Top 9 Best Paint for Plywood Floor, Cabinets, and Furniture

When it comes to selecting the best paint for plywood surfaces, a few critical considerations come into play.

Your choice of paint and primer hinges on factors such as the condition of the plywood and your desired finish.

This guide will delve into the diverse paint and primer options available, assisting you in making the perfect selection for your project.

So, whether you want to enhance plywood floors, cabinets, or furniture, let’s explore the top recommendations to ensure your painting yields the best results.

Our Top Picks

Best Paint for Plywood

1. Rust-Oleum 1990502 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint – Best overall paint for plywood
2. Ready Seal 520 Exterior Stain and Sealer – Best paint for plywood furniture
3. Modern Masters 296681 Front Door Paint – Best paint for plywood cabinets
4. KILZ Over Armor Wood & Concrete Resurfacer – Best paint for exterior plywood
5. Krylon K05648007 COLORmaxx Acrylic Latex – Best paint for plywood floor
6. RECOLOR Paint Recycled Interior Latex Paint – Best paint for plywood ceiling
7. Minwax Wood Finish 227644444 True Black Stain – Best black paint for plywood
8. Prestige Exterior Paint and Primer in One – Best primer paint for plywood
9. Majic Paints 8-1501-4 Diamond Hard Acrylic – Best enamel paint for plywood

Best Paint for Plywood Reviews

1. Best overall paint for plywood – Rust-Oleum 1990502 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint

When painting plywood, especially for high-traffic areas like shed floors, the Rust-Oleum 1990502 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint stands out as the ultimate choice. I’ve had the pleasure of using this paint, and it’s proven itself to be the best overall option.

One of its most impressive qualities is its durability. It can withstand the rigors of foot traffic without cracking or peeling once it’s dry. Whether you’re tackling an indoor or outdoor project, this paint performs admirably and lives up to its reputation.

What makes it even more appealing is its affordability and ease of application. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality, making it a smart investment. Plus, it’s user-friendly, making it suitable for both seasoned DIY enthusiasts and beginners.

This latex-based paint offers a wide range of color options, from glossy white to bold reds and greens, allowing you to achieve the desired aesthetic for your project.

One of the standout features is its lack of strong odors. You won’t have to endure noxious fumes for weeks after painting plywood, ensuring a more pleasant experience.

For optimal results, I’ve found that lightly sanding the surface and using a quality plywood primer before applying this paint is crucial. Stirring the paint and primer thoroughly and applying three thin coats, as opposed to two thick ones, guarantees complete coverage and a smoother finish.

While it excels in many aspects, it’s essential to note that using a high-quality brush, rather than a roller, is recommended for the best results. This paint delivers on its promise of durability and ensures a flawless surface for most DIY projects.

What We Liked Most

• Versatile for indoor and outdoor use.
• Exceptional durability, ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Affordability without compromising quality.
• Wide range of color options.
• Minimal odor for a more comfortable painting experience.

What Could Be Improved

• Requires proper surface preparation and primer for optimal results.
• Brush application is recommended, which may require more time and effort than using a roller.

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2. Best paint for plywood furniture – Ready Seal 520 Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood

The Ready Seal 520 Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood is tailored for painting plywood furniture and other wood projects. Staining birch plywood or any other painting project does not have to be stressful if you use the right paint.

Using this paint is easy, even if you are a beginner. It promises a smooth finish without brush marks, runs, or laps.

Ready Seal 520, an oil-based paint, offers exceptional versatility in its application methods. Whether you prefer a sprayer, roller, or brush, this paint adapts seamlessly to your chosen technique, making it a user-friendly option for various painting plywood projects.

Unlike certain paints that demand specific weather conditions for optimal results, Ready Seal 520 is a resilient choice. It empowers you to continue your project regardless of the weather, ensuring that rain or adverse conditions won’t impede your progress.

One of the standout qualities of this product is its ability to elevate the innate beauty of wood. When applied, it allows the natural texture and grain of the wood to shine through, granting your plywood furniture a captivating, natural, and visually appealing appearance.

