Painting furniture and fixtures – How to get a perfect finish

Painting home furniture and fixtures is a practical and cost-effective way to refresh its appearance or cover worn and damaged surfaces. It allows you to update the color and style of your furniture without replacing it. In addition, paint protects the surface from moisture, dirt, and everyday wear, helping to extend the lifespan of the piece.

For painting furniture, Maston Modena is an excellent choice. It is an self-drying alkyd paint suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Its strong adhesion and versatility make it ideal for a wide range of surfaces, including wood, metal, stone, glass, and most plastic surfaces.

Guide on how to paint a wooden chair using Maston Modena brush-on paint

Watch the short 49-second video or read the written instructions below, and you’ll be sure to succeed in painting furniture such as a wooden chair.

Materials and tools needed for furniture painting

• Maston Modena paint
• Degreaser (Maston Degreaser)
• Lint-free cloth
• Sandpaper (approx. grit 180/240) or a sanding machine
• Painter’s tape
• Protective paper or plastic sheeting
• Safety equipment (gloves, respirator mask, safety glasses)
• For plastic surfaces: Maston Plastic Primer (spray)
• For thinning and cleaning tools: Maston Xylene

Steps for a successful cleaning and paint job

1. Surface preparation

• Ensure the surface is suitable for painting.
• Clean thoroughly to remove grease, dust, and dirt.
• Sand the surface smooth: follow the grain when sanding wood, and sand metal evenly in one direction.
• Remove sanding dust carefully using degreaser and a lint-free cloth.
• Protect surrounding areas from paint splashes.
• Work in a well-ventilated space.

2. Remove fittings if necessary

• Remove hinges, screws, and other fittings if needed.
• Label parts to make reassembly easier.
• If desired, fittings can also be painted separately.

3. Painting

• Stir the paint thoroughly before use. Thin with xylene if needed.
• Always test the paint on a hidden area first.
• Apply 1–2 thin coats for best results.
• Allow 1–4 hours of drying time between coats.

4. Drying time

• Touch dry in approximately 2 hours
• Recoatable after 1–4 hours
• Fully cured in about 7 days

5. Finishing

• Reattach any removed parts once the surface is completely dry.
• Remove all protective coverings and clean the workspace.
• Clean tools using Maston Xylene.
• Put your refreshed furniture back into use.

Tips for best results

• Always work in a well-ventilated area.
• Perform a test application before painting the final surface.
• Apply paint in thin layers for a smoother and more durable finish.
• Spend enough time on preparation—it has the greatest impact on the final result.

Following these instructions, you can easily refresh your furniture’s appearance and extend its lifespan without major costs.