15 Best Black Paint For Wood Furniture

In furniture makeovers, a few colors command attention and elegance, like black.

After testing 15 different products, I have uncovered the ultimate solution for your needs.

My extensive research proves that the Best Overall Black Wood Paint for Furniture is PRESTIGE Paints Interior. In this article, I’ll delve into why it outshines the competition.

But there’s more to discover beyond the top choice. Depending on your wants and needs, I’ll also show you when and where other black wood paints work best.

So, if you’re eager to makeover your furniture, read on to find the right black paint for your special project.

Our Top Picks

Best Black Paint For Wood Furniture

1. Best Overall Black Wood Paint for Furniture – PRESTIGE Paints Interior
2. Best Bang for the Buck – Krylon Fusion Spray Paint
3. Most User-friendly Black Paint for Furniture – Fusion Mineral Paint
4. Best Washable Black Paint for Furniture – Rust-Oleum 285144 Charcoal
5. Best black Semi Gloss Paint for Furniture – Rust-Oleum Latex Paint
6. Best Black Chalk Paint for Furniture – Country Chic Chalk Style Paint
7. Best Matte Black Paint for Wood Furniture – Shabby Chic
8. Best Self Sealing black Paint for Furniture – General Finishes Milk Paint
9. Best for Novices – Dixie Belle Paint Company
10. Best for DIY – Retique It Chalk Furniture Paint by Renaissance DIY
11. Best for Interior And Exterior Furniture – Majic PAINTS Interior/Exterior
12. Best for Exterior Furniture – PRESTIGE Paints Exterior
13. Best Watercolor Paint for Furniture – Miss Mustard Seed’s MilkPaint
14. Best Low Odor Paint – BACKDROP Premium Interior Paint
15. Best Chip Resistant Paint – Rust-Oleum 1976730 Latex Paint

15 Best Black Wood Furniture Paint (Updated List)

1. Best Overall Black Wood Paint For Furniture – PRESTIGE Paints Interior

The PRESTIGE Paints Interior Black Wood Paint is the undisputed champion when reviving your furniture with a fresh look. This product excels in every aspect as the best overall black paint for wood.

Its smooth application, ideal for a wide range of rooms, makes it a versatile choice for any home project. But what truly sets it apart is its exceptional quality and value.

I recently decided to give my old coffee table a makeover, and I couldn’t have made a better choice than using PRESTIGE Paints Interior.

The paint’s smooth application was a breeze, providing a flawless finish that transformed my furniture. The rich black hue gave my table a luxurious, modern look that exceeded my expectations.

I’ve tried many different black wood paints before, and I can say that PRESTIGE Paint Interior is better than the others.

It dries quickly, hides flaws, and the paint doesn’t have harmful chemicals, making it safe to use.

While it may come with a slightly higher price tag than some alternatives, the value you receive is worth every penny.

The quality, ease of use, and the professional finish it delivers justify the investment.

This paint is a revolution in furniture rejuvenation. It might carry a premium price tag, but remember, with PRESTIGE Paints Interior, you’re investing in unparalleled quality and style. It’s simply the best value for your money.

What I Liked Most About This Satin Black Paint for Wood

Smooth application for a flawless finish.
Versatile, suitable for various rooms in your home.
Exceptional quality and coverage.
Fast-drying formula.
Low VOC for a safe painting experience.

What Could Be Improved

Slightly higher price point (justified by quality).
Limited color options (focused on black wood paint).

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2. Best Bang for the Buck – Krylon Fusion Spray Paint

Krylon Fusion Spray Paint stands tall in black spray paints as the best budget option. It offers an impressive combination of quality and affordability.

It’s an all-purpose Water Resistant Spray Paint spray paint that sticks to tricky surfaces without sanding or priming.

It gets the job done from plastic and wood to metal and even PVC. This matte black spray paint is your go-to option.

It offers the greatest protection, ensuring your work stands the test of time.

The modern, cozy finish of black matte spray paint adds a touch of elegance to your projects. Black is a classic color that belongs in any DIY toolkit. It can soften and give a unique touch to your creations.

