Nothing gets the internet up in arms quite like paining a piece of antique furniture! But what a lot of people don’t know, is that the tradition of painting furniture dates back centuries in Europe, reflecting both aesthetic preferences and practical needs of different eras.
Before we get started on exactly how to paint your piece, here’s a quick rundown of the history of painting antique furniture in Europe, just for funsies!
- Medieval and Renaissance Periods: During the medieval and Renaissance periods, furniture in Europe was often ornately carved and painted with intricate designs. The use of bright colors and elaborate motifs on chests, cabinets, and chairs was common, showcasing wealth and status.
- Baroque and Rococo Styles: In the Baroque and Rococo periods (17th and 18th centuries), furniture became more opulent. Painted pieces were adorned with gilded details, floral patterns, and scenes depicting mythological themes. French furniture of this time, such as that from the Louis XV period, exemplifies the use of rich colors and decorative painting techniques.
- Neoclassical Influence: The late 18th century brought about a shift towards neoclassical designs inspired by ancient Greece and Rome. Furniture was often painted in softer, more muted tones such as pale blues, greens, and creams. The focus was on symmetry, simplicity, and elegance.
- Victorian Era: During the Victorian era (19th century), painted furniture saw a resurgence in popularity. Pieces were often painted in darker hues such as deep reds, blues, and greens. Floral and geometric patterns were common, reflecting the elaborate tastes of the time.
- Arts and Crafts Movement: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Arts and Crafts movement emerged as a reaction against industrialization. Furniture makers embraced natural materials and simple designs. Painted furniture during this period often featured handcrafted details and earthy colors.
- Modern Times: Today, painted furniture continues to be popular for its versatility and ability to complement various interior styles. Modern techniques and paints, like Fusion Mineral Paint, offer durability and a wide range of colors while allowing for creative expression and preservation of antique pieces.
Understanding the historical context of painted furniture in Europe can actually enrich our appreciation for antique pieces. It can also help us give old furniture new life, rather than continuing to feed into a constant need for new new new. Refurbishing furniture is one of my favorite ways to update the old and cut a bit of my own consumerism – win win!
Now, let’s get started shall we?
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Painting Antique Furniture – What You’ll Need:
- Fusion Mineral Paint (color of your choice)
- Fusion Mineral Paint Tough Coat or Furniture Wax (optional)
- Paintbrushes (high-quality synthetic brushes recommended)
- Foam Roller 4″
- Sandpaper (medium grit)
- Tack cloth or damp cloth
- Painter’s tape (if needed)
- Drop cloth or newspaper
- Screwdriver (if removing hardware)
- TSP or Simple Green
Painting Antique Furniture – How To:
Step 1: Preparation
- Assess and Clean: Begin by examining your piece for any repairs needed. Clean the surface thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, and grease using a damp cloth or mild detergent solution, I prefer Simple Green. Allow it to dry completely.
- Remove Hardware (Optional): If your hutch has knobs, handles, or hinges, consider removing them. This makes painting easier and ensures a smoother finish.
- Light Sanding: If the surface is glossy or has imperfections, lightly sand it with medium-grit sandpaper to create a slightly rough texture for better paint adhesion. Wipe away sanding dust with a tack cloth or damp cloth.
- Clean again with your Simple Green or TSP solution and allow to dry.
- Tape off: If you intend to keep any of your piece as is, use painter’s tape to tape off those spots. I kept the detail work on the doors and the whole top level of doors as wood.
Step 2: Painting
- Prepare Fusion Mineral Paint: Stir the Fusion Mineral Paint thoroughly to ensure it’s well mixed. Fusion is known for its self-leveling properties, so it typically doesn’t require thinning. Pour some paint into a paint tray or container. I used Picket Fence (a beautiful white) for the inside of my hutch and Paislet (a lovely light blue) on the outside.
- Apply First Coat: Using a high-quality synthetic brush, begin applying the paint in even strokes, following the grain of the wood. Start with the inside edges and any detailed areas before moving to larger flat surfaces. I actually prefer using a foam paint roller for larger surfaces, as it creates a nicer finish. Work methodically to avoid drips and ensure even coverage.
- Allow Drying Time: Let the first coat dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually about 2 hours).
- Apply Second Coat (if necessary): Apply a second coat if needed for full coverage and a richer color. Fusion Mineral Paint often covers well in one coat, but a second coat can enhance durability and depth of color. This is especially true if, like me, you’re painting over a dark wood surface! Let it dry completely.
Step 3: Finishing
- Apply Tough Coat or Furniture Wax (OPTIONAL): Once the final coat of paint is dry, you have options for finishing:
- Tough Coat: Use Fusion Mineral Paint’s Tough Coat for a matte, clear topcoat that adds durability and protection.
- Furniture Wax: Alternatively, apply Fusion Mineral Paint’s Furniture Wax for a more traditional look and feel. Use a clean cloth to apply wax in a thin, even layer, working in small sections. Buff gently after 30 minutes to an hour to achieve a subtle sheen.
- That said, Fusion is TOUGH on it’s own and actually contains a kind of top coat within the paint itself. So if it’s a piece like a hutch that wont be getting a ton of wear and tear, you can opt to just leave it as as. If you’ve painted something like a table, you might consider a top coat!
- Remove Tape: Remove any painter’s tape you may have added.
- Reattach Hardware: After the topcoat or wax has dried (if applied), reattach any hardware you removed earlier using a screwdriver.
- Put your piece back together (if needed): And of course – decorate!
Step 4: Long-Term Maintenance
- Cleaning: Clean your painted furniture with a soft cloth or sponge dipped in mild soapy water when needed. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish.
- Touch-Ups: Keep some leftover paint for any future touch-ups. Fusion Mineral Paint blends well, making touch-ups easy.
- Avoid Extreme Conditions: While Fusion Mineral Paint is durable, avoid placing hot items directly on the surface and use coasters or placemats to protect it from scratches and moisture.
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Final Tips:
- Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation when painting antique furniture indoors, and consider wearing a mask for sanding and painting
- Storage of Paint: Store leftover paint in a cool, dry place for future touch-ups.
- Experiment and Enjoy: Fusion Mineral Paint offers a ton of colors, so have fun and experiment with different shades and finishes to achieve the desired look!
And here is the final piece! What do you think?!
By following these steps and tips, you can transform your antique hutch (or any piece of furniture) into a beautiful, refreshed piece that adds character and style to your home decor.
Happy painting!
XO, Ana
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