Save time and create a professional look

Now, before we being this tutorial, we should address one important issue right off the bat. Many articles on the Internet differ on their opinion of whether or not to sand furniture before painting. In this post, we offer a unique solution that includes our recommendation to paint without sanding.

We don't do this lightly (no pun intended).

We need to introduce you to the star player of this tutorial: Oil Bond. While many other posts on the Internet claim to offer no sanding-options for repainting furniture, Oil Bond is the only product out there that truly offers a professional grade paint job without sanding. Is it really true that your paint won’t crack or peel when avoiding sanding? Yes, it's possible.

But, there's a caveat. You have to use this "miracle additive". Oil Bond is one of the most unique painting products available right now. It has been recognized by companies like This Old House (who named Oil Bond a Top 100 Product of 2015), the PDCA, Blogging Painters, and other professional painting websites for its unique and exceptional capabilities. 

"Don’t be tempted to skip (sanding)… proper sanding will ensure an even, smooth finish that is not prone to chipping" - Bob Villa

We respectively disagree, Bob.

Actually, the team at This Old House would normally say the same thing. Yet, after discovering Oil Bond, they had this say:

"Eliminate the tedious prep step of sanding and priming with this miracle additive: Wipe it on to clean and degloss, mix it into your latex paint, and it bonds to itself to form a no-peel finish." - This Old House

See the full post here.

Now that we've convinced you, let's get started on your pro paint job! 

1. Remove The Hardware and Prepare New Knobs, Handles

One of the best ways to freshen up an old piece of furniture like the dresser above is to give it a fresh paint job. And taking it a step further, we suggest spending a few extra bucks to buy new knobs and handles. It can really enhance and modernize an old piece and give it a new look.

2. Clean the Surface

This is hugely important, especially because the method we're giving in this post will skip over sanding. That's right. No sanding for you! You'll be able to achieve an amazing and professional grade paint job without sanding. We’ll explain more how later. For now, hang with us. Make sure all the dust and dirt is gone. You can use a simple rag and water.

3. Remove Residue Or Build Ups

Once again, ensuring the surface is clean and clear of any dirt or build up will be essential since we aren't sanding. Check for any buildups and wipe them away before proceeding to the next step. 

Professional painters know it takes a lot of effort to sand away the old paint and finish. You can create the same professional look with the same professional result by wiping away any imperfections. Assuming the furniture piece is whole, and free of major dings and imperfections, it'll turn out great without sanding. 

NOTE: Dealing with dings, gashes, other imperfections? Apply wood fill in the cracks, let it dry and then sand the wood fill away before following the rest of this tutorial.

4. Wipe it down with Oil Bond

Take a clean cloth and with a bottle of Oil Bond, gently apply a generous enough amount of Oil Bond to cover the surface of the piece. This first application will create a "backing" for the eventual paint. Like velcro, the Oil Bond treated surface will create a powerful two-way adhesion.

5. Skip The Sanding!

It's true. Move right along to the next step, partner. 

6. Priming is optional

Now, it's time to bring out the brushes. We actually don't require priming for this tutorial. Oil Bond acts very much like a primer and therefore doesn't require it. Though, priming certainly won't hurt anything. When using primer, follow the instructions on your Oil Bond bottle. Add it directly and stir well. 16 ounces of Oil Bond treats one gallon of primer. The main consideration here is color-matching. Particularly for more classic and conservative colors, primer isn't necessary. But, brighter colors may benefit from an application. You decide.

7. Add Oil Bond to your Paint

Now, we're going to add Oil Bond directly into your new paint.

Note: Don't use Oil-Based Paint. 

We suggest using a clean bucket for this process since there isn't enough room in a new bottle of paint to add Oil Bond, obviously. Following the instructions on your Oil Bond bottle, add it directly into your paint and stir well. 16 ounces of Oil Bond treats one gallon of latex paint. 

8. Paint!

You're all set. Paint directly on the furniture. 

8. Add New Hardware

The dresser above has great new look for an older, more classic dresser design. What ideas do you have for your next repainted furniture piece? 

Skeptical? Do a "Scratch Test"

If you're skeptical about achieving a professional grade paint job without sanding (as you should be!), simply try it out first on the piece before painting. Then, giving it enough time to fully cure, scratch the surface of the paint with your fingernail. If the paint chips or peels easily, it didn't work. However, the paint should feel strong and fully-adhered to the surface. It should also be level, and free of brush marks, or flashing (uneven paint sheen).

Tell us how your project goes!