With Krylon Fusion, you don’t have to wait forever for your paint to dry. Its easy-push big button spray tip allows you to apply paint from any angle, even upside down.

Without worrying about runs or drips, you’ll have a dry-to-the-touch surface in 20 minutes or less. A single 12 oz. spray paint can cover up to 25 square feet.

Krylon Fusion Spray Paint is the budget-friendly alternative to the PRESTIGE Paints Interior. While PRESTIGE Paints focuses on interior applications, Krylon Fusion takes versatility to a new level with indoor and outdoor use.

It also excels in quick drying, making it a top pick for projects with tight timelines.

Krylon Fusion’s matte black finish adds a contemporary touch to your work, making it a great choice for modern aesthetics.

What I Liked Most

Easy and even application with no brush marks.
Versatile for various surfaces.
Quick drying.
Durable and long-lasting finish.

What Could Be Improved

It may need careful masking and protection to prevent overspray.
Spray painting may not be ideal for intricate details or small projects.

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3. Most User-friendly Black Paint for Furniture – Fusion Mineral Paint

Opt for Fusion Mineral Paint when looking for black paint for wood that is easy to use. It also provides affordability without compromising on performance.

Having personally used Fusion Mineral Paint, I can vouch for its user-friendliness. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, it requires minimal prep work.

I was amazed that I didn’t need extra coats, waxing, or any ongoing work after using it on my projects. It lasts a long time and is super durable.

Safety-conscious individuals will appreciate that Fusion colors are non-toxic, lead-free, and odorless. It contains no ammonia or formaldehyde, ensuring a safe environment during and after painting.

A 500ml container covers up to 75 square feet, making it a cheap choice for larger projects.

Fusion Mineral Paint is budget-friendly and hassle-free compared to PRESTIGE Paints Interior and Krylon Fusion Spray Paint. It doesn’t need finishing coats or waxing. Fusion offers a matte finish, giving choices to different styles.

I found it affordable and low-maintenance. Months after painting, my furniture still looks great. Plus, it’s non-toxic and odorless, making it ideal for DIY and budget-conscious folks.

What I Liked Most

Affordable budget option
Easy application with minimal prep work
No need for finishing coats or waxing
Non-toxic and virtually odorless
Generous coverage, saving you time and money.

What Could Be Improved

Matte finish may not suit every project.
Limited color options compared to some competitors

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4. Best Washable Black Paint for Furniture – Rust-Oleum 285144 Charcoal

Consider Rust-Oleum 285144 Charcoal – the ideal washable black paint can completely transform your furniture experience.

This paint suits interior surfaces like wood, metal, ceramic, canvas, and paper. This paint covers you whether you’re working on wooden tables, metal chairs, or canvas art.

The low-odor, latex formula ensures cleaning up is a breeze; soap and water do the trick.

With a quick drying time of 30 minutes and impressive one-coat coverage that spans up to 150 sq. ft., your projects can be swiftly completed.

Rust-Oleum Charcoal paint offers excellent adhesion to surfaces with minimal prep work.

The result is a velvety, smooth finish that’s ultra-matte. For high gloss surfaces, a light scuff with sandpaper or a sanding sponge followed by 1-3 even coats, 30 minutes apart, works wonders.

Rust-Oleum Charcoal paint excels in washability, making it ideal for furniture needing frequent cleaning.

It matches the PRESTIGE Paints Interior on surface versatility but offers better washability. Like Fusion Mineral Paint, it provides a matte finish.

What I Liked Most

Outstanding washability for furniture
Suitable for various interior surfaces
Quick drying and efficient one-coat coverage
Easy application with minimal prep work
Creates a unique vintage look.

What Could Be Improved

Limited to indoor use only
It is not ideal for high gloss surfaces without sanding.

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5. Best black semi gloss paint for furniture – Rust-Oleum Latex Paint

Regarding household paints and finishes, Rust-Oleum is my go-to choice.

As one of the oldest manufacturers in the world, their paint is well known for being reliable and affordable.

