How to Paint Bedroom Furniture Without Sanding and Save Time

Painting furniture is a great way to give your old pieces a new look and refresh your bedroom. However, many people dread the idea of sanding their furniture before painting, as it can be time-consuming, messy, and exhausting. Fortunately, there is a way to paint furniture without sanding and still get a beautiful and durable result. In this article, I will show you how to paint bedroom furniture without sanding and save time, money, and energy. 

You will learn:

• Why sanding is not always necessary
• Benefits of painting furniture without sanding
• Materials needed for painting furniture without sanding
• Steps to paint furniture without sanding
• Tips and tricks to paint furniture like a pro

Why Sanding is Not Always Necessary

Sanding is the process of removing the old finish or paint from the furniture surface using sandpaper or a power sander. Sanding is usually done to create a smooth and even surface for the new paint to adhere to. However, sanding is not always necessary for painting furniture, especially if the furniture is in good condition and has a smooth and clean surface. Sanding can also damage the furniture if done improperly, as it can create scratches, dents, or gouges on the wood. Moreover, sanding can be harmful to your health, as it can create dust that can irritate your eyes, nose, and lungs.

There are alternatives to sanding that can prepare the furniture surface for painting without the hassle and risks of sanding. One of them is using a liquid deglosser, also known as a liquid sander or paint prep. A liquid deglosser is a chemical solution that removes the gloss or shine from the furniture surface, making it dull and rough. This creates a better surface for the new paint to stick to. A liquid deglosser is easy to use, as you just need to apply it with a cloth or a brush and wipe it off. It also works on different types of surfaces, such as wood, metal, plastic, or laminate.

Another alternative to sanding is using a primer, which is a type of paint that creates a base layer for the new paint. A primer can cover the old finish or paint, seal the surface, and improve the adhesion and durability of the new paint. A primer can also help to hide any imperfections, stains, or colors on the furniture surface. A primer is applied with a brush, roller, or spray, and it usually dries quickly. There are different types of primer for different types of surfaces and paints, so you need to choose the right one for your project.

Benefits of Painting Furniture Without Sanding

Painting furniture without sanding has many benefits, such as:

• Saving time: Sanding can take hours or even days, depending on the size and condition of the furniture. Painting without sanding can reduce the preparation time significantly, as you only need to clean and degloss the furniture, which can take minutes or hours.
• Saving money: Sanding can require buying or renting sandpaper, a power sander, a dust mask, goggles, gloves, and other tools and materials. Painting without sanding can save you money, as you only need to buy a liquid deglosser, a primer, paint, and a topcoat, which are usually cheaper and more available than sanding supplies.
• Saving energy: Sanding can be physically demanding, as you need to exert force and move your arms and hands constantly. Painting without sanding can save you energy, as you only need to apply and wipe the liquid deglosser and paint with a brush, roller, or spray, which are easier and more comfortable to use.
• Saving the environment: Sanding can create a lot of dust and waste, which can pollute the air and the ground. Painting without sanding can reduce the environmental impact, as you only create minimal waste and use fewer toxic chemicals.

Materials Needed for Painting Furniture Without Sanding

To paint furniture without sanding, you will need the following materials:

Material	Purpose	Example
Liquid deglosser	To remove the gloss or shine from the furniture surface	Klean-Strip Easy Liquid Sander and Deglosser
Primer	To create a base layer for the new paint	Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer
Paint	To give the furniture a new color and look	Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover Paint
Topcoat	To protect the paint and add a finish	Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish
Cloth or rag	To apply and wipe the liquid deglosser	Any clean and lint-free cloth
Brush, roller, or spray	To apply the primer, paint, and topcoat	Wooster Pro Nylon/Polyester Brush, Wooster Pro High Density Foam Roller, and Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint
Painter's tape	To mask the areas that you don't want to paint	ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter's Tape
Drop cloth or newspaper	To protect the floor or the ground from paint drips or spills	Any large and thick cloth or paper
Screwdriver or drill	To remove and reattach the hardware	Any standard or electric screwdriver or drill

You can find these materials at your local hardware store or online. You can also use different brands or products, as long as they are compatible with your furniture type and paint choice. You can also use different colors or finishes, depending on your preference and style.

