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How to Paint Kitchen Chairs

If you are looking for an affordable way to update your kitchen decor, you might want to consider painting those wooden kitchen chairs. Kitchen chairs are useful centers in many homes, providing a place to gather with guests or a place to rest while you prepare food. Painting your own furniture allows you to give a fresh look to an old kitchen design scheme at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

Things You'll Need

  • Chairs
  • Screwdriver
  • Coarse-grit sandpaper
  • Degreaser
  • Dish soap
  • Primer
  • Paint
  • Paintbrushes
  • Fine-grit sandpaper (optional)
  • Stencils (optional)
  • Polyurethane
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove any cushions or fabric from the chair. To avoid getting any paint on fabric surfaces, you will need to remove them from the chair by unscrewing the cushion from the frame. Reserve your screws so you can replace your pieces once your paint is dry.

    • 2

      Prepare the surface of your kitchen chairs. Sand them with coarse-grit sandpaper to remove any unevenness and to get better paint adhesion. Clean each chair by mixing a 50:50 solution of degreaser and water sprinkled with a few drops of dish soap. Apply the mixture with a rag, and then rinse with a second clean, damp rag. Allow the chairs to dry fully before painting.

    • 3

      Apply a layer of primer to your chair. This often overlooked step is crucial in maintaining a beautiful and professional-looking finish on your kitchen furniture. Go with the grain of any wood, and follow a consistent pattern with your paintbrush or roller.

    • 4

      Allow your chair to dry fully before applying a layer of paint to the chair. Depending on whether you are using water- or oil-based paints, this drying process can take 12 to 72 hours. Use a consistent, even stroke with your paintbrush or roller, mopping up any paint drops or running as you go along.

    • 5

      Add any decorative finishes to your chair. After your paint has dried, feel free to add a personal touch to your chairs. You could age them by sanding with fine-grit sandpaper, add stencil details or paint colors and shapes to personalize your chairs. Allow your paint to dry completely.

    • 6

      Seal your chair with a layer of polyurethane. This will give your chairs a glossy, even finish. It will also help protect them from everyday kitchen messes and spills.