How to Paint Furniture Without Sanding or Priming

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Do you hate all the prep that goes into painting furniture? Do you wish you could skip the sanding and priming and have a brushstroke-free final product? Well, I’m going to let you in on my secret to perfectly painted furniture. And the best part is, there’s no sanding and no priming needed!

Do you have a table, chair, end table or even a desk that needs a new lease on life? Painting furniture is not only a great way to bring new life to old furniture but it’s also a thrifty way to redecorate a room. I love adding a new color to a piece of furniture to bring a completely new look to a space. I’ve done it so many times and the effect is always amazing.

Why Painting Furniture Can be such a Hassle

I know what you’re thinking—painting furniture is such a process! Between sanding and the priming, painting furniture just seams laborious! Plus, it’s not always feasible if you’re working indoors or don’t have the necessary tools and space. Sure it can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. The good news is, it all depends on what products you use!

Liquid Deglosser Instead of Sanding

When you’re looking to revamp your wooden furniture but want to skip the laborious sanding process, a liquid deglosser is your go-to solution. This handy chemical solution works by dulling the existing finish, preparing your furniture for a fresh coat of paint.

I especially recommend using the READY product by Kellie Smith–It’s the best liquid deglosser that I’ve found so far. And it even works great if you are going to paint furniture with a laminate surface or something that has some sheen or shiny surface to it (like these IKEA nightstands that I painted). This easy spray-on product removes dirt, grime and deglosses to prepare your surface to take the paint.

And while a few coats of paint is all you need, if you know your piece will get used a lot, I also advise adding a top coat of PROTECT, a satin poly that goes on slightly white and dries to a beautiful finish.

I used both READY and PROTECT on my Guest Room Nightstands and they have held up perfectly to regular use. My Handsome Dresser doesn’t have any additional product other than paint and is also still holding up perfectly!

Tips for Best Paint Adhesion

• Make sure to clean your surface well to remove any dust particles, dirt, or grease.
• As with any new paint process, I always start with a test patch in an inconspicuous area that isn’t noticeable in case it just doesn’t react well with your furniture.
• Apply it with even strokes to avoid any patchy areas that might not catch the paint as well.

By using a liquid deglosser, you sidestep the need for sanding and jump straight to painting, saving you time and energy while still ensuring your new paint adheres properly—a huge lifesaver if you ask me!

Kelli Smith Products for Painting Furniture Seamlessly

Here’s where I let you in on the secret to perfectly painted furniture…

When I want a quick makeover that still has amazing, long-lasting results, there’s a line of furniture paint that I always turn to. It’s called Velvet Finishes and it’s my secret weapon for painting furniture. Their paint provides beautiful rich colors with a soft, velvety finish. The best part is that there’s no sanding or priming needed!

Look at these items that I have previously painted. The only thing that I did to the dresser before painting it was to wipe any dust off it. Then I applied the paint with a paintbrush, allowed it to dry and applied a second coat. That was it! 5 years later, the paint is still holding up amazingly despite 2 moves!

Whether you’re new to DIY or an old pro, you’re going to love this line of products developed by Kellie Smith. Every piece I’ve painted with this line has turned out simply stunning.

Love to color your world? Check out the amazing lineup of colors available in the range:

If there’s not enough choice for you there the Velvet Finishes website also has color recipes for you to mix up a whole other slew of beautiful, bold colors.

My personal favorite colors?  Exotic, a beautiful shade of color and Handsome, a gorgeous navy-blue.

Interested in a more neutral color?  Check out my painted coffee table make-over from my living room—Velvet Finishes Farmhouse style!

Now that you know the secret to perfectly painted furniture are you ready to paint that piece of furniture you’ve been wanting to make-over? Velvet Finishes by Kelli Smith allows you to paint furniture without all those extra steps, saves time and money and achieves beautiful results.

How to Paint Wood Furniture Without Sanding

1. Start with a Sturdy Piece of Furniture

Whether it’s an old wood dresser you have in your home, or an antique you find at the thrift store, be sure that it’s got good bones and sturdy.

2. Thoroughly Clean the Furniture

Before you start your painting project, make sure your furniture is clean. You don’t have to do a deep clean, but I like to make sure there’s no dust, dirt, or strange gunk on it—you never know when there are kids in the house!

3. Degloss Instead of Sanding

Spray the READY product on your furniture to clean and prepare the surface for painting. Let it sit for a minute, then wipe it away. If there is any sheen left to your piece, repeat the process. The paint needs a clean surface for maximum adhesion. 

4. Use Kelli Smith Products for Painting Furniture Seamlessly

With even paint strokes, apply your paint onto your furniture. Repeat with a second coat of paint if needed. 

How to Paint Furniture Without Brush Marks

My favorite part about using Velvet Finish paint products is that it’s formulated so that the brush strokes disappear, making for easier and quicker painting process.

However, I always like to follow these techniques with any of my painting jobs. Whether using a brush, roller, or paint sprayer, applying your paint correctly is vital for the best results.

Using a Brush: For detailed areas or smaller pieces, a brush can be your go-to. Opt for a high-quality synthetic brush to minimize brush marks and get a smoother finish. Apply paint with even, long strokes and consider multiple thin coats rather than one thick one to avoid drips and build up a durable finish.

Using a Roller:  foam roller is preferable for flat surfaces and can cover larger areas faster. Use a small foam roller to apply a coat of paint in a thin, even layer. Roll in one direction to decrease the likelihood of air bubbles and improve the smooth finish.

Can I Paint Laminate or Veneer Without Sanding, too?

Yes! The READY deglosser that I use is perfect for veneer or laminate furniture pieces as I mentioned above.

Other Paint Options That Don’t Require Sanding

Depending on the overall look you want for your furniture, there are other non-sanding alternatives that might work for you, too.

• Chalk Paint: Usually used for that farmhouse style, this chalky finish paint sticks many surfaces without needing to sand or prep.
• Mineral Paint: This is one of the most durable no-sanding option, however, it is a bit pricier than the other options.
• Milk Paint: This is an eco-friendly, nontoxic and biodegradable paint option. When mixed with a bonding primer, there is no need for sanding. This option will give you a matte finish.