How to Paint a Sideboard: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Stefie Liptrot
A sideboard is a stylish and practical piece of furniture that can make the perfect addition to a living or dining room. Whether your well-loved piece of furniture needs a refresh or you just fancy a new look for your sideboard, painting it is a great way to breathe new life into it.
In this blog, we'll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to paint a sideboard, offering tips and tricks to help you achieve a professional finish.
Contents
What you need to paint a sideboard
Prepare the workspace and sideboard
What you need to paint a sideboard
Before you begin, gather all the materials you’ll need to ensure a smooth and successful painting process.
- Screwdriver - to remove hardware like knobs and handles.
- Protective sheet - to protect your floors and surrounding surfaces.
- Sandpaper - preferably 120-220 grit.
- Primer - use a primer that’s compatible with wood surfaces.
- Paint - chalk paint, satin, or matt finish paint for furniture.
- Paintbrushes - angled brushes for details and a larger brush for broader surfaces.
- Small roller - optional for smooth, even coverage.
- Masking tape - to mask off areas you don’t want to paint.
- Wood filler - optional to fix any dents or holes.
- Clear protective finish - to protect the paint.
Step 1: Prepare the workspace and sideboard
Start with a clean, well-organised workspace. Gather everything you need so you have it on hand, and cover the surrounding space to protect it from any paint drips.
- Use a large cloth or old bed sheet to cover the floor or any nearby furniture. If you can, work in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage or outdoor space, to avoid inhaling fumes from paint and primer.
- Remove all items from the sideboard, including shelves and drawers.
- Take off any hardware, such as knobs, handles, or hinges. You want to avoid painting over them, which can leave a messy finish or damage hardware. If you have wooden knobs, you may want to paint over them separately, or you can replace the hardware for a fresh look.
Step 2: Clean and prepare the surface
Cleaning the sideboard before you start ensures the paint adheres properly to the surface.
- Wipe down the entire surface of the sideboard with a duster or dry microfibre cloth to remove dust. Then, wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grease.
- Remove any layers of wax, polish or oil. These create a barrier between the wood and paint, meaning it could flake off when dried.
Step 3: Sand the sideboard
Sanding is an important part of upcycling wooden furniture as it helps smooth the surface and ensures the paint sticks well.
- Use medium-grit sandpaper (120-150 grit) for the initial sanding, followed by finer sandpaper (220 grit) for smoothing the surface after sanding.
- Focus on rough areas, scratches, or old paint and work your way over the entire surface, including the edges and corners. Don’t worry about making the wood perfectly smooth; it just needs to be enough to help the paint stick.
- Wipe the sideboard with a cloth to remove all sanding dust.
Step 4: Apply filler if needed
Look over your sideboard to see if you notice any dents, cracks, or holes. If you find any, use wood filler to repair them.
- Apply the filler with a putty knife. Smooth it over the damaged area until it's flat with the surface of the wood.
- Leave the filler to dry completely (according to the instructions) before lightly sanding it to a smooth finish.
Wood filler is an important step for sideboards that have been damaged by years of wear and tear in busy households. Filling in imperfections before painting means you can ensure the sideboard looks as good as new when it's finished.
Step 5: Prime the surface
Priming is an important step when upcycling wooden furniture as it helps create a smooth base for the paint, helps it stick, and prevents stains from bleeding through the paint.
- Use a high-quality wood primer and apply it with a brush, making sure to cover all surfaces, including the sides, edges, and legs.
- If your sideboard has intricate details, use an angled brush to get into corners and crevices.
- Allow the primer to dry completely. This can take about 1-2 hours, but depends on the type and brand of primer you use - check the instructions.
Some furniture paints will also prime the wood. If so, you can skip this step and get to painting.
Step 6: Paint the sideboard
When the primer has dried, it's time to paint your sideboard. Choose a high-quality paint that's designed for furniture. Chalk paint is popular for its smooth, matt finish and minimal prep work, but satin or semi-gloss paints are also great options.
- Make sure your paint is well mixed before applying it.
- Choose a high-quality angled brush for detail work around edges and intricate areas if you're using a brush. For larger surfaces, use a bigger brush or roller for smoother coverage.
- Apply the first coat of paint in thin, even layers, working with the grain of the wood. Use thin layers of paint to give you a more professional finish. If you're using a roller, make sure to roll in one direction to avoid streaks and uneven texture.
- After applying the first coat, allow it to dry for a few hours.
- Once dry, inspect the coverage and decide if you need to apply a second coat. You may need an additional coat for darker colours to achieve full coverage. Repeat the process until you're satisfied with the colour and finish.
Top Tip: If you want an extra smooth finish, lightly sand the sideboard between coats of paint using fine-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections and give the second coat a smoother surface to adhere to. Just make sure to wipe away any dust with a clean cloth before applying the next layer of paint.
Step 8: Apply a clear protective finish
When your last coat of paint has dried completely, it’s time to protect your newly painted sideboard with a clear finish. A sealer will protect the paint from scratches, water stains, and general wear and tear.
Apply a thin layer using a clean brush, following the wood grain. If you want a more durable finish, apply a second coat, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. For a soft, matt look, apply a coat of furniture wax with a soft cloth, work it in small sections, and buff the surface to shine.
Step 9: Reattach the hardware and final touches
Now that your sideboard is completely painted and sealed, it’s time to reattach any hardware you removed earlier. If you’ve decided to update the hardware, such as replacing old knobs or handles with more modern pieces, this is the perfect time to do so. The final touch can make a huge difference in the overall look of your sideboard.
Take a moment to check for any areas that may need touch-ups. If everything looks perfect, you can replace the sideboard and fill it with your favourite items.
Discover affordable sideboards to refresh your home decor
Following these steps will help you paint your sideboard to a quality standard, creating a piece of furniture that looks as good as new.
Whether your furniture needs a refresh or you need it to match a new colour scheme, painting furniture is a great way to upcycle pieces for longer use.
If it’s time to look for a new sideboard, check out our stylish range of affordable sideboards in various sizes and styles to find the perfect match for your home.
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