Part 1: Preparing the Furniture

The first step to painting furniture without sanding is to prepare the furniture. This involves cleaning the furniture, removing the hardware, filling the holes and scratches, sanding the furniture (optional), and applying the liquid deglosser. Here is how to do it:

Cleaning the furniture

Before painting, you need to clean the furniture thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, grease, or wax that can prevent the new paint from adhering properly. To clean the furniture, you can use a mild soap or detergent, warm water, and a cloth or sponge. You can also use a wood cleaner or a degreaser for stubborn stains or grime. You can also use a vacuum cleaner or a duster to remove any loose dust or debris. After cleaning, you need to rinse the furniture with clean water and dry it with a towel or a cloth. Make sure the furniture is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Removing the hardware

The next step is to remove the hardware from the furniture, such as knobs, handles, hinges, or screws. This will make it easier to paint the furniture and avoid getting paint on the hardware. To remove the hardware, you can use a screwdriver or a drill, and a container or a ziplock bag to store the hardware. You can also label the hardware and the furniture parts to remember where they belong. If you want to paint the hardware, you can do it separately after removing it from the furniture.

Filling the holes and scratches

If the furniture has any holes, cracks, dents, or scratches, you need to fill them with a wood filler or putty to create a smooth and even surface. To fill the holes and scratches, you can use a putty knife or a finger to apply the filler or the putty, and sandpaper or a sponge to smooth it out. You can also use wood glue or a nail to fix any loose or broken parts. You need to let the filler or the putty dry completely before painting. You can also use a primer to cover the filler or the putty and make it blend with the rest of the furniture.

Sanding the Furniture (Optional)

Although sanding is not necessary for painting furniture without sanding, you can still do it if you want to improve the surface quality or remove any imperfections. Sanding can also help to remove any old paint or finish that is peeling, chipping, or flaking. To sand the furniture, you can use sandpaper or a power sander, a dust mask, goggles, and gloves to protect yourself from the dust. You can also use a vacuum cleaner or a cloth to remove the dust after sanding. You need to sand the furniture lightly and evenly and avoid creating any scratches or gouges. You can also use a tack cloth to wipe the furniture and remove any dust or residue.

Applying the liquid deglosser

The final step in preparing the furniture is to apply the liquid deglosser to the furniture surface. The liquid deglosser will remove the gloss or shine from the furniture, making it dull and rough. This will create a better surface for the new paint to stick to. To apply the liquid deglosser, you can use a cloth or a brush and follow the instructions on the product label. You need to apply the liquid deglosser evenly and generously and wipe it off with a clean cloth. You need to work quickly and in small sections, as the liquid deglosser dries fast. You also need to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area, as the liquid deglosser can be toxic and flammable.

Part 2: Priming the Furniture

The second step to painting furniture without sanding is to prime the furniture. Priming is important because it will create a base layer for the new paint and improve the adhesion and durability of the paint. Priming will also help to hide any imperfections, stains, or colors on the furniture surface. Here is how to prime the furniture:

Why priming is important

Priming is important for painting furniture without sanding for several reasons, such as:

• It will seal the surface and prevent any stains, oils, or tannins from bleeding through the new paint.
• It will create a smooth and even surface for the new paint to adhere to and reduce the number of coats needed.
• It will enhance the color and finish of the new paint and make it more vibrant and consistent.
• It will protect the furniture from moisture, mold, and mildew and extend the lifespan of the paint.

Types of Primer

There are different types of primer for different types of surfaces and paints, and you need to choose the right one for your project. Some of the common types of primer are:

• Oil-based primer: This is a traditional type of primer that works well on wood, metal, and plastic. It has a strong odor and takes longer to dry, but it provides excellent coverage and adhesion. It is compatible with oil-based and latex paints, but it requires mineral spirits or paint thinner for cleanup.
• Latex primer: This is a water-based type of primer that works well on wood, drywall, and plaster. It has a low odor and dries quickly, but it may not cover stains or dark colors well. It is compatible with latex and acrylic paints, but it may not work well with oil-based paints. It requires soap and water for cleanup.
• Shellac primer: This is an alcohol-based type of primer that works well on wood, metal, plastic, and laminate. It has a strong odor and dries very fast, but it provides excellent stain-blocking and adhesion. It is compatible with any type of paint, but it requires denatured alcohol or ammonia for cleanup.
• Acrylic primer: This is a newer type of primer that works well on wood, metal, plastic, and laminate. It has a low odor and dries fast, but it provides good coverage and adhesion. It is compatible with any type of paint, but it requires soap and water for cleanup.