I love using this water-based acrylic formula on any surface, from wood to unglazed ceramic, indoors and outdoors.

So, do you need to prime the wood before painting with acrylic? Before applying this gloss black furniture paint, I don’t need a primer; I only have to sand the surface, degrease, and then paint.

This product does a great job of resisting chips and protecting my furniture without needing a top coat. The small can offer decent coverage of 30 sq ft, which is easily enough for a couple of dressers. After only thirty minutes of application, the surface is dry to the touch.

I appreciate how quickly I can wrap up my project with this paint compared to most others. The only thing to ensure is that you stir it properly before applying and always use a brush for the best results.

All in all, Rust-Oleum is a great choice for protecting and beautifying my furniture.

What I Liked Most

It does not need a primer
It has decent coverage
It is very affordable
It is easy to apply

What Could Be Improved

You can’t use a roller or spray

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6. Best black chalk paint for furniture – Country Chic Chalk Style Paint

Country Chic has combined the best features of two other paints on my list; it gives an attractive rustic look and is an all-in-one solution. This manufacturer has created great products for DIY enthusiasts seeking style and functionality for over eighty years.

The black furniture chalk paint I purchased has a built-in primer and topcoat. This makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor use on wood, metal, laminate and glass surfaces.

The vibrant branding immediately gave me the impression that this product is suited for art lovers – confirmed by its certification to European Toy Safety standards. This means it is perfect for surfaces used by kids.

In addition, no harsh chemicals were used to create this paint, and the smell was barely noticeable.

The only downside I can think of is its price – but considering that you don’t need to buy a primer or topcoat separately, it’s certainly worth it.

What I Liked Most

Safe for children’s toys
It has in-built primer and topcoat
No harsh chemicals
It can be used on different materials

What Could Be Improved

It isn’t budget-friendly

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7. Best matte black paint for furniture – Shabby Chic Chalked Furniture Paint

As an art lover, I love this black matte paint for furniture.

While other paints try to make a product look brand new, this one intentionally makes it look a little dated. Or, to put it in their terms, rustic.

As a result, this has become one of the most popular paint options for those who want distressed furniture. In terms of performance, this black paint can be used indoors and outdoors. It is a water-based paint, and it delivers great coverage.

Something else we love about this paint is that it is environmentally friendly. Like the previous paint on our list, this is non-toxic, emits ultra-low VOCs, and low odor.

This black matte furniture paint also lacks phthalates, known carcinogens, formaldehyde, heavy metals, and solvents.

One feature buyers should note is that even though this paint gives the same rustic facade as chalk paint, it isn’t chalk paint but rather chalk-based paint.

Besides wood, you can use this on metal, plastic, stone, and other surfaces. The last feature we’d like to highlight is that this is a 2 in 1 paint, so you don’t need a primer. All you need is two coats to get a pleasant result.

Besides, brush strokes are part of the package, so you don’t need much sanding.

What I Liked Most About this matte paint for wood

Easy to apply
It doesn’t need a primer
You don’t need to sand a lot
Kid-friendly

What Could Be Improved

Low coverage for the price

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8. Best Self Sealing – General Finishes Milk Paint

Here is another household name that we would be remiss not to include. General Finishes is an award-winning company, and their water-based milk paint is a contender for top honors.

I love General Finishes’ water-based milk paint for its durability. As a company that makes great topcoats, it is not surprising that they have been able to integrate their technology into this paint.

This self-sealing paint is budget-friendly but still a premium product, working both inside and outside the home.

You can apply it with a brush, roller, or spray and get a low-luster sheen that will last.

It also has a low odor and zero VOCs, so it’s safe for kids or pets.

This paint can even be used on raw wood for a unique look.

All in all, General Finishes’ water-based milk paint is an excellent choice for any project.

What I Liked Most

It doesn’t need a topcoat
It can be applied to raw wood
It has low-odor
It requires very little prep

What Could Be Improved

You might need up to three coats

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9. Best for Novices – Dixie Belle Paint Company

Despite how it might look to outsiders, painting is hard work! That is why Dixie Belle set out to make the easiest black paint to use. While we can argue that it didn’t achieve it, it still comes close.

