Guide on Painting Cherry Wood Furniture

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Painting cherry wood furniture can be a great way to update its look and give it a fresh new style. Here are some steps to follow when painting cherry wood furniture:

1. Prepare the furniture: Start by cleaning the furniture thoroughly to remove any dirt or dust. Then, sand the surface lightly to create a rough texture for better paint adhesion.

2. Choose the right paint: Select a paint that is suitable for wood furniture. Opt for a high-quality paint that is durable and provides good coverage. Consider using a primer to ensure better adhesion and a smoother finish.

3. Prime the furniture: Apply a coat of primer evenly on the furniture. This will help the paint adhere better and provide a more even finish. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

4. Paint the furniture: Apply the paint in thin and even coats, using a brush or a roller. Start with a light coat and let it dry before applying additional coats. This will help prevent drips and ensure a smooth finish. Pay attention to details and make sure to cover all areas, including corners and edges.

5. Seal the paint: Once the paint has dried completely, apply a clear topcoat or sealer to protect the paint and give the furniture a finished look. This will also help prevent chipping and scratching.

By following these steps, you can successfully paint your cherry wood furniture and transform its appearance to match your desired style.


Cherry wood is commonly used for various types of furniture in homes, such as kitchen cabinets, dining sets, bedroom furniture, and occasional tables. Cherry wood is highly durable and dense, ensuring its longevity. If you desire a new look for your cherry wood furniture or if the wood is chipped or damaged in any way, painting is always an option.

Preparation

Step 1

Choose a well-ventilated area for the painting project. Garages and unfinished basements with large windows are suitable options. If you’re painting kitchen cabinets, open all windows for fresh air circulation.

Step 2

Thoroughly clean your furniture to remove any dirt or grime from the surface. This is especially important when refinishing kitchen cabinets, as they often become sticky.

Step 3

Remove all doors, knobs, and hinges from cabinets or drawers. Place the doors and drawers on a separate worktable.

Step 4

Using a hand sander and 220 grit sandpaper, sand the existing finish on the surface to ensure proper paint adhesion. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratching the wood, which would be visible even under paint.

Step 5

Wipe away all the dust from sanding using a tack cloth. Dust left on the furniture can create a textured finish.

Priming and Painting

Step 1

Apply one coat of a stain-blocking primer using a foam brush. Paint in the direction of the wood grain. Allow the primer to dry completely (typically two to three hours). The primer will prevent the old finish from seeping through and hide knots.

Step 2

Apply the first coat of latex paint using a foam brush. Let the paint dry and cure for three to five hours.

Step 3

Buff the furniture after the first coat of paint has dried. Wipe it down with a tack cloth.

Step 4

Apply a second coat of paint. Allow it to dry for three to five hours.

Step 5

If using white or light-color paint, apply a third coat if necessary. Darker colors usually provide better coverage with fewer coats. Using primer often eliminates the need for a third coat.

Top Coat

Step 1

Apply a coat of polyurethane (oil- or water-based) to the furniture using a foam brush. Polyurethane is challenging to fix once it has dried, so it’s best to apply a thin coat to minimize drips. Let it dry for 24 hours.

Step 2

Apply a second coat of polyurethane. Allow it to dry for 24 hours.

Step 3

Reinstall all hinges and knobs. Hang the doors back on cabinets and replace the drawers.

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