Applying Primer

To apply primer to the furniture, you need to follow these steps:

• Shake or stir the primer well before using it, and read the instructions on the product label.
• Use a brush, roller, or spray to apply the primer evenly and generously to the furniture surface. Start from the top, work your way down, and follow the direction of the wood grain or the furniture shape.
• Use painter's tape to mask the areas that you don't want to prime, such as glass, mirrors, or hardware.
• Use a drop cloth or newspaper to protect the floor or the ground from primer drips or spills.
• Let the primer dry completely before painting. The drying time may vary depending on the type of primer, the temperature, and the humidity. Check the product label for the recommended drying time.
• Sand the primer lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper or a sponge to smooth out any brush marks, bubbles, or imperfections. Wipe the furniture with a tack cloth to remove any dust or residue.

Part 3: Painting the Furniture

The third step to painting furniture without sanding is to paint the furniture. Painting is the most fun and creative part of the project, as you can choose the color and the look of your furniture. Here is how to paint the furniture:

Choosing the Right Paint

To choose the right paint for your furniture, you need to consider the following factors:

• The type of surface: Different types of surfaces may require different types of paints. For example, wood, metal, plastic, and laminate may have different levels of porosity, durability, and texture, which can affect how the paint adheres and looks. You need to choose paint that is compatible with your furniture type and primer choice.
• The type of finish: Different types of finishes can give your furniture different effects, such as matte, satin, gloss, or metallic. You need to choose a finish that suits your preferences and style and matches the rest of your bedroom decor.
• The color: Different colors can create different moods, atmospheres, and impressions in your bedroom. You need to choose a color that reflects your personality and taste and complements the other colors in your bedroom. You can also use multiple colors to create contrast, harmony, or patterns on your furniture.

Types of paint

There are different types of paint for different types of surfaces and finishes, and you need to choose the right one for your project. Some of the common types of paint are:

• Oil-based paint: This is a traditional type of paint that works well on wood, metal, and plastic. It has a strong odor and takes longer to dry, but it provides excellent coverage and durability. It can create a smooth and glossy finish, but it may yellow over time. It requires mineral spirits or paint thinner for cleanup.
• Latex paint: This is a water-based type of paint that works well on wood, drywall, and plaster. It has a low odor and dries quickly, but it may not cover stains or dark colors well. It can create a matte, satin, or semi-gloss finish, but it may chip or peel over time. It requires soap and water for cleanup.
• Acrylic paint: This is a newer type of paint that works well on wood, metal, plastic, and laminate. It has a low odor and dries fast, but it provides good coverage and durability. It can create a matte, satin, gloss, or metallic finish, and it is resistant to fading, cracking, and yellowing. It requires soap and water for cleanup.
• Chalk paint: This is a special type of paint that works well on wood, metal, plastic, and laminate. It has a low odor and dries fast, but it provides excellent coverage and adhesion. It can create a chalky and distressed finish, and it is easy to distress and wax. It requires water for cleanup.

Painting Techniques

There are different painting techniques that you can use to create different effects on your furniture, such as:

• Brushing: This is the most common and simple technique, where you use a brush to apply the paint in long and even strokes. This can create a smooth and uniform finish, but it may leave brush marks or bubbles on the surface. You need to use a high-quality brush and avoid overloading it with paint.
• Rolling: This is a technique where you use a roller to apply the paint in short and even strokes. This can create a smooth and consistent finish, but it may leave roller marks or bubbles on the surface. You need to use a high-density foam roller and avoid overloading it with paint.
• Spraying: This is a technique where you use a spray can or a spray gun to apply the paint in a fine mist. This can create a smooth and flawless finish, but it may create overspray or drips on the surface. You need to use a spray paint that is compatible with your furniture type and primer choice, and follow the instructions on the product label. You also need to wear a mask, goggles, and gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
• Distressing: This is a technique where you use sandpaper, a sponge, or a knife to create scratches, dents, or chips on the paint surface. This can create a rustic and aged finish, and it is usually done with chalk paint or acrylic paint. You need to distress the furniture lightly and randomly and focus on the edges, corners, and details.
• Stenciling: This is a technique where you use a stencil, a brush, a roller, or a spray to create patterns, designs, or images on the paint surface. This can create a decorative and unique finish, and it is usually done with acrylic paint or spray paint. You need to use a stencil that is suitable for your furniture size and shape and secure it with painter's tape. You also need to use a contrasting color for the stencil, and apply the paint lightly and evenly.

