What paint to use to paint wood furniture

[NotDonna]

Hi, I’ve heard if rustoleum, Zinsers and frenchic but I’m not sure if they’re a bit too specialist and if I can use normal eggshell? It’s for some wardrobes and a nest of tables. I’m lazy so would like to avoid lots of prep but at the same time want them to look ok!

You need to use furniture paint. I used B&Q brand furniture paint last week to paint a wardrobe and chest of drawers. You do need to prep though so sanding etc. If you don't want it to cip straight away.

You probably could use standard eggshell but would need to protect it with a topcoat I would have thought. You definitely get a better and longer lasting result if you prep properly unfortunately!
I have used Frenchic in the past on bedside tables - the furniture was in pretty good condition to start with. I sanded, used sugar soap, about 3 coats of Frenchic and then finishing wax so it was quite time consuming but got a decent finish and it looks the same a couple of years on so has lasted so far.

If you don't want to do lots of prep then you can use chalk paint but you need a top coat of wax or clear acrylic varnish.

Alternatively, one coat of chalk paint topped with the eggshell.

Also, use a small roller to avoid paintbrush marks.

I used chalk paint on my old pine bedroom furniture in the spare room. You don’t need to sand or prime. The first coat looks ropey then magically on the second coat it all smooths out and looks fantastic. I’m really chuffed with them and it’s been a few years now.

youre supposed to wax or varnish over, but I didn’t bother and no scratches, but it is the spare room, and we have guests in there every few weeks.

Frenchic paint is magical.