9 Best Black Paint For Wood Furniture

Personally, no color is more striking and elegant than black paint when I’m doing a furniture makeover.

Painting wooden furniture black can make it look new and expensive. It will also be better at not getting scratched than other colors.

However, finding the right paint and applying it properly is essential – if not done correctly, your furniture can look bland.

With that in mind, I’ve prepared a list of nine of the best black paint for furniture and a guide to help you pick the best.

But before I dive into that, let’s quickly go over the benefits of using black paint.

Our Top Picks

Best Black Furniture Paint

1. Fusion Mineral Paint – Best mineral black wood paint for furniture
2. Shabby Chic – Best matte black paint for wood furniture
3. Country Chic Chalk Style Paint – Best black chalk paint for furniture
4. Rust-Oleum Latex Paint – Best black semi gloss paint for furniture
5. Dixie Belle Paint Company – Best for Novices
6. General Finishes Milk Paint – Best Self Sealing black paint for furniture
7. Krylon Fusion Spray Paint – Best Black Spray Paint
8. Retique It Chalk Furniture Paint by Renaissance DIY – Best for DIY
9. General Finishes Enduro – Best black satin paint for furniture

Why Black Paint For Furniture

If you’re looking for a classic and timeless look for your furniture makeover, black paint is an excellent option to consider. 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 personal aesthetic.

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

9 Best Black Wood Furniture Paint

When I’m looking for the best black furniture paint, I consider several parameters.

• Do I want an 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?

It’s also important to choose a paint that is specifically designed for use on wood furniture and that will adhere well to the surface.

1. Best mineral black wood paint for furniture – Fusion Mineral Paint

If you’re looking for a really dark shade, you can’t go wrong with the Fusion mineral paint coal black.

This mineral paint has everything you need, whether you’re a pro painter or just starting out.

It’s an all-in-one product that doesn’t need a primer or topcoat, making it incredibly easy and fast to apply.

Plus, it’s 100% acrylic, which makes it self-leveling and smooth when I use a wet brush.

I’m also impressed with the care that went into this product – it’s lead-free, non-toxic, and releases very low VOCs.

And to top it all off, there’s barely any smell, which makes it a great choice for kids.

In terms of coverage, I can get a lot done with just two coats and I don’t have to worry about running out – the paint spreads well.

The only downside is that it takes three weeks to cure, but that’s expected for water-based paints.

All in all, Fusion mineral paint coal black is a great choice for anyone who wants to get the job done quickly and easily.

What I Liked Most

• It is self-leveling
• Low VOC emissions
• Doesn’t need a primer or sealer
• It has good coverage

What Could Be Improved

• It requires research before applying
• It isn’t cheap

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2. 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 own 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. Just 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, which is a known carcinogenic, as well as 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 to bother with a lot of 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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3. Best black chalk paint for furniture – Country Chic Chalk Style Paint

I recently discovered a mineral paint that has exceeded my expectations.

Country Chic has managed to combine the best features of two other paints on my list; it gives an attractive rustic look and is an all-in-one solution. For over eighty years, this manufacturer has been creating great products for DIY enthusiasts seeking style as well as functionality.

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 – a fact confirmed by its certification to European Toy Safety standards. This means it is perfect for surfaces used by kids.

In addition, no harsh chemicals are 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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4. Best black semi gloss paint for furniture – Rust-Oleum Latex Paint

When it comes to 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 that I can use this water-based acrylic formula on any surface from wood to unglazed ceramic, both indoors and outdoors.

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

I find that this product does a great job of resisting chips and protecting my furniture without needing a top coat. The small can offers 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 really appreciate how quickly I can wrap up my project with this paint compared to most others. The only thing to make sure of is that you stir it properly before application 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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5. 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, and frankly, you don’t need a second coat. As long as you are painting a dark surface that has been properly cleaned, you’ll be fine with one coat.

If this is all you needed, then this would be the easiest paint in the world. Unfortunately, you need to take it a step 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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6. 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, and it works 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.

Plus, 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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7. Best Black Spray Paint – Krylon Fusion Spray Paint

I love the Krylon Fusion All-in-one water resistant spray paint for its matte black finish. It’s a great solution if you don’t want to spend time sanding or brushing.

The adhesion is excellent, so all I need to do is prepare the surface and start spraying. This is a great product for furniture that have multiple materials like metal, plastic, or PVC.

Within 20 minutes, it’s dry to the touch and I don’t need to sand between coats. The finish is smooth and doesn’t drip or run. I can use this indoors and outdoors and it even provides rust protection for hinges and locks. Painting your door hinges with this product is a quick and hassle-free process, yielding professional-looking results.

The only downside is coverage; the 12 oz can covers 25 sq ft, which is good for a spray. But still less efficient than brushing.

Also, keep this product away from children and pets as it’s solvent-based and should only be used in well-ventilated areas.

What I Liked Most

• Primer and paint
• It doesn’t need sanding
• You don’t need any other tools
• It dries quickly

What Could Be Improved

• Low coverage compared to brushing paints
• It contains solvents

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8. 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 to use, 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 unto any background and lays on thick, which means 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. Within thirty minutes, the midnight black paint is dry and ready for wax.

