New to Furniture Painting? It’s Not as Scary as You Think!

So, you’ve got a piece of furniture you love, a paintbrush in one hand, a tin of furniture paint in the other; Your heart is saying 'Just go for it 'and your head is saying ' What if I ruin it?' —Sound familiar?

It’s okay, we’ve all been there, and I promise, your furniture painting adventure is about to get a whole lot easier (and way more fun).

Whether you’re dying to transform a sad looking side table or you have a gorgeous charity shop find that needs saving, the hardest part is often just getting started.

But, you need to know this: Furniture painting isn’t about perfection—it’s about being creative, playful, and, most importantly, enjoying the process. So, let’s break it down and get you ready to paint with confidence.

Step 1: Appreciate the stage that you are at today!

Seriously!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of “messing it up,” I have one simple truth for you: everyone starts somewhere. No one picks up a brush and instantly paints a Pinterest-worthy masterpiece. That painted sideboard you’re in awe of on Instagram? I can guarantee you that the artist behind it has had their fair share of paint faux pars and questionable colour choices!

Here’s the beauty of furniture painting: It’s forgiving - Not loving the colour? Just paint over it!

Added a stencil and realised it’s crooked? Hey! It happens to all of us! Sand it down and start again. It’s just paint!

The best part? Every time you make a mistake, you’re learning something new—what works, what doesn’t, and what you love.

So, savour the beginner phase. Be proud of where you’re starting, and remember, even the most seasoned painters were once right where you are now.

Step 2: Embrace the Art of Play (Mistakes Are Welcome)

One of the biggest obstacles for beginners is the fear of doing it “wrong.”...... I'll tell you a little secret: There’s no wrong way to paint furniture.

Start Simple and Start Small
If you’re nervous about jumping in to upcycling a piece of furniture, here’s a tip: It's not a good idea to start with a massive wardrobe or dining table as your first project! That’s a bit like deciding to run a marathon when you’ve only just bought your trainers! Instead, choose a smaller, simpler piece to work on—like a wooden tray, a picture frame or a small stool for example.

Smaller pieces are less intimidating and give you the perfect chance to practice without feeling like you’re committing to a full-scale renovation. Plus, they’re quicker to finish, which means you’ll get that satisfying “look what I’ve made!” moment sooner. And trust me, that little boost of confidence can go a long way.

Allowing yourself to have a proper play with pain can lead to a finished piece can really come together. Maybe you’ll discover that a colour wash technique is your thing, or you’ll create a layered finish that makes your piece look like it belongs in an old French château but you never meant for that to happen! Some of my favourite pieces came from happy accidents—I would struggle to recreate them if I had to now!

The trick is to see every attempt as an experiment. Try different paint brushes, dabble with waxes, or have a go at blending colours. You’re not aiming for perfection; you’re aiming for practice. And guess what? The more you play, the more confident you’ll become.

Step 3: Find Inspiration Everywhere

It’s totally okay to Borrow Ideas!

Feeling stuck on how to start? Inspiration is all around you. From other furniture painters to interior design accounts, there’s no shortage of ideas to help get your creative juices flowing!

Now, let’s address a little worry that some beginners have voiced to me: “What if it looks like I’m copying someone else?” The truth is, we all get inspired by each other. Even the most original designs are influenced by something, whether it’s a trend, a colour palette, or a technique.

The key is to give credit where it’s due. If you recreate a look you saw online and you're posting it, tag the artist or mention their name—it’s a compliment, and we all love a mention!

Bonus tip: Don’t limit yourself to furniture painters for inspo, artists working on canvas or crafters often use techniques that can be beautifully transferred to furniture. Think ombré effects, abstract designs, or even texture techniques like dry brushing.

Step 4: Tell a Story with Your Furniture

Painting furniture isn’t just about making it look pretty—it’s about breathing life into it. That sideboard with stunning carving you claimed from your granny’s house? It’s more than just a piece of wood; it’s had a life, it has a history and once discarded, it would be gone forever. A modern makeover is all it is begging for!

When you start painting, just have an idea about the desired finish you are hoping for; Do you want it to feel modern and sleek? Rustic and weathered? Quirky and bold? Let it tell a different story with your choice of colours, finishes, and details which will completely transform it and make it uniquely yours.

For me, one of the most rewarding parts of upcycling is thinking about the life a piece once had compared to the life it will have. Maybe your painted chest of drawers will hold someone’s first set of baby clothes, or your revamped coffee table will become a conversation piece when people come round. There’s something magical about knowing your creativity has added another story to an older piece.

Step 5: Be Kind to Yourself (And Your Work)

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this blog, it’s this: don’t be self critical! I see it all the time—Someone new to furniture painting either saying how terrible they will be or comparing their first-ever piece to the work of painters with years of experience, and feeling like they’ve failed before they’ve even started.

Just remember this: Nobody gets it perfect on their first try.; Not me, not anyone. The key is to give yourself permission to learn, make mistakes, and keep going. Your first piece doesn’t need to be a masterpiece; it just needs to be finished and be yours!

A Quick Encouragement for When You’re Stuck

I get it—sometimes, it feels like the colours aren’t quite right, or the finish isn’t smooth enough. When that happens, stop painting, make yourself a cuppa, stand back and look at it - You can get a much better perspective on the whole piece rather than just one small area. Remember, you are doing this to have fun, try new things, and create something that brings you joy.

Look for help; Whether you’re looking for tips, inspiration, or a little hand-holding, there are resources out there to help you along the way (hello online tutorials and workshops!).

You can always take part in a workshop...

If you’re itching to get started but feel like you need a little nudge (and someone to cheer you on), my workshops are here for you. Think of them as a safe space to laugh, learn, and make a little mess—all while learning the skills to take something old and make it fabulous. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking to brush up on some skills, I’d love to help you build your confidence.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

At the end of the day, with furniture painting, practice makes perfect — We are always learning something new whatever the stage of your journey - I still learn all the time! Just enjoy creating something with your own two hands.

So, throw on painting clothes, grab that paintbrush and dive in. You will become a furniture painter even if it takes a few coats to get there! Good luck! It is addictive and I would love to see what you create!

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