Ready Seal 520 offers the dual benefits of functioning both as a stain and a sealer. This versatility eliminates the need for additional purchases of oil-based primers, saving you money and simplifying your painting process.

What We Liked Most

• Hassle-free ready-to-use formula.
• Functions as both stain and sealer, reducing the need for additional primers.
• Enhances natural wood beauty.
• Weather-resistant, allowing painting plywood in varying conditions.
• Versatile application methods (sprayer, roller, brush).

What Could Be Improved

• Drying time depends on surface porosity and local conditions.
• Specific user feedback on pros and cons is missing.

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3. Best paint for plywood cabinets – Modern Masters 296681 Front Door Paint

For a quick and effortless transformation of your cabinet-grade plywood, look no further than Modern Masters 296681 Front Door Paint, which is our top pick for painting plywood cabinets.

This high-quality paint can work wonders in just a day, revitalizing the appearance of your cabinets.

What truly sets this product apart is its long-lasting brilliance. The vibrant colors it offers will remain just as stunning decades down the line. Whether it’s an interior or exterior cabinet, this paint can swiftly breathe new life into it.

Notably, it’s water-based, ensuring durability without the emission of strong fumes during application. This makes it a safe choice for both your living space and the environment. Its quick drying time allows you to complete your cabinet makeover efficiently.

Here are some key steps to consider before applying this paint:

1. Thoroughly prepare and dry the surfaces.
2. Seal off non-paintable sections with painter’s tape.
3. Stir the paint thoroughly and start by painting the door edge near the hinges.
4. Remove or repaint hardware, numbers, and trim around windows.
5. Follow a top-to-bottom and left-to-right painting pattern for a polished finish.

Choose this paint, and you’ll witness the transformation of your cabinets. It works wonders on worn-out surfaces, reviving them to their former glory.

Whether you’re refreshing an existing surface or dealing with a bare or oil-based one, this paint can bring vibrancy and style to your cabinets.

What We Liked Most

• Quick and effortless transformation.
• Long-lasting, brilliant colors.
• Safe, water-based formula with minimal fumes.
• Swift drying time for efficient painting.

What Could Be Improved

• Pricey but worth it since a little goes a long way

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4. Best paint for plywood outside – KILZ Over Armor Wood & Concrete Resurfacer

This is your product if you need a revolutionary, waterproofing, solid color coating that revitalizes old, worn wood or concrete. Use this acrylic paint to fill holes and hide imperfections on wood.

It also works wonders on cracked vertical and horizontal surfaces such as railings, decks, or porches. Please do not use it on drivable surfaces or your boat.

When painting plywood in the exterior, apply two coats for maximum durability.

Note that this product has the consistency of mud or tar; hence a bit challenging to apply. Brushing it over a rough surface such as concrete requires much effort, so brace yourself for it.

Use a large paintbrush. Do not worry, though; your results are worth every effort. For best results, prep the surface well and ensure the area is free of dirt, dust, and grime.

The paint dries quickly. So do not work under direct sunlight. Also, embark on your painting project when there’s no rain in the forecast for a few days. Use a putty knife to get the paint out of the can.

You can plop a scoop of it after every twelve inches and spend the next three hours on your hands and knees, spreading it further. You may not have to do two coats this way.

You can do just one coat and go through and touch up the sections that may need more. You’ll be so satisfied with the results that you’ll forget about how hard you worked for the results.

What We Liked Most

• Durable
• Works as marketed
• Completely waterproof even to stagnant water

What Could Be Improved

• It’s very thick but makes up for it in quality

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5. Best paint for plywood floor – Krylon K05648007 COLORmaxx Acrylic

Plywood flooring wears out with time, just like other surfaces. This could be a good fit if you need to breathe new life into your plywood project using acrylic paint latex. 

You can use this plywood paint on various crafts and objects. It’s easy to apply even if you have no experience. On top of that, you can use it on interior and exterior plywood projects. 

