Best Paints For Kitchen Chair Makeover
If your kitchen chairs are looking a little worn, a fresh coat of paint can make them look brand new again. But not all paints are created equal when it comes to performance and durability. When considering undertaking a kitchen chair makeover, it's important to choose the right paint to stand up to the wear and tear chairs receive in this high-traffic area.
In testing paint options firsthand for my own kitchen chair makeover project, I discovered that while regular wall paints may provide decent coverage initially, they don't have the adhesion and scratch-resistance needed for furniture pieces that get handled frequently. Specialty paint brands designed for refinishing furniture and cabinets performed noticeably better in my tests.
Assess Condition and Choose Paint Type
Before breaking out the paint brushes, carefully inspect each chair to identify any loose joints, damaged areas, or existing paint issues. This will determine the preparation work needed. Check for:
- Splits or cracks in the wood
- Loose rungs, rails, or legs
- Thick layers of old paint that may need stripping
- Chips, scratches, or gouges in need of filler
Kitchen chairs tend to have some carved details and decorative curves that require attention when painting. Angled trim brushes allow you to work paint into these intricate areas.
Oil or Latex/Acrylic?
Oil-based paints provide superior adhesion and a harder, more durable finish on wooden chairs. But the fumes are strong and clean-up requires mineral spirits. Water-based latex or acrylic paints have come a long way in performance while maintaining easy soap and water cleanup.
For my kitchen chair makeover challenge, I tested both oil and water-based options from leading brands like Behr, Rust-Oleum,Valspar, Minwax, and Krylon. I also included some specialty paints from companies like Melange and Romabio.
Interior vs. Exterior Paint
Though kitchen chairs stay indoors, the level of wear and tear they receive mimics outdoor furniture in many ways. Scuffs, moisture damage, frequent handling, and cleaning products take a toll. Exterior paints are formulated to withstand these environmental exposures better with UV blockers and resilient formulations.
Opt for paints labeled as "interior/exterior" or "porch and patio" to get the most durable coatings. Gloss and semi-gloss sheens also resist moisture and stains better than flat finishes.
Proper Prep Work Maximizes Adhesion
No matter how outstanding your paint choice, it can only adhere as well as what's underneath it. Taking time to properly prepare chair surfaces helps paint grab on for maximum durability.
Clean and Sand Surface
Use TSP substitute to remove any oil, grease, dirt and grime from chair seats, backs, legs, rungs, etc. Krud Kutter makes an excellent pre-paint cleaner and degreaser for this task. After washing, let chairs dry completely before priming or painting.
Though not an absolute necessity for previously painted chairs, scuff sanding creates a roughness for paint to grip. I used 150 grit sandpaper for a quick once-over sanding before painting.
Fill Imperfections
Use spackling paste or wood filler as needed to patch small holes, cracks, gouges, or defects. Allow to fully cure before sanding smooth and painting. The repaired areas may soak up more primer and paint, so build enough thickness to avoid a visible patchwork effect.
Prime Bare Wood
Any raw wood areas should receive an application of quality primer before painting. This seals the wood grain to prevent bleed-through or discoloration in the final paint color. I opted for Rust-Oleum oil-based wood primer for its strong sealing properties.
Paint in Thin, Even Coats
The key to getting an ultra-smooth factory-like finish with brush painting comes down to applying multiple thin coats instead of trying to achieve full coverage in one or two thick coats.
Trim Brush for Details
Use an angled trim brush to cut-in around decorative curves and hard to reach areas before going over the main surfaces with a mini foam roller. This ensures you get full coverage without missing intricate details or leaving behind brush strokes.
Maintain A Wet Edge
When transitioning between brushing details and rolling broad surfaces, maintain a "wet edge" where you brush out onto the newly rolled section before it dries. This helps the two applications blend together seamlessly.
Lightly Sand Between Coats
I discovered that lightly sanding with 220 grit sandpaper between coats of paint assists with adhesion and creates an ultra-smooth finish. The slightly abrasive action helps the next layer of paint grab and bond.
Apply At Least 2-3 Coats
Building up multiple sheer coats allows Undercoats to fully dry between layers without sagging or running. The finished product takes a bit longer, but offers outstanding coverage and durability compared to attempting full hiding power in one or two thick coats.
Protect Paint from Chipping and Damage
No matter how strong the paint formulation, daily wear and tear will gradually deteriorate the finish without some extra protection.
Allow Proper Cure Time
Oil-based paints take longer to fully harden and cure than water-based options. Allow at least 2 weeks before placing chairs back into service after painting. Water-based paints need 3-5 days to cure.
Add Clear Protective Topcoat
After painted chairs have adequate curing time, add one or two thin coats of clear sealer or polyurethane coating. This adds an extra layer of protection and makes the finish more scrub-resistant.
Use Chair Cushions
Placing cushioned pads on chair seats cuts down on scuffing and scratching of the painted wood over time. Change out seat covers if they become overly soiled.
Spot Clean Paint with Care
Promptly wipe up spills and messes to prevent moisture damage. Use soft sponge and mild detergent. Avoid abrasive scrubbing.
Touch Up Scratches Quickly
Keep leftover paint to make quick touch ups on scratches or chips. This prevents moisture from penetrating vulnerable spots and causing peeling issues.
Diagnose Common Paint Problems
Even when using the best quality paints and conscientious application methods, occasional defects can occur. Here's how to identify and remedy a few common painting snafus.
Fix Drips, Runs, and Brush Marks
Thick coats, high humidity, and extreme temperatures can cause paints to dry improperly, leaving behind telltale imperfections. Sand and reapply thinner coats to remedy.
Address Peeling, Cracking, Bubbling
If paint fails to adhere and begins deteriorating prematurely, inadequate surface prep is likely the culprit. Thorough cleaning, sanding, and priming provides better results.
Prevent Bleed-Through
When using lighter paint colors over a previously darker hue without proper priming, the old color can leach through. A thick coat of oil-based primer prevents bleed-through.
Analyze flaws in failing paint jobs to modify application methods accordingly. Temperature control, slower drying times, thinner coats often improve quality.
Armed with the right information on paint types, brands, colors, and application techniques, even novices can achieve professional-looking results when tackling a kitchen chair makeover. Proper preparation and protective topcoat application helps freshly painted finishes better withstand heavy use.