This chalk-based mineral paint is a growing favorite, especially amongst female DIYers, because of its simple application. For starters, you don’t need a primer.

Then again, this is common with nearly every paint on our list.

What isn’t common is that you don’t need to sand between coats; frankly, you don’t need a second coat. If you paint a dark surface that has been properly cleaned, you’ll be fine with one coat.

If this is all you need, then this would be the easiest paint in the world. Unfortunately, you need to take it further by applying wax to the paint.

While this is not a problem and still beats sanding, you might need three coats of wax. Nevertheless, that is our only gripe with this product.

Another feature we love is that it has no VOCs; it is non-toxic and dries quickly. It also offers great coverage. An 8 oz jar will cover 38 sq ft, which is twenty percent more than average.

The matte finish is also easy to distress, and just by the way, this paint is also gluten-free.

What I Liked Most

You only need one coat
It does not need priming or sanding
It has no VOCs
It is easy to use

What Could Be Improved

You need to apply a few coats of wax

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10. Best for DIY – Retique It Chalk Furniture Paint by Renaissance DIY

Here is an exceptional paint made with DIYers in mind. It is one of the easiest paints, if not the easiest we could find, but let’s take it in order.

As expected from an easy-to-use paint, it does not require a primer. However, it does need a wax coat, but that’s because you usually need just one coat.

This acrylic, chalk finish paint glides onto any background and lays on thick, so you can use it to upcycle any color furniture and get great results.

What’s more, is that this product was made for cabinets and home furniture and it is suitable for outdoor use, making it one of the best outdoor paint for furniture. The midnight black paint is dry and ready for wax within thirty minutes.

You can also distress it if needed. Another benefit is that cleaning up is a breeze; only you need is soap and water. Another area where this paint performs admirably is in eco-friendliness.

It has low odor and emits ultra-low VOCs, but this does not give a go-ahead to most painters’ concerns, “can I use exterior paint indoors?” Moreover, this is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for kids. While this paint is made for furniture, you can also use it for arts and crafts.

What I Liked Most

It dries quickly
It is hypoallergenic
It is easy to use and clean
You don’t need a primer

What Could Be Improved

It has very little sheen

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11. Best for Interior And Exterior Furniture – Majic PAINTS Interior/Exterior

If you want the best paint for both indoor and outdoor furniture, choose Majic PAINTS Interior/Exterior.

Its exceptional versatility sets this product apart, making it the top choice for various DIY projects.

I’ve recently used Majic PAINTS Interior/Exterior to refurbish furniture, and the results were outstanding.

Its remarkable adhesion quality stands out. This paint sticks to any surface without sanding or priming, saving time and effort.

I painted my wooden chairs and metal patio furniture, and the paint adhered flawlessly every time.

PRESTIGE Paints Interior, Majic PAINTS excels in its suitability for a broader range of materials.

It can be used on wood, metal, brick, drywall, glass, steel, tile, vinyl, aluminum, most plastics, copper, and masonry. This versatility makes it the best choice for interior and exterior furniture.

Majic PAINTS Interior/Exterior is the perfect choice for fixing up your furniture, whether inside your house or in your garden.

Its remarkable adhesion and versatility make it the go-to paint for any DIY enthusiast. So, don’t hesitate; elevate your furniture with Majic PAINTS today.

What I Liked Most About This Satin Black Paint for Wood

Exceptional adhesion to various surfaces.
Suitable for both interior and exterior furniture.
Eliminates the need for sanding or priming.
Versatile, it can be used on a wide range of materials.
Limited color options (focused on black).

What Could Be Improved

Limited color options (focused on black).
May need many coats for darkening light-colored surfaces.

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12. Best for Exterior Furniture – PRESTIGE Paints Exterior

PRESTIGE Paints Exterior is the ideal choice for sprucing up your outdoor furniture. This paint caters to the unique demands of exterior applications.

PRESTIGE Paints Exterior is a great choice for outdoor furniture. It’s good at covering things up and staying strong.

