From simple painting and staining projects to pretty layering and distressing furniture makeovers, this post has 25+ Step by Step Beginner Furniture Painting Tutorials that anyone can do.
Step by Step Beginner Furniture Painting Tutorials
If you’re looking for inspiration to start your first or next furniture makeover project, I have 20+ Step by Step Beginner Furniture Painting Tutorials for you today.
And, I’ll keep adding new furniture makeover tutorials to this list as I do them. So, keep this post pinned or saved somewhere so you can always find the latest tutorials. 🙂
The examples below are using the paint colors and stain colors I picked for those tutorials, to match the room I wanted to use the furniture in.
Some links on this post are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
But, don’t forget, you can use whatever colors you want with these furniture makeover tutorials.
For answers to common furniture painting questions, check out this post on How to Paint Furniture for Beginners, this post on More DIY Tips for How to Paint Furniture.
Or sign up for my email newsletter and I’ll send you a great free printable version of my Beginner’s Guide to Painting Furniture.
Before we get to those tutorials here’s my favorite paints, stains, and top coats to use. I’ve had great experiences with these products and feel comfortable recommending them.
Of course, there are a lot of great options that aren’t on this list. So go with what you’re used to using.
Table of contents
5 Best Furniture Paints
Here’s some of my favorite paints to use on furniture. All of these paints are safe, easy to use, easy to clean up, fast drying, durable paints.
And, all of these furniture paints can be used in my step by step beginner furniture painting tutorials.
- Rust-Oleum’s Chalked Paint
- Country Chic Chalk Style Paint
- Retique It Chalk Style Paint
- Magnolia Homes by Kilz Acrylic Interior Paint or Chalk Style Paint
- My DIY Chalk Paint Recipe with Plaster of Paris and Latex or Acrylic Paint
3 Easy Furniture Stains for Beginners
Here are the 3 types of wood stains I always pick for furniture makeovers and new wood furniture builds.
- Watco Danish Oil – I love this because you simply wipe it on, let it soak in, then wipe off the excess. Easy Peasy! But, it’s more transparent than the next 2.
- General Finishes Gel Stain – Just follow the directions and you’ll get beautiful, rich results!
- Minwax Wood Finish – Great range of colors available at most stores.
3 Best Top Coats for Furniture
I like a subtle sheen when it comes to top coats these days. These top coats have a professional looking, store bought furniture subtle sheen.
And, I always use top coats that are easiest to apply with a durable finish in just 2 or 3 coats. Here are my top 3 top coats for beginner furniture painting projects.
- General Finishes Flat Out Flat
- Minwax Water-Based Polycrylic in Matte
- General Finishes High Performance Top Coat
Best Paint Stripper for Furniture
I’ve used quite a few types of paint strippers over the years. Some high fume, strong chemical strippers in home remodeling and one stripper that works without all the fumes.
The best paint and stain stripper I’ve tried, that’s easy to dispose of, and that doesn’t have strong fumes is Citristrip Paint Stripping Gel.
Here’s a full tutorial all about stripping paint from wood furniture. It has written steps and a walkthrough video to show you how to get the best results with Citristrip Paint Stripping Gel.
Grab the 19 page free printable version of my Beginner’s Guide to Painting Furniture that includes everything from this post, plus answers to 12 Common Questions about Painting Furniture.
Furniture Painting Tutorials for Beginners
OK, here are some furniture painting tutorials that I think are super helpful for getting started with painting furniture. Don’t let any of this overwhelm you. It’s easy to learn how to paint furniture.
Start with one furniture painting tutorial, pick the paint colors or stains you want to use, and follow the steps to finish the look. And the more you do it, the more you learn, and the better you get. 🙂
Step by Step Beginner Furniture Painting Tutorials
Here's all of my Step by Step Beginner Furniture Painting Tutorials. Each of these has the exact steps I used to get the look. Switch up the paint colors and stains to get the look you want for your furniture makeover. Have fun with your projects!!
Stripping Paint from Wood Furniture
Easy DIY Red Painted Furniture Makeover
Step by step tutorial for painting furniture with this amazing red paint color.