Applying the paint

To apply the paint to the furniture, you need to follow these steps:

• Shake or stir the paint well before using it, and read the instructions on the product label.
• Use a brush, roller, or spray to apply the paint evenly and generously to the furniture surface. Start from the top, work your way down, and follow the direction of the wood grain or the furniture shape.
• Use painter's tape to mask the areas that you don't want to paint, such as glass, mirrors, or hardware.
• Use a drop cloth or newspaper to protect the floor or the ground from paint drips or spills.
• Let the paint dry completely before applying another coat or a topcoat. The drying time may vary depending on the type of paint, the temperature, and the humidity. Check the product label for the recommended drying time and number of coats.
• Sand the paint lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper or a sponge to smooth out any brush marks, bubbles, or imperfections. Wipe the furniture with a tack cloth to remove any dust or residue.

Part 4: Finishing the Furniture

The fourth step to painting furniture without sanding is to finish the furniture. Finishing is important because it will protect the paint and add a finish to the furniture. Finishing will also help to enhance the color and look of the furniture. Here is how to finish the furniture:

Applying a Topcoat

To apply a topcoat to the furniture, you need to choose the right type of topcoat for your furniture type and paint choice. A topcoat is a clear or tinted layer of paint that creates a protective and decorative coating on the furniture surface. A topcoat can prevent the paint from fading, cracking, peeling, or scratching and make it more resistant to water, stains, and wear and tear. A topcoat can also create a matte, satin, gloss, or metallic finish, depending on your preference and style.

Types of topcoat

Some of the common types of topcoat are:

• Polyurethane: This is a type of topcoat that works well on wood, metal, and plastic. It has a low odor and dries fast, but it provides excellent durability and protection. It can create a matte, satin, or gloss finish, and it is resistant to water, stains, and yellowing. It requires soap and water for cleanup.
• Polycrylic: This is a type of topcoat that works well on wood, metal, plastic, and laminate. It has a low odor and dries fast, but it provides good durability and protection. It can create a matte, satin, or gloss finish, and it is resistant to water, stains, and yellowing. It requires soap and water for cleanup.
• Wax: This is a type of topcoat that works well on wood, metal, plastic, and laminate. It has a low odor and dries fast, but it provides moderate durability and protection. It can create a matte, satin, or gloss finish, and it is easy to distress and buff. It requires a cloth or a brush for application and cleanup.
• Glaze: This is a type of topcoat that works well on wood, metal, plastic, and laminate. It has a low odor and dries fast, but it provides minimal durability and protection. It can create a tinted or metallic finish, and it is easy to apply and wipe off. It requires a cloth or a sponge for application and cleanup.

To apply a topcoat to the furniture, you need to follow these steps:

• Shake or stir the topcoat well before using it, and read the instructions on the product label.
• Use a brush, roller, or spray to apply the topcoat evenly and lightly to the furniture surface. Start from the top, work your way down, and follow the direction of the wood grain or the furniture shape.
• Use painter's tape to mask the areas that you don't want to finish, such as glass, mirrors, or hardware.
• Use a drop cloth or newspaper to protect the floor or the ground from topcoat drips or spills.
• Let the topcoat dry completely before applying another coat or buffing the furniture. The drying time may vary depending on the type of topcoat, the temperature, and the humidity. Check the product label for the recommended drying time and number of coats.
• Sand the topcoat lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper or a sponge to smooth out any brush marks, bubbles, or imperfections. Wipe the furniture with a tack cloth to remove any dust or residue.
• Buff the furniture with a cloth or a brush to create a shine and a smooth finish. You can also use wax or a glaze to create a tinted or metallic finish.

Reattaching the hardware

The final step in finishing the furniture is to reattach the hardware to the furniture, such as knobs, handles, hinges, or screws. This will complete the look and function of your furniture. To reattach the hardware, you can use a screwdriver or a drill and follow the labels or the marks that you made before removing the hardware. You can also use new or different hardware to change the style or the appearance of your furniture.