It’s made for outdoor stuff, so it can handle being outside even when the weather isn’t great.

Being a 100% acrylic latex paint, it offers hassle-free cleanup using soap and water.

Boasting a low VOC content of less than 50 gms/L (0.42 lbs/gal.) before tinting is an environmentally friendly choice for outdoor projects.

It is tailored for outdoor applications, making it suitable for furniture exposed to weather conditions, emphasizing high hiding formula and outdoor durability.

What I Liked Most About This Satin Black Paint for Wood

Precision color matching for an accurate finish.
Exceptional coverage, hiding imperfections.
Designed for outdoor durability.
Easy cleanup with soap and water.
Low VOC content is eco-friendly.

What Could Be Improved

Specialized for outdoor use, limiting its versatility for interior projects.
No specific information on coverage per container.

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13. Best Watercolor Paint for Furniture – Miss Mustard Seed’s MilkPaint

Miss Mustard Seed’s MilkPaint is a unique watercolor paint perfect for furniture transformation. This product offers a versatile approach to painting your furniture.

Miss Mustard Seed’s MilkPaint is special because it’s like watercolor and good for furniture.

It’s made with water and all-natural stuff and boasts a “No VOCs” feature, making it safe for indoor use.

It’s suitable for various surfaces, including furniture, wood, cabinets, walls, brick, and stone, making it a versatile choice for various creative projects.

This watercolor paint provides a unique painting experience and eco-friendly benefits.

Its versatility extends beyond furniture, making it suitable for various surfaces.

What I Liked Most About This Satin Black Paint for Wood

It is environmentally friendly with no VOCs.
Suitable for a variety of surfaces, not limited to furniture.
Watercolor formula offers a distinct painting experience.
Organic and all-natural composition.
Versatile for different creative projects.

What Could Be Improved

Watercolor paints may need more coats for full coverage compared to traditional paints.
The powdered format may need extra preparation before use.

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14. Best Low Odor paint – BACKDROP Premium Interior Paint

Let’s explore BACKDROP Premium Interior Paint, a top choice for those seeking a low odor painting experience.

BACKDROP Premium Interior Paint excels in its low odor formula, making it an ideal choice for indoor painting.

This paint is specifically designed to cut unpleasant odors during and after painting. It creates a more comfortable and enjoyable painting experience.

With high pigmentation and an eggshell interior finish, it leaves a smooth and silky wall surface, suitable for any room in your home.

It’s self-priming, applies easily with a clean pour design, and offers quick drying time. You can touch the painted surface in 60 minutes and recoat within 3-4 hours.

BACKDROP is a special paint company because it cares about the environment. Their paint doesn’t have bad stuff like formaldehyde, and it’s also really low in stuff that’s not good for the air. They got a special certificate for being nice to the planet.

Its eggshell interior finish provides a smooth wall surface suitable for various rooms.

What I Liked Most About This Satin Black Paint for Wood

Minimal odor for a more comfortable painting experience.
High pigmentation and smooth finish for quality results.
Quick drying time for efficient painting.
Environmentally conscious with ultra-low VOC content.
Self-priming for ease of use.

What Could Be Improved

Limited information on coverage per container.
No mention of specific color options.

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15. Best Chip Resistant Paint – Rust-Oleum 1976730 Latex Paint

Rust-Oleum 1976730 Latex Paint is great for projects that need paint that won’t chip easily. It’s made to last and keep things looking good even after a long time.

It stays strong and lasts long on wood, metal, plaster, and more. It doesn’t smell bad and is easy to use because it’s made with water.

It covers up to 30 sq ft and dries to the touch in 30 minutes, allowing for speedy project completion.

The flat finish makes surfaces look smooth and hides bumps or rough spots. It’s easy to put on and makes things look perfect. Before you use it, Rust-Oleum suggests sanding the surface, cleaning it with a special cleaner, letting it dry, and then painting for the best results.

This paint is specially formulated for chip resistance, ideal for surfaces prone to wear.

Its flat finish offers excellent hide and minimizes surface imperfections.

