I get asked what paint I prefer for furniture and cabinets all the time which is why this little tidbit of information gets a dedicated post all for itself.
Sherwin Williams Pro Calssic paint is my go-to paint for furniture and cabinets. It levels out beautifully, dries hard, and cleans fairly well so you don’t need a topcoat. I sometimes add a topcoat anyway if I’m painting kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Just because I do.
I generally use a water based paint and add a little Floetrol. Floetrol is a paint additive that gives you more working time — it doesn’t dry as fast, giving you more time to make sure you’ve brushed it out evenly and not left any drips or lines on your surface. Floetrol also aids the leveling process and helps eliminate brush marks.
I use the same paint combination when rolling, brushing or spraying furniture or cabinets.
That is all.
See all my painting tips here.
I’ll have to remember that floetrol stuff next time I get the urge to paint some furniture. Thanks for the tips!
What is the ratio of paint to Floeterol?
Your specific paint will specify the ratio in the directions on the can for dilution. Or, the Floetrol bottle will. I add a little, stir and test it out. I don’t measure – I just go by feel.
Hi there! I love your work/projects! We just got a house that needs a ton or work and one of the things we are doing is turning a room into a master closet. My question is do you see paint strokes using the paint mentioned above? I get a little OCD when it comes to paint strokes in cabinetry and moldings. Have you ever sprayed it? Do most carpenters do it by hand?
Thanks!
I don’t but there’s definitely more to a good finish than just paint. Your applicator is important as well as the temperature, humidity… It takes practice to get a good finish. I do spray sometimes if it’s a large built-in. I generally roll and brush though.
Hi Sandra:
Love your blog! You inspired me to remodel my closet. I am almost done with building and installing MDF boxes and priming and painting is next. Do you add Floetrol to your primer, too, or only to paint, since you have to sand the surface after priming anyway? Any other tips on getting a good paint finish?
Thank you,
Dmitriy