You can also distress it if needed. An additional benefit is that cleaning up is a breeze; all 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’ concern, “can I use exterior paint indoors?” What’s more is that 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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9. Best black satin paint for furniture– General Finishes Enduro

Finally, we have another grand product from General Finishes. The Enduro black poly is a faux paint and polyurethane blend that yields a brilliant black and durable finish.

Given its tough finish, this product is best for cabinets, tables and millwork. Thanks to the urethane blend, you really don’t need a topcoat.

While many of the other products claim the same, this satin black furniture paint will protect your cabinets from water, chemical spills, and scratches for a very long time.

Despite being more urethane than paint, the finish is just as good as any on this list. You can apply this satin black wood paint on raw wood or reused wood.

What further sets this apart from the others is that you can get the same great result with an HVLP sprayer, making it one of the easiest to use.

As you would expect, you don’t need a primer. It also dries quickly, and you don’t need more than two coats. You do, however, need to sand between coats using a fine grit.

Unfortunately, this product might come in a plastic jug, but it doesn’t affect the print quality. The finish is smooth but has very little gloss.

What I Liked Most About This Satin Black Paint for Wood

• It can be sprayed on
• Easy to use
• Dries quickly
• You don’t need a top coat or primer

What Could Be Improved

• It comes in a plastic jug
• Has low gloss

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Best Black Paint For Wood Furniture Comparison Table

How to Apply Black Paint Flawlessly

If you want picture-perfect black painted wood 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 need to do.

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

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

This will allow you clean and paint every surface of the furniture, 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 just 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 and dry with a microfiber or a lint-free cloth, then leave it to dry.

Step 3: Apply wood filler

Once your furniture is thoroughly dry, 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 get rid of residual finish, you can 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. Afterward, 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 even dust, it pays to be meticulous.

Now, you are ready to apply the paint furniture black. 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

Paint does not adhere well to wood, which is why it is helpful to apply primer on it. The only instance I would suggest that you don’t apply primer is if the paint you chose doesn’t need it.

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

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 also 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 get it ready for the next step.

Step 3: Apply the first coat of paint

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

If you are painting 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 are using 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 get rid of the dust.

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

Step 5: Apply the second coat

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

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 keep it 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 wood 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.

In that case, you can use the aforementioned paint or Fusion mineral paint. For a more traditional look, General Finishes is a great option, 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 bristles that glide, 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 how to clean 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 choose in order to minimize the number of coats you apply.

When it comes to sanding between coats, the Krylon spray paint, and the Dixie Bell paint set themselves apart from the rest.

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.

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

However, if you want to buy chalk paint so that you can see some of the brush strokes, then any of the 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 appropriate state.

For painters who want a perfectly smooth finish and will be working on a lot of projects, you might want something that can be sprayed easily, like the Enduro Poly.

Read: Best floor paint for wood floors.

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, dizziness.

For homes with small children, it is prudent to use the least toxic interior paint possible. The black chalk paint options on our list are all non-toxic.

The only other options to stay away from are the Krylon paint sprayer and the Enduro Poly. However, once these paints dry, they are perfectly healthy. If you are going to 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.

When considering the price, you also need to think about the added tools you’ll need. In the example above, Dixie Bell has more coverage, but you also need to buy clear wax as your topcoat.

You can get away with not 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 to only 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, making it 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 a great option 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 is perfect for adding 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 the field of painting, I can confidently say that there are certain types of black paints that you should steer clear of, 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 truly professional-looking result.
2. Black chalkboard paint: While black chalkboard paint 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 it may not adhere well to certain surfaces.
3. Black enamel paint: Enamel paint can be durable and glossy, but it can also be quite difficult to work with. It may require multiple coats, and it may take longer to dry than other types of paint. Additionally, 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 color for furniture?

Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black is the best for dark colored furniture based on the feedback from many designers and homeowners. It has a rich, deep black hue that can add drama and sophistication to any piece. It also pairs well with a variety of antique furniture paint colors and finishes, making it a versatile option.

Are black stain and black paint the same?

No, black stain is not the same thing as black paint. Black stain penetrates the wood and allows you to see the grain pattern of the furniture, while black paint stays on top of the wood. You can also apply paint furniture that has been stained, whether old stain or new stain.

Can you paint furniture black without sanding?

Yes, it is possible to paint furniture black without sanding, but the results may not be as good. Sanding between coats has several benefits, including keeping the wood grain down, removing brush strokes, and improving adhesion.

Is chalk paint the best option for black painted furniture?

Not necessarily. Chalk paint is very popular because many users like to distress black painted furniture because it gives a desirable look similar to Pottery Barn and other popular furniture makers. However, painting furniture black with milk paint and latex paint are also great options.

Read also: Best paint for glass windows.

Is matte furniture paint good?

Matte wood paint can be a good option for furniture if you want a smooth and velvety finish that hides imperfections well. However, matte black wood paint may not be as durable as other finishes and can be harder to clean. It’s important to properly prepare the surface and apply a protective topcoat for added durability.

What is the best black paint for furniture?

You can almost never go wrong with painting furniture black, as long as you nail the technique, of course. 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 General Finishes milk paint.

This is the best black paint for most users, as it has low VOCs, can be brushed, or you can use a spray gun. It is also durable, can be applied on raw wood, and is budget-friendly.

Now you have your paint, you might need the Best Sander for Removing Paint from Wood.