Suppose you need a semi-gloss paint with excellent adhesion to metal, wood, drywall, masonry, ceramic, metal, etc. In that case, your search ends with this product. It dries to the touch in just an hour. 

The most refined black hue is ideal for various applications, from furniture to imaginative touch-ups, and the semi-gloss finish offers a gleaming luster. Let the paint dry for two hours without interfering with it. 

 Stir this acrylic latex paint thoroughly with a stirring stick before using it. If you feel it is still too thick, add tiny amounts of water at a time to thin it to a brushable consistency.

The paint goes on smoothly and has superb coverage. Use it to do touch-ups on your iron rail, picnic table, handrail, kitchen table, benches, etc. They’ll look new even if you’ve had them for ages.

What We Liked Most

• Ease of use
• Excellent coverage
• You can use it on different surfaces

What Could Be Improved

• It’s too thin but covers well

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6. Best paint for plywood ceiling – RECOLOR Paint Recycled Interior Latex Paint

You know that the environment is nobody’s property to destroy but everyone’s responsibility to protect.

So grab this product if you care about your environment and need a paint formulated with all aspects of nature conservation.

It is a durable, environmentally friendly paint you can use on different surfaces such as metal, concrete, vinyl, aluminium siding, plywood surface, etc. The drying time ranges from two to six hours.

Cleaning is simple, using only soap and water. Please note that colors may differ from batch to batch. To ensure color consistency, combine paint from different batches.

For professional results, properly prime the surfaces with a water-based primer. Before applying this product, you can also prime your surfaces with oil-based primers and follow the manufacturer’s instructions keenly when painting the sanded plywood.

The paint will go on smoothly and cover in a coat or two. It’s affordable, produces no strong fumes, and its quality is second to none. This washable latex paint gives your surfaces a matte finish, not a high gloss finish.

It is available in different colors, and you can mix different shades to get the color you want. The paint is a bit thin, so you will need to apply two coats, as with most paints.

What We Liked Most

• Superb coverage
• Odorless
• You can use it on different surfaces

What Could Be Improved

• Thin but acceptable

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7. Black paint for plywood Best – Minwax Wood Finish 227644444

This could be a great fit if you need a plywood stain that will give you excellent colors in a single application. This product is one of the best oil-based primers you can use on plywood projects designed for interior use.

Use it on cabinets, wood furniture, doors, etc. (Here’s how to paint your kitchen cabinets like a professional). You’ll be happy with the results for a long time. It deeply penetrates the wood allowing the wood grain to shine through.

The beauty of this product is that it dries out in record time. So you do not have to wait for it to dry for hours on end so that you can continue using the stained surfaces as before.

After application, it takes five minutes to permeate the wood pores, and it won’t strip. The paint dries in two hours, making staining plywood and other wood surfaces a fantastic experience.

It’s simple to apply. Just be sure to use the stain in the direction of the wood grain and wait for five to fifteen minutes before wiping off excess paint.

Note the color will become richer the longer you wait. Preparation is vital for exceptional results.

Prep the surfaces by sanding the wood surface and then use pre-stain to avoid an imminent battle with blotches and streaks.

Sand lightly with a fine grit ( 220) between coats and remove the dust to promote better adhesion of subsequent coats. Apply coats as needed to get richer colors. You’ll love the finished product.

What We Liked Most

• Dries quickly
• It has an as excellent uniform color
• Superior coverage

What Could Be Improved

• It’s a bit thin

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8. Best primer paint for plywood – Prestige Exterior Paint and Primer in One

This is your product if you need latex paint to paint plywood and conceal surface imperfections such as dents and patches simultaneously.

This Prestige paint is an incredible exterior paint appropriate for exterior surfaces such as suitably prepared bare wood, masonry, factory primed siding, aluminium, cement board siding, etc. 

Please note that actual paint colors might differ from those seen on-screen or in print. Clean the surfaces thoroughly before applying this plywood paint.

Ensure your plywood project is free of grime, dirt, wax, soap residue, and loose or flaking paint for professional results. High gloss or semi-gloss sections must be sanded to dull them.

