High-gloss finish furniture always looks so nice (and expensive). But it’s actually not hard to do, and you will love the glossy finished look. Let me show you what you can do to DIY this look at home!
High-Gloss Finish Furniture
On Chalk Paint
The chalk paint look is in, and Pinterest is filled with its glory! But I still think there is furniture that just needs a little gloss. Adding a high-gloss finish to your furniture is easy and fun. This painted furniture DIY has me excited for so many more DIY home projects! Are you with me?
DIY
Step One
Before you begin, it is very important to remove any previous coats of paint or finish, especially if it is peeling or in bad shape. The outcome of your project relies on getting all of that old stuff off! Plan to give your furniture a light sanding after you remove the old finish. The sanding provides a bit of a rough surface for the paint to grip.
Step Two
Pick out the color of paint or stain you like best, and purchase a can of high gloss polyurethane. Note that a high-gloss finish works great for furniture that gets a lot of wear and tear. This includes things like your kitchen table, your dining chairs, or any piece of kids’ room or playroom furniture. The coffee table in your family room is another great candidate for this!
Furniture that doesn’t see a lot of wear and tear may look better in a semi-glossy finish. But whatever finish you choose is up to you. Sometimes it’s fun to add a glossy finish to a table top, and a satiny finish to the rest.
Step Three: Painting Furniture
Paint or re-stain your furniture project. Once the finish is completely dry {refer to manufacturer instructions on your can of paint or stain}, you can add the high-gloss finish! This is the really fun part of this painting furniture project.
Step Four: How To Paint High-Gloss Finish Furniture
Once the new paint is thoroughly dry, it’s time for the real fun! Open your can of polyurethane and mix it completely using a paint stick. Stir slowly so you don’t introduce air bubbles into the poly. Use a paint brush to apply a light coating of polyurethane to the furniture. Work slowly and watch for air bubbles.
You can also use a pour on technique. All you do is pour on the polyurethane, a small amount at a time, and then spread it with a brush or foam roller to be sure it covers evenly.
High-Gloss Application Tips & Tricks
If you decide to add a second coat of polyurethane gloss to your furniture, it’s important to repeat the sanding process between coats. Sanding helps ensure that each coat adheres securely to your project.
When painting furniture, always make sure you apply paint and polyurethane with the furniture sitting on a drop cloth to protect surrounding surfaces. Adequate ventilation is also important, so open a window or two or work outdoors.
Never use any old varnishes or paint sitting in your garage. It’s best to get a new paint can every time. Your painted furniture looks better, and it’s better for your health.
For your next home DIY project, see how to create an aged copper finish on your home décor pieces.
So you are saying use a polyeurothain over a paint? But what if the paint is water base and the poly is oil?
Amber,
Yes! The polyutherane is what makes the paint glossy. If you’re worried about mixing oil and water based paints/polyutherane, read the label of your paint can! In my experience, it always outlines which are best to use!
I would stick with water based poly over water based paint.
Oh my gosh that cobalt blue is amazing. So eye catching and beautiful. I love how crisp it makes the room look. Wonderful… JUST wondeful 😀 LOVE IT.
It’s my favorite too! I was immediately inspired!
I’ve painted some furniture but have never used a high gloss finish. If I understand correctly, the polyurethane is clear and is used in the last step to give that glossy finish. So do you mix the paint with the polyurethane and if so what is the ratios? Also, wouldn’t oil based paint be best to use if mixing the two? Thanks so much and your furniture is beautiful!
Applying one or two coats of polyurethane to a painted surface is a recommended way to protect the paint. Use a water-based product if you’re concerned about color because it won’t yellow as much as an oil-based one. Oil-based polyurethane levels out to a smoother finish, although it takes several hours longer to dry. You can apply polyurethane over any type of paint, as long as it’s clean and has been properly prepared.
I just got through painting my night stand with chalk paint so I need to polyurethane it to protect my paint?
You should add a finish of some kind. If you did Annie Sloan you can use their wax finish you you can use a finish you feel more comfortable with. Chalk paint will be hard to wash if it’s not finished
You would use wax over chalk paint.
How would the poly do if applied to a small, painted bathroom counter? Working on a remodel and would like to make the countertop. Would it hold up to inevitable splashes and moisture?
Thank you for the tips, I love high gloss finish thank you again!
Just finished painting cane furniture with chalk paint. Disappointed don’t like the finish.
What can I do to get a satin sheen.
Can I use clear polyurethane.
Thanks for your help
Hi, can you please tell me the name of that orange brush? I have one…mines says 30 on it as well and for the life of me I can not remember where I got it from and it is my best brush for poly. Thanks so much.