How I Select Furniture For Painting
Early on in my painting career, I purchased nearly any and every wood thing I could find. In those days, about 2013 or so, garage sales were plentiful of unattractive and outdated dressers, china cabinets, and buffets. And, they were inexpensive. It took only $25 to buy a decent, albeit ugly and beat up, dresser. Learning how to paint correctly, properly and professionally was a fairly affordable endeavor. I’ve gotten much more picky these last few years, less interested in doing a lot of fixing and prep.
The Right Piece
Look for pieces that are made of solid wood and have good bones. Pay attention to the condition of the piece and look for any major damage or missing pieces.
Consider the function of the piece and how it will fit in today’s lifestyle. Dressers like tallboys and side by sides, medium to small accent tables, small buffets, and nightstand pairs seem to be popular. Cedar chests are fun to paint but they take a little while longer to sell.
Hands down easy choice for a dresser are those with flanged drawers. They are much easier to paint and won’t require sanding on the drawers for good, no stick fit. Typically pieces with this architecture are newer and of higher quality.
Look for piece styles that are in or on the way in. Mid-Century Modern pieces have been on the trend up the last couple years and are now a super hot furniture style. I’ve always love the atomic Jetson’s look and am glad to see everyone else catch up with me – LOL! Jacobean, identified by lots of mid-evil looking deep carved details, is super popular for painting white and distressing for the modern farm-house look. Old pieces on spindle legs are cool and leave lots of options for makeover styling, but most likely require more prep work because they are so old.
Pro tip: Look for pieces with intricate details or unique hardware to make your restored piece stand out.
Pieces To Avoid
I pass on pieces that require carpentry work. Carpentry is not my forte’, I do not own carpentry tools or have a wood shop at home. For sure it’s a no-go where the doors and drawers are broken or won’t fit. Some sanding is almost always needed but pass on those that need out right repair. So sad. I reassure myself that someone with carpentry skills will take it home. Unless there is some other distinguishing feature (details or spindle legs), I avoid dressers where the drawers fit inside the opening. Some of them fit so tightly that a thin layer of paint can cause them to stick and not fit at all. It’s the worst outcome to perfectly paint a dresser!
Perfectly finished no visual defect pieces? This is controversial among painters – almost as Democrat or Republican. Painting over beautiful wood in great condition is not my thing. Even if tiger oak is in horrible condition, I figure the piece is better off by refinishing not painting. No scratches, no water marks, no veneer rips and tears, or no dings and dents, then no paint. I respect antiques that have been properly cared for decades. They deserve to live in original condition as long as possible. That’s just me and my take on the world.
I pass on pieces that functionally have little value in today’s home. Secretary hutches, large china cabinets, head/foot boards and, large anything are ones to avoid. None of these seem to garner must interest in my region. A style that I’m currently passing on is Waterfall. The art deco look is not yet popular, they typically need lots of veneer repair and have ill-fitting drawers. All this said, if I’m hard-up to paint and have no inventory or a piece is offered really really cheap, I won’t stick up my nose at them.
Replacing or Refurbishing Hardware
The most fun of the re-styling process is choosing to replace or refurbish the hardware. Look for hardware that is similar in style and size to the original piece or consider updating hardware to embellish the re-styling. It’s like choosing earrings to go with an outfit!
Hardware can make or break a good make-over. Pay attention to trends. Bar handles are simple, clean, modern and, on trend this year.
And please, by all means, replace bat wing pull handles! I can’t understand how everything made in the 60’s and 70’s is entirely dressed with those ugly things! Ugh!
Pro tip: Don’t forget to clean and polish the hardware before re-installing it on your pained furniture.
Final Touches and Reassembly
Once you have painted, completed all necessary repairs and replacements, it’s time to add the final touches and reassemble your restored vanity. Consider adding new drawer liners or a glass top to protect the surface.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for help or consult with a professional if you need it!