What I Liked Most About This Satin Black Paint for Wood

Exceptional chip resistance for long-lasting protection.
Exceptional chip resistance for long-lasting protection.
Low odor water-based formula for a comfortable painting experience.
Quick drying time for efficient projects.
A flat finish provides excellent hide and a smooth appearance.

What Could Be Improved

Limited information on coverage per container.
Surface preparation steps need extra time and effort.

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Why Black Paint For Furniture

I consider several parameters when looking for the best black furniture paint.

• Do I want oil-based or water-based paint?
• What finish do I prefer – matte, satin, or glossy?
• How durable should it be, and how easy is it to apply?

Choosing a paint specifically designed for wood that will adhere well to the surface is also important.

Black paint is an excellent option for a timeless wood makeover. Apart from its aesthetic appeal, there are several practical benefits to using black paint for your furniture.

Ease of Application

Easy to apply, and with the right techniques and choice of paint, you can achieve a smooth and flawless finish. If you are fixing up old furniture, use black paint. It can help hide any marks or scratches on the furniture.

Durable

Black paint is more durable and resilient than lighter colors. This means that your newly painted furniture will be less likely to show signs of wear and tear over time. Using black paint will help you save time and money because you do not have to use as much paint to cover your furniture.

Conceal any old stains

Black paint can help hide any old spots or marks on furniture, especially if the furniture is already dark. You don’t need to worry about cleaning stains. The black paint will cover them up and make them disappear.

Timeless

Blank paint is a classic colour that will never go out of style. It provides an elegant, neutral backdrop for all rooms, no matter the decor style.

Neutral

With blank paint as your backdrop, you can easily add pops of colour to enhance any room. The neutral nature of the colour allows for an array of design and decor options to be explored.

Versatile

The versatility of blank paint makes it ideal for any space, from traditional to modern. It is the perfect canvas to create a one-of-a-kind environment.

Works with Any Decor Style

Whether you’re looking for a classic look or something more contemporary, blank paint is the perfect choice. It will work with any decor style, making it easy to tailor your space to reflect your aesthetic.

Blank paint offers a timeless and neutral backdrop that can be used in any room for various design purposes. With its versatility and ability to work with any decor style, blank paint is ideal for your home.

How to Apply Black Paint Flawlessly

If you want perfect black-painted furniture, there are several things you need to do. I have broken them into three sections, each as important as the other.

#Prepare the Furniture

This is where wood restorations often go wrong. If you don’t take the time to prepare the furniture properly, the paint might peel, clump up, get ruined by underlying dirt and debris, and the list goes on.

So if you want a flawless application, here is what you must do.

Step 1: Take out the drawers, doors, and hardware

If you’re trying to get a store-bought finish, you must be ready to go the extra mile with your preparation. So, remove the drawers, doors, doorknobs, and hinges.

This will allow you to clean and paint every furniture surface, rather than being lazy and only painting the front.

Step 2: Clean the furniture

Depending on the current finish on your furniture, you would either need to clean them or use a paint stripper. If you currently have stained wood, you need to degrease it.

Mix ¼ cup of TSP with a gallon of warm water and use a sponge to wipe down the entire furniture, even the parts you won’t paint.

TSP is a powerful agent, so use gloves and wear goggles when applying it. For painted surfaces, apply a generous portion of the paint stripper, then scrape off gently until you’re left with the underlying wood.

You might need steel wool to scrub off any lingering paint. After degreasing or stripping, wipe the surfaces with water, dry them with a microfiber or a lint-free cloth, and then leave them to dry.

Step 3: Apply wood filler

Once thoroughly dry your furniture, look for any holes and apply wood filler. Let the filler dry according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Step 4: Sand

Everybody’s favorite part of woodworking! Ensure the furniture is thoroughly dry before sanding with 150-220 grit sandpaper.

If you’re trying to remove residual finish, use 80-120 grit sandpaper.

Step 5: Clean the surface again

Clean the entire project one more time. Your first pass will be with a shop vac. Afterwards, get a damp cloth and go over it.

This will ensure that no small dust particles will be left on the wood. While black paint tends to mask blemishes and dust, it pays to be meticulous.

