Green table and chairs in a garden

How to paint wood furniture

Painting wooden furniture is an easy and fun way to completely transform it.

You may be looking to brighten it, make it more fitting with the environment or even up-cycle something that on first glance may seem worthy of being thrown away!

Some people may be put off painting their wooden furniture through fear of doing it wrong. We’re here today to talk you through exactly how to do it and to show you that it’s easier than you may think!

Preparation

As we always say, preparation is key! If you start off right, the rest will fall into place.

Depending on the current state of the piece of furniture will depend on what you need to do to prepare it for paint.

Previously painted wood

Dilunett removing paint

You must firstly remove the previous finish from the wood.

If the finish is in sound condition, you could strip the surface with our solvent and paraffin free stripper Dilunett, and then neutralise with Net-Trol. Using Net-Trol is an important step as it stops the active chemical in Dilunett from continuing to work.

If the finish is in a bad condition, do the same process as above but before applying the Dilunett, sand or scrape to remove any and all loose flaking or peeling finish.

The surface must be completely free of dirt, grease, grime, mildew and previous coatings. This will allow for maximum penetration of the paint, offering premium protection and a better uniform finish.

After cleaning, allow the wood to dry 48 hours before finishing.

Oiled wood

Aquanett removing oil from wood

Strip the oil from the surface with our solvent and paraffin free wood oil remover Aquanett and then neutralise with Net-Trol. Using Net-Trol is an important step as it stops the active chemical in Aquanett from continuing to work.

The surface must be completely free of dirt, grease, grime, mildew and previous coatings. This will allow for maximum penetration of the paint, offering premium protection and a better uniform finish.

After cleaning, allow the wood to dry 48 hours before finishing.

New wood

New wood often has a hard shiny surface known as mill glaze that prevents maximum penetration. This prevents the proper saturation and adhesion of any coating.

There are two ways of removing mill glaze;

  1. Apply a coat of Seasonite and allow the wood to weather a minimum of 6 months
  2. Remove the mill glaze with Prepdeck & Net-Trol

Using Seasonite

Seasonite being applied to new wood

New wood protector and stabiliser Seasonite is applied in one generous coat to protect your new wood whilst it is most vulnerable. The wood can then be cleaned and finished 6-12 months later, after which time there should be no mill glaze to remove.

Using Prepdeck & Net-Trol 

To remove mill glaze with our high-grade stripper Prepdeck and Net-Trol, add 1 part Prepdeck to 4 parts water except for Ipe wood. For Ipe wood add 1 part Prepdeck to 1 part water.

Allow to the Prepdeck mix to work 20 minutes. Next, scrub the area with a stiff nylon brush, followed by the use of a hose or power washer at 1000-1500 psi (70-103 bars) depending on the type of wood.

Always work in direction of the grain and rinse with copious amounts of fresh water.

While the wood is still wet, apply the Net-Trol Apply with a synthetic brush or roller (medium or long pile). Scrub the surface with a stiff nylon/synthetic brush and leave to stand for approx 10-20 minutes.

If the surface starts to become dry, dampen with a mist application of water.

Scrub the surface whilst rinsing with water from a hose or pressure washer (max. 60 bar).

Once the wood has been stripped of mill glaze, allow it to dry 48 hours before finishing.

Grey/weathered wood free from previous finish

Net-Trol being used to clean a garden table

Un-coated wood surfaces that have weathered longer than six months require thorough cleaning before applying a finish.

First, wet your wood and apply Net-Trol with a synthetic brush or roller (medium or long pile). Scrub the surface with a stiff nylon/synthetic brush and leave to stand for approx 10-20 minutes.

If the surface starts to become dry, dampen with a mist application of water.

Next, thoroughly scrub the surface whilst rinsing with water from a hose or pressure washer (max. 60 bar).

After cleaning, allow the wood to dry 48 hours before finishing.


Now that your wood has been prepped you can get on with the fun part – the painting!

What type of paint should I use?

This all depends on the type of look you are going for. Owatrol has a wide range of products that will cater to everyone’s tastes.

Solid Colour Stain (SCS)

SCS is an opaque matt wood paint available in 35 various colours. It is has a 5 year guarantee* and it will not peel or flake!

Not only can SCS be used on new, old and previously coated external wood surfaces but it protects as well as finishes. It provides lasting protection against moisture and has excellent adhesion.

You can use SCS on softwood, hardwood, tropical wood and thermo-heated wood surfaces. It’s excellent for use on outdoor furniture and the wide range of available shades means you can create a unique style for your garden.

SCS on garden table and chairsOwatrol Deco

Owatrol Deco is an oil-based multi-surface paint suitable for all surfaces with built-in rust inhibiting qualities. It comes in 13 decorative finishes and does not require any priming or undercoating before use.

With Owatrol Oil technology, Owatrol Deco provides exceptional corrosion protection and excellent resistance to the effects of weathering and pollution.

Because of its high gloss finish, which is extremely flexible, it will not peel or flake.  Not only that, but it delivers an exceptional finish with very low VOC levels.

white Owatrol deco paint

RA.85 Aluminium Paint

RA.85 Aluminium Paint is a flexible, anti-corrosive paint that holds the deep penetrating and adhesion properties of Owatrol Oil.

It is a high gloss bright silver paint that gives long-lasting protection while greatly prolong the life of the surface and can be used on interior and exterior wooden furniture.

RA.85 has an elastic surface which will not crack or peel and can be used on a variety of surfaces such as wooden furniture, grates, fences, roofing, pipes and more!

Owatrol RA85 on garden table and chairs

Spirit range

The Owatrol Spirit range is our latest line of decorative finishes. You can easily transform your furniture to have a variety of looks including copper, bronze, antique crackle and even rust. The Spirit range can be used on a variety of surfaces making it perfect to use on wooden furniture for a unique finish.

Simply apply the Reactiv Leaf of your choice to your wooden surface. Once dry you can then apply your chosen corresponding finish (i.e use Reactiv Leaf Rust with Rust Spirit) for your desired look.

Rusty table


We hope you found this guide helpful and are now perhaps inspired to paint your furniture.

If you have any other handy tips or advice, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.

We love hearing from you! If you share your project on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, please feel free to tag us @owatrolUK or use #owatroluk so we can see and share your hard work!

guide to painting wooden furniture - Pinterest

Owatrol Team
About Owatrol Team

Our team are ready and willing to support you with your requirements whether it is protecting your newly laid deck or renovating a luxury yacht, whatever the application Owatrol has the solution you are looking for.

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