Use an oil-based primer to coat all virgin, fresh, and factory-primed wood. It is a self-priming product, so you do not have to buy a primer separately. Your paint project will not stress you if you use this product.

Stir this paint and primer extensively before use and mix the provided colors to ensure color consistency. Then, apply with a top-quality brush, roller, or pad painter as directed. You can also spray paint this product.

Just slightly thin it with water if you need it if you are spray painting plywood. For great results, apply when the temperature in your area is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid overspreading the paint.

Please do not use this product indoors; go for specific prestige interior paint. The dry time will differ based on the temperature and humidity of your geographical location.

It generally takes one or two hours to dry, but allow the paint to cure overnight before recoating. You’ll get a matte finish on your surfaces which is great for hiding wood flaws.

What We Liked Most

• Easy to use
• Gorgeous colors
• Excellent as concealing wood imperfection

What Could Be Improved

• You may have to thin it to spray paint it

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9. Best enamel paint for plywood – Majic Paints 8-1501-4 Diamond Hard Acrylic

If you are looking for an all-purpose acrylic paint for your DIY project, this is your paint. You can use it on wood, metal, glass, steel, tile, drywall, brick, copper, plastics, masonry, etc.

It is a low-odor formula meaning that it won’t emit strong fumes when used, and you will not inhale the upsetting paint smell for days after using it. It’s also non-flammable, so you won’t risk fire when or after using the product.

It is a water-based acrylic that gives oil-based paints a run. The paint is rust-resistant to ensure that the surfaces retain their superior gloss and color for years. It also has a phenomenal ability to withstand scratch and scuff marks.

Another critical aspect of this paint is thinning it with water at about twenty per cent and getting incredible results. This paint also goes on well, mixes well, and can work significantly with an airbrush when thinned.

It has good coverage, making it easy to find your desired colors. You get what you pay for in life most of the time. The bottle may be small to some people, but that makes up for its quality and effectiveness.

If you value high-quality paint with everything that comes with it, you’ll have no problem with this product. It is the answer to your prayers.

What We Liked Most

• Works as advertised
• It covers even laminate surfaces superbly well
• Easy to work with, even with no experience

What Could Be Improved

• Small bottle size but such a high-quality paint

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Best Paint for Plywood Comparison Table

Type of Plywood For Painting 

You can paint any type of plywood as long as it is free of defects. You can sand the plywood edges to make them smooth by removing all the rough sections to create paint-grade plywood that won’t have knots on the wood surface and then paint it with the color of your choice. 

So, you do not have to go for the pricey premium veneers such as maple or oak if you need a painted plywood floor.

Just sand any affordable plywood and paint it with water-based paint, as these paints are effortless to use, have low VOCs, and have a simple water and soap cleanup.

What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Plywood?

The best paint to use on plywood is water-based paints such as acrylic latex paint. Acrylic latex paints are easier to work with because they dry faster, letting you finish your plywood projects in no time. Epoxy paints are also a great choice since they are durable and effective.

Whatever kind of paint you opt for, ensure it is high-quality paint and apply it following the instructions on the can for the best possible results.

High-quality paints have a significant percentage of solids, resulting in a more durable and thicker finish and requiring fewer coats.

Education: What to Consider When Buying Plywood Paint

You do not just hop in a home improvement store or hardware store and buy any paint that pleases you. You’ll be disappointed if you do so because plywood paints differ greatly.

What works for you might disappoint someone else because projects and colors vary. Your assignment, the type of paints you used, and the procedure determine the results you get.

Consider the factors below to help you pick the right paint for plywood projects.

Is your project indoors or outdoors

If you want to use the paint for indoor applications, buy paint for interior use. If your plywood project is outdoors, go for exterior paint. Nonetheless, some paints can be used both indoors and outdoors.

The type of finish you want

Do you need a semi-gloss, high gloss, matte, or satin finish? Choose a product that spells out the type of finish it gives to surfaces.

