How to Paint Pottery Barn Furniture
To paint Pottery Barn furniture, start by transferring the furniture to the garage for a suitable workspace.
Then, protect certain areas with painters tape and newspaper.
Next, use an electric sander to smooth out any scratches and indentations, and apply wood filler for larger nicks.
Choose a lighter paint color to help hide indentations.
Apply two coats of Sherwin Williams Premium Wall & Wood primer.
Utilize Sherwin Williams ProClassic in Satin (color matched to OC-17 White Dove) for three coats using a paint sprayer.
Apply two coats of polyurethane satin finish as a sealant.
Update the furniture with new hardware, and consider investing in a high-quality paint sprayer for future projects.
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Did You Know?
1. Did you know that Pottery Barn was originally founded in 1949 as a small, single-store pottery company in West Chelsea, New York?
2. The concept of Pottery Barn furniture being painted stems from the ancient technique of “slip painting,” where clay vessels were painted with pigments mixed into a liquid clay solution, creating beautiful patterns and designs.
3. In 1999, Pottery Barn launched a collaboration with renowned artist and designer Alexander Girard, resulting in a collection of bold and colorful painted furniture inspired by Girard’s unique folk art style.
4. Pottery Barn’s rustic farmhouse furniture is often finished with a “milk paint” technique, which originated in the 18th century and is still used today to achieve a vintage, weathered look.
5. One of Pottery Barn’s most iconic furniture pieces, the “Buchanan” sofa, was named after the fictional character Jay Gatsby’s most trusted friend and confidant in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, “The Great Gatsby.”
Preparing The Furniture
The first step in painting Pottery Barn furniture is transferring it to a well-ventilated area, such as a garage, where you can comfortably work. This ensures that the furniture is away from any distractions or foot traffic inside the house.
To protect certain areas of the furniture from paint, carefully apply painters tape and newspaper. Take your time to cover any handles, knobs, or other components that you want to keep paint-free.
- Transfer the furniture to a well-ventilated area like a garage.
- Apply painters tape and newspaper to protect specific areas from paint.
Tip: Take your time to cover any handles, knobs, or other components that you want to keep paint-free.
Repairing And Smoothing The Surface
Before applying paint, it is crucial to repair any damage on the furniture’s surface. Use an electric sander to smooth out scratches and indentations. For larger nicks, apply wood filler and sand it down to achieve a level and flawless surface.
Choosing a lighter paint color will help conceal any remaining indentations. These colors tend to reflect light better and minimize the appearance of imperfections.
Choosing The Right Paint And Primer
The key to successfully painting Pottery Barn furniture lies in choosing the right paint and primer. Begin by applying two coats of Sherwin Williams Premium Wall & Wood primer. This primer provides excellent coverage and ensures a smooth surface for your paint.
For the topcoat, opt for Sherwin Williams ProClassic in Satin. This paint offers a durable and washable finish suitable for furniture. Have it color matched to Benjamin Moore OC-17 White Dove, the recommended color for Pottery Barn furniture. For the trim, consider Sherwin Williams Color Match White Dove.
Applying The Paint
Once the primer is dry, it’s time to apply the paint. Using a paint sprayer is highly recommended for achieving a professional finish. This ensures even coverage and eliminates brush strokes or roller marks.
Apply three coats of the Sherwin Williams ProClassic paint using the paint sprayer. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next one. This step may take some time, but it is essential for achieving a seamless and beautiful result.
Applying A Protective Sealant
To protect your newly painted Pottery Barn furniture, apply two coats of polyurethane satin finish as a sealant. This extra layer will provide additional durability and help preserve the color and finish of your furniture over time.
It’s important to let the sealant dry completely between coats to ensure a smooth finish. This step adds a significant level of protection to your furniture, making it more resistant to scratches and stains.
Finishing Touches And Recommendations
To complete the transformation of your Pottery Barn furniture, update the hardware by replacing old handles and knobs with new ones. This simple change can add a fresh and stylish look to your piece.
As you embark on your furniture painting journey, it may be worth investing in a high-quality paint sprayer. This tool will make the painting process more efficient, providing smoother and more professional results for future projects.
It is important to note that stripping and staining Pottery Barn furniture is not possible due to its construction, which incorporates hardwood, veneers, and MDF. Therefore, painting is the best option to give your furniture a new lease on life.
Keep in mind that this project may take at least two days to complete. This timeframe allows for ample time for each step, such as drying and curing periods, ensuring the best results.
For further inspiration and design ideas, you can consult renowned interior designer Jorie Burns Design, who is mentioned in this article.
To sum up, painting Pottery Barn furniture requires careful preparation, high-quality materials, and attention to detail. By following these steps and recommendations, you can transform your furniture into beautiful, professionally finished pieces that will enhance your home decor for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I paint a Pottery Barn dresser?
Yes, you can definitely paint a Pottery Barn dresser. However, it is important to keep in mind that Pottery Barn furniture is typically constructed from a combination of hardwood, veneers, and MDF. This means that completely stripping and staining the dresser may not be the best option, as the materials might not be strong enough to withstand the process. Instead, painting over the existing black finish would be the more suitable choice for achieving a fresh new look. With the right preparation and paint, you can transform your Pottery Barn dresser into a customized piece that fits perfectly with your desired aesthetic.
What paint should you use to paint furniture?
The type of paint you should use to paint furniture depends on the material. For wood furniture, it is recommended to use either latex or oil-based paint. Latex paint is advantageous as it dries quickly and can be easily cleaned with water. On the other hand, oil-based paint takes longer to dry and requires mineral spirits for cleanup. When it comes to painting metal furniture, oil-based paint is preferable as it offers greater durability and longevity compared to latex paint.
What paint is best for upcycling furniture?
When it comes to upcycling furniture, chalk paint is often the go-to choice. Its forgiving nature allows you to skip the daunting task of extensive cleaning before painting. However, for particularly stubborn marks or greasy areas, wiping down the furniture with a mixture of water and sugar soap can help prepare the surface for painting. With the ease and versatility that chalk paint provides, it remains the best paint option for upcycling furniture projects.
What paint to use on wood furniture?
When it comes to painting wood furniture, there are a few options to consider. One option is to use a chalk paint wax, which not only adds a protective layer but also provides a lovely mellow sheen. Another option is to use a matt or gloss chalk paint lacquer. The matt lacquer will offer a slightly clouded finish, while the gloss lacquer will give your furniture a high-end sheen. Ultimately, the choice between these options will depend on the desired aesthetic and level of protection for your wood furniture.