arrives, painting a giant hutch was on there.  I thought it would be a good “nesting idea” and would be quick and easy. That was, until the giant hutch turned out to need a lot more sanding then expected and three coats of white paint. But the results – well worth it! The rustic groves in this once brown hutch add character to the bright white finish.

Step 1: Prep your furniture.

Wipe down then sand your furniture with a ruff sanding block. When sanding, go in the direction of the grain (which will give better results). When the surface appears to be fully sanded to the desired finish or most of the previous paint is removed, clean the surface. Tip: if you want a distressed look, do not remove all the previous paint. To clean the surface in preparation for painting, use a clean cloth with mineral spirits or water and wipe down your furniture.

Step 2: Patch & Paint.

Patch any holes with spackling compound then lightly sand to smooth. Prime your furniture. Or use a paint with primer blend.

*I know priming is such a pain and I hate it. But it makes for such a better finished product if you’re looking for a clean, sleek finish. So it is best to use a separate primer.

*In most furniture, you will want a stain-blocker primer to prevent any future yellowing. I know we specifically used this kind on all the walls and ceilings of our previous home.

*Since I am painting this while pregnant and did not want extra work, I chose to use Glidden paint and primer in one, with no VOC. I have to say, I redid a table in my kitchen about a month ago with paint that did have VOC (I know, my bad, I went with what I had during a quick nap time) and the finish was easier to work with.

There are so many white colors to choose from. I went with a super bright white – Dove White by Glidden.

Placing books on the lower shelf leaves the top open and spacious.

I was debating finishing with an Antique finish and roughing the edges, but for now I like the clean look it has in the room. This hutch was so dark to start off with, it took about 3 coats of paint to complete! I left the brown on in case I want to distress the edges and let it show through. I still have to finish painting the shelves and add them, so once they are in place, rough edges and an antique finish might be added. What do you think?