The color of the finished product

Plywood paints are available in different colors. Go for a color that blends with the decor of your home. Check whether you can mix some colors from the brand to create the color of your dreams.

Painting Plywood Furniture: How to Paint Plywood

If you get the right paint, painting plywood does not have to make you scratch your head bald.

Whether you desire a high gloss finish, matte, satin, or a smooth finish, it is achievable if you use the correct paint and follow the proper procedure. Follow the steps below to help you paint plywood like a pro.

Your budget

Buy a paint that’s within your budget. You can even save up for a while to buy high-quality paints from known brands like Walmart because though they are pricey, they save you loads of cash and time in the long run. Plus, Walmart’s return policy on paint is quite reasonable, allowing you to exchange or return the paint if you’re dissatisfied with the color or quality.

Research a product before purchasing it to verify whether it is worth it.

Painting on Plywood Step by step

Step 1: Fill in nail holes with a wood filler

We always want the best in everything. For best results, conceal surface flaws before painting the plywood. For this, you’ll need a high-quality wood filler.

Use a decent scraper and wear gloves when smoothing the plywood gaps, crannies, and nooks to the same level as the plywood surfaces. Sand the surface with electric sanders, orbital sanders, or sand by hand with a sanding block.

Allow the wood filler to set for forty-five minutes to an hour, based on the temperature and your chosen product. Sand down wood filler that is no longer flush with the plywood surface.

Step 2: Sand exposed edges and clean the wood surface

If you are passionate about your plywood project, consider rounding its rough edges. This adds some extra protection when moving your furniture. You can also decide how round you need exposed plywood edges to be.

You may use a power sander. Smooth down the plywood edges with a fine-grit sandpaper. If your plywood does not have a finish, apply joint compound to the face of each wood and the edges.

Apply the mixture with a putty knife and spread it uniformly. Cover all of the holes that you filled with wood filler. Allow the joint compound to dry for at least 24 hours.

Step 3: Apply plywood primer

Once the entire surface is clean, apply your favorite primer with a brush, roller, or paint sprayer available online or at your local hardware store. If you intend to use an electric sprayer, ensure it is primer-safe.

Apply two coats of primer to plywood surfaces. Allow four to six hours for the layers to dry completely.

Before applying the paint, lightly sand the plywood projects between applications to prevent dust and other particles from compromising the surface.

Keep in mind that plywood paint and primer can be hazardous if inhaled. Work in a well-ventilated space and wear suitable protective equipment.

Step 4: Apply the initial thin coat of plywood paint

After the primer has dried thoroughly, you may begin applying your first layer of paint. Apply a uniform, thin coat to the entire surface.

Do not worry about ensuring the primer is not visible underneath when applying the first layer. This is only the first coat, and thin coats are preferable over heavy coats, even if you can notice the primer at first.

Step 5: Lightly Sand Between coats

Give the painted plywood floor a light sanding between applications to ensure a smooth finished product.

Once the plywood paint is completely dry, lightly rub a new 180 – 220 fine-grit sandpaper over the painted surface.

This will remove any flaws that arose during the painting process. Remove dust accumulated after sanding between applications using a vacuum or a clean, dry towel. 

Step 6: Apply additional coats as needed

It is advisable to apply multiple thin coats to achieve a smooth and sturdy final finish. This is crucial if the surface will receive a lot of foot traffic.

Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second coat. This helps to stop the color from cracking or peeling. Apply a top coat and always follow the instructions on the can for professional results. 

FAQs

What paint to use on plywood?

You can use any type of paint on a plywood surface. It all depends on your budget, project, color, and style. Picking the best paint for plywood will not be challenging if you understand your project well.

It is one of the most critical aspects of determining the paint you use. In a nutshell, pick a paint available in different colors so that you can easily find your dream color without the trouble of mixing different shades.

Also, go for a stain you can use indoors and outdoors and work on just about any surface as it gives a lot of flexibility. 

Our top pick is Rust-Oleum 1990502 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint. It’s easy to use, applicable on multiple surfaces, suitable for interior and exterior use, effective, and affordable.