Now, you are ready to apply the paint furniture. For that, you’ll need a different set of tools.

Tools and Materials

• Any black paint from our list
• Synthetic brush
• Roller or spray *optional
• Paint tray *optional
• Painter’s bucket
• 300-grit sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Polyurethane *optional
• Primer
• 220-grit sandpaper

Painting black furniture

Step 1: Apply primer

The paint does not adhere well to wood, so it is helpful to apply primer on it. I suggest you don’t apply primer if the paint you chose doesn’t need it.

Otherwise, the primer will help seal the wood and reduce the coats you must apply. Use a dark shade of primer to match the black paint better.

Step 2: Sand the primer

It is a good practice to sand every layer of protective liquid you apply on wood. Sanding the primer will give it a smoother surface for your paint to adhere to and ensure a uniform surface.

You don’t need to be rough on the primer so 220-grit sandpaper will suffice. Clean the wood using a vacuum and dry cloth to prepare it for the next step.

Step 3: Apply the first coat of paint

The best way to apply black paint is with a paintbrush. However, if you are working on large furniture, you might prefer a roller or an HVLP paint sprayer.

If you paint wood black using a brush, first pour the paint into a separate paint bucket or a tray if required. Otherwise, you may dip the brush directly into the paint.

Start by cutting in the edges, then paint the large surfaces first. If you use a spray or roller, you may still need a brush for tight corners. For best results, use long, uniform strokes going along the grain.

Step 4: Leave the paint to dry, then sand

After a few hours, the paint should have dried. You can now lightly sand the wood with 220 or 300-grit sandpaper, depending on the black furniture paint you are using.

Follow the grain and ensure you smooth out any imperfections and brush strokes. When you’re done sanding, use a vacuum cleaner and tack cloth to remove the dust.

Paint does not stick well to dust, so take your time to get this right.

Step 5: Apply the second coat

Once the surfaces are dry, apply a second coat. This will be the final coat for most of the black furniture paints on our list.

If you notice that the grain has been raised after it dries, there are still brush strokes or uneven portions, sand, and apply another coat.

Step 4: Let the paint cure

Give the paint at least a day to cure enough for light use. Some products will require at least 3 weeks, so you might want to factor this into your decision-making.

Step 5: Appy polyurethane

Of course, this is an optional step, but one I recommend for furniture that will likely see a lot of abuse.

For example, if you’re painting kitchen cabinets, dining tables, or furniture to be used in a child’s room, a clear protective coat will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Polyurethane will keep it water-resistant, scratch and scuff-resistant, and safe from chemical spills without altering the paint color!

Check out this detailed post on how to apply polyurethane over paint.

Painted black furniture before and after

Education: How to Choose the Best Black Paint For Your Wood Furniture

Finish

The first thing you need to consider when looking for black furniture paint is how you want your furniture to look.

The paints on our list have varying sheens, and then you have an option like the Shabby Chic that gives a naturally distressed look.

Many people prefer a chalk-like finish when they paint furniture black, especially for cabinets and vanities to give the wooden furniture a modern vibe.

You can use the aforementioned paint or Fusion mineral paint in that case. General Finishes is a great option for a more traditional look, as it provides added durability.

Remember that your finish’s outcome will depend on using the best chalk paint brush for cabinets. Choose one with glide bristles, a tool to make your vision fly. Smooth strokes and even coats, a masterpiece in every swirl it promotes.

Since you may want to use the brushes in future, we have a guide for you on cleaning chalk paint brush after work.

Adhesion properties

Painting furniture can be trickier than walls because of the lack of adhesion. Paint with great adhesion means you don’t need to apply primer before painting. It also means you don’t need to sand too much between coats.

Luckily, all of the paints on our list don’t need primer. Of course, you can still apply it if you minimize the number of coats you apply.

When sanding between coats, the Krylon spray paint and the Dixie Bell paint set themselves apart.

Application methods

They say variety is the spice of life, and that plays its part when you paint furniture black. Using a brush is usually the best method of application. However, this only works with simple designs.