Part 5: Tips and Tricks

To paint furniture without sanding successfully, you need to follow some tips and tricks, such as:

How to Avoid Common Mistakes

Some of the common mistakes that people make when painting furniture without sanding are:

• Not cleaning the furniture properly: This can cause the paint to peel, crack, or bubble, as the dirt, dust, grease, or wax can interfere with the paint adhesion. You need to clean the furniture thoroughly with soap and water, and a wood cleaner or degreaser if needed, before painting.
• Not using the right primer or paint: This can cause the paint to chip, fade, or turn yellow, as the primer or paint may not be compatible with the furniture type or the topcoat. You need to use a primer and paint that are suitable for your furniture type and primer choice, and follow the instructions on the product label.
• Not letting the paint dry completely: This can cause the paint to smudge, scratch, or stick, as the paint may not be fully cured or hardened. You need to let the paint dry completely before applying another coat or a topcoat, and check the product label for the recommended drying time.
• Applying too much or too little paint: This can cause the paint to drip, sag, or streak, as the paint may not be evenly distributed on the furniture surface. You need to apply the paint evenly and generously, but not too much or too little, and use a high-quality brush, roller, or spray.

How to Paint Furniture with Intricate Designs

If the furniture has intricate designs, such as carvings, moldings, or patterns, you need to use some special techniques to paint them, such as:

• Using a small or angled brush to reach the corners, edges, and details of the design, apply the paint carefully and precisely.
• Use a sponge or a cloth to dab the paint on the design and create a textured or distressed effect.
• Using a stencil or tape to create the design on the furniture, apply the paint with a brush, roller, or spray.
• Using a dry brush or a rag to create highlights or shadows on the design, apply the paint lightly and sparingly.

How to Paint Furniture with Fabric

If the furniture has fabric, such as upholstery, cushions, or curtains, you need to use some special techniques to paint them, such as:

• Using a fabric medium to mix with the paint and make it more flexible and washable. You can also use fabric paint that is designed for painting fabric.
• Using a spray bottle to wet the fabric before painting will make it more absorbent and smooth.
• Using a brush, roller, or spray to apply the paint to the fabric, work in small sections and thin coats.
• Using a hair dryer or an iron to heat-set the paint after painting will make it more durable and permanent.

How to Paint Furniture with Laminate

If the furniture has laminate, such as veneer, melamine, or formica, you need to use some special techniques to paint them, such as:

• Using a liquid deglosser to remove the gloss or shine from the laminate and make it dull and rough. You can also use sandpaper or a power sander to lightly scuff the laminate and create a better surface for the paint to adhere to.
• Use a primer that is specially formulated for laminate, such as Zinsser B-I-N Primer, and apply it with a brush, roller, or spray. You can also use shellac or an acrylic primer, as they work well on laminate.
• Use a paint that is specially formulated for laminate, such as Rust-Oleum Specialty Paint for Plastic, and apply it with a brush, roller, or spray. You can also use acrylic or latex paint, as they work well on laminate.
• Use a topcoat that is specially formulated for laminate, such as Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish, and apply it with a brush, roller, or spray. You can also use polyurethane or wax, as they work well on laminate.

If you’re planning to paint your bedroom, you need to read this. It will tell you how long for bedroom paint job and what factors affect the duration.

Part 6: Conclusion

Painting furniture without sanding is a smart and easy way to give your old pieces a new look and refresh your bedroom. By following the steps and tips in this article, you can paint furniture without sanding and save time, money, and energy. You can also create a beautiful and durable result that will last for years.

Some of the benefits of painting furniture without sanding are:

• You can avoid the hassle and risks of sanding, such as creating dust, waste, and damage.
• You can use alternatives to sanding, such as a liquid deglosser and a primer, to prepare the furniture surface for painting.
• You can choose from different types of paint and finishes and create different effects and styles on your furniture.
• You can protect the paint, add a finish with a topcoat, and make the furniture more resistant and attractive.

Painting furniture without sanding is a fun and creative project that you can do yourself or with your family or friends. You can use your imagination and taste to choose the color and look of your furniture and match it with the rest of your bedroom decor. You can also use different painting techniques to create contrast, harmony, or patterns on your furniture and make it more unique and personal.

Painting furniture without sanding is a rewarding and satisfying experience that will make you proud of your work and happy with your bedroom. You can enjoy the feeling of transforming your old furniture into new and beautiful pieces and creating a cozy and comfortable space for yourself. You can also share your work with others and inspire them to paint furniture without sanding too.