How to Get a Smooth Finish with Chalk Paint
Follow these easy steps to get a beautiful, smooth finish with chalk paint. This is how to fix rough feeling and blotchy looking chalk paint!
Stain Wood Furniture Without Stripping the Old Stain
If the stain on your chairs, stools, tables, or any furniture is looking worn out and you want to make it beautiful again, here's the easy to follow step by step tutorial.
Easy DIY Furniture Redo with Smoky Blue Paint Color
Just a simple furniture makeover using 1 paint color. Great place to start for beginners to furniture painting.
DIY Chalk Paint Recipe
How to Make Chalkboard Paint with Grout
Make your own chalkboard paint, in any color, with non-sanded grout. It's super easy!
How to Distress Paint with Vaseline
Easy steps for how to paint and distress furniture with Vaseline. With 5 beautiful examples of paint distressed with Vaseline on furniture.
How to Paint Built In Bookshelves and Cabinets
Step by Step Guide to Painting Built In Bookshelves and Cabinets, like a pro.
Fix Damaged Wood Furniture
Easy to follow guide for mixing and using Bondo All Purpose Putty to fix damaged wood furniture or mistakes on woodworking projects.
DIY Blue Distressed Paint using Petroleum Jelly
Easy to follow steps for this Medium Blue Distressed Paint Look.
Blue and Copper Chalk Paint DIY Furniture Makeover
Get this fun look using blue and copper chalk paints.
DIY White Distressed Chalk Paint
Easy to follow steps for this beautiful DIY White Distressed Chalk Paint Furniture Makeover. I am loving this Shabby Chic look on this Chair! White Chalk Paint Furniture Makeover Idea.
How to Make Chalk Paint with Plaster of Paris
Follow this easy guide to make your own low cost, easy, any color chalk paint!
DIY Weathered Paint Effect with Chalk Paint
Get this beautiful weathered paint effect with this easy to follow tutorial and how to video.
Homemade Wood Finishing Recipes
Make you own Wood Cleaner, Chalk Paint, Chalkboard Paint, Furniture Wax, and Whitewash with this tutorial with a printable recipe list.
DIY White and Grey Distressed Chalk Paint Furniture
Layer grey and white chalk paints and distress for this beautiful finish.
DIY Latex Chalkboard Paint - tips and tricks
Mix up your own chalkboard paint from latex or acrylic paint to make your own chalkboard signs at home.
DIY Shabby Distressed Paint Finish - Vintage Look
Get this beautiful Shabby Vintage Look by layering chalk paint and stains.
DIY Gray Chalk Paint Furniture Makeover
Layering white and blue chalk paint under the perfect gray for this eye-catching distressed chalk paint look.
Blue DIY Chalk Paint Bathroom Vanity Makeover
Make boring cabinets rich and beautiful with dark blue chalk paint and dark wax.
How to Patina Paint Faux Metal Finishes, 20 Examples!
Metal patina paints can be used to make unique art and furniture. Here's how to get 20 different looks with Brass, Copper, and Iron Patina Paints.
Easy DIY Rust Paint Effect - Steps & Video
Rust can be beautiful on decor and furniture, if you know how to use it. Here's a great tutorial showing how to get this look.
How To Stain A Table Top - Get a Professional Finish
Get that rich, dark brown, store bought furniture stain look at home with this tutorial.
That’s it, guys. Thanks for checking out this post full of Step by Step Beginner Furniture Painting Tutorials. Looking for more of my Furniture Painting Videos? Check out this Beginner Furniture Painting playlist on YouTube.
Make your own beautiful wall art with this DIY Acrylic Paint Pouring Wall Art Tutorial.
You might also like this DIY for How to Whiten Tile Grout. It’s a Game Changer!
And, if it is time to Stain your Front Door, check out these steps for how I restain a front door without stripping it or removing it. 🙂
Here’s How to Clean Car Seats At Home, the easy way.
If you’re into woodworking, try this beautiful DIY Geometric Wood Table Top.
Feeling inspired? Now that you’ve seen these Step by Step Beginner Furniture Painting Tutorials, you can do it too. Let me know if you have questions. Don’t forget to sign up for the Abbotts At Home email newsletter to get DIY, Remodeling, and Crafty ideas in your inbox.