Nothing beats the speed of painting furniture with a paint sprayer if you want to save time. Plus, using a paint sprayer guarantees you won’t have brush strokes.

However, if you want to buy chalk paint to see some brush strokes, then any options here will do. If you already bought something else, you might ask, “Can I return pain to Walmart, lowes and home depot?” Yes, as long as it is in the appropriate state.

For painters who want a perfectly smooth finish and will be working on many projects, you might want something that can be sprayed easily.

Toxicity

Most people tend to paint furniture indoors, meaning you expose your home to all sorts of toxic fumes, VOCs, phthalates, and solvents. These chemicals are carcinogens that also cause respiratory conditions, skin and eye irritation, and dizziness.

Using the least toxic interior paint for homes with small children is prudent. The black chalk paint options on our list are all non-toxic.

The only other option to avoid is the Krylon paint sprayer. However, once these paints dry, they are perfectly healthy. If you will use your paint for toys, then Country Chic is your best option.

Price

It is so easy to use pricing to be the main concern when buying black paint. The problem is that the price can be misleading.

Perhaps a better way to compare is with the coverage area. For instance, how many sq ft do 5 gallons of paint cover? To calculate the area, 8 oz jar of Rust-Oleum covers 30 sq ft, while the same size of Dixie Bell paint goes up to 38 sq ft.

You must also consider the added tools you’ll need when considering the price. In the example above, Dixie Bell has more coverage, but you must also buy clear wax as your topcoat.

You can avoid using a top coat for the Rust-Oleum paint. Now, you can see why we put pricing as the least important factor to consider.

Therefore, my advice is only to use the price for two identical products, and definitely not for different types of paint.

However, when buying some high-end paints, such as gold paint for wood furniture, you get what you pay for.

Black Sheens

Flat black wood paint

Flat black wood paint provides the most subtle sheen and is ideal for creating a classic, traditional look.

It gives wood furniture a sophisticated matte finish, perfect for walls, trim, cabinets, doors and more.

Flat black furniture paint does not reflect light so it can be used as an accent color in any room.

Black Gloss Wood Paint

Black gloss wood paint is great for creating a sleek, modern look.

It offers a vibrant sheen that reflects light rather than absorbs it, making it perfect for adding an eye-catching touch to any room.

Shiny black paint for wood can be used on cabinets, furniture, walls and trim pieces to create a bold, stylish look.

Satin Black Furniture Paint

Satin black furniture paint has a velvety sheen that sits somewhere between glossy and matte finishes. It provides a soft, polished look that adds subtle elegance to any room.

This type of paint is ideal for cabinets, tables, chairs and other pieces of furniture, making it the perfect choice for homeowners looking to create a timeless look in their homes.

3 Types to Avoid

As an expert in painting, I can confidently say that you should steer clear of certain types of black paints, depending on your specific needs and preferences.

While black is a classic and timeless color, choosing the wrong type of black paint can result in an unsatisfactory outcome that is not up to your expectations.

1. Cheap or low-quality paints: Black paint can be particularly prone to issues like streaking, uneven coverage, or a lack of depth or richness. Cheap or low-quality black paints may be more likely to have these problems, so it’s worth investing in a higher-quality product if you want a professional result.
2. Black chalkboard paint: While it can be a fun and versatile option for DIY projects, it may not be the best choice for all applications. Chalkboard paint can be difficult to remove and may not adhere well to certain surfaces.
3. Black enamel paint: Enamel paint can be durable and glossy, but it can also be difficult to work with. It may require multiple coats and take longer to dry than other types of paint. Enamel paint can emit strong fumes, so it’s important to use it in a well-ventilated area.

FAQs

What is the best black paint for furniture?

You can rarely go wrong with painting furniture black as long as you nail the technique. It gives an elegant, timeless look that will make you fall in love with your old furniture all over again.

Of all the great options, my best black furniture paint is the PRESTIGE Paints Interior.

This paint is known for being easy to use. Its smooth application works well in various rooms, making it a flexible option for any home project. However, what makes it truly special is its outstanding quality and value.