In this write-up, we take a look at the best paint for furniture without sanding. For our top selections, please refer to the table below:
![Chalk Style Paint - for Furniture, Home Decor, Crafts - Eco-Friendly - All-in-One - No Wax Needed (Cheesecake [Off White], Pint (16 oz))](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41VfiyeGroL._SL160_.jpg)
Table of Contents
Are you looking to paint your furniture? Painting old furniture is one of the best ways to transform it into a new one. Sanding it or applying wax before painting may be a time taking process.
But do you know there are a lot of different paint options that do not require sanding?
With just the right paint for your furniture and a brush, there are a lot of options you have nowadays. You can use furniture paints to paint your cabinets and even doors. In this article, let’s look at the best paint for furniture without sanding that will look great.
In this review, you will find,
- The best paint for furniture without sanding in the market.
- A helpful buyer’s guide.
- Answers to some FAQs
#1 Rust-Oleum Chalk Paint: Best Overall
Features
- Type of paint: 9.5/10
- Durability: 9.5/10
- Finish: 9.5/10
- Overall Score: 9.5/10
Technical Specifications
- Paint Type: Watercolor
- Color: Linen White
- Usage: Interior
- Finish Type: Matte
- Size: 30 Oz
Bottom Line
If you are looking for chalk finish paint that can be used in almost any indoor surface, then the one by rust-oleum is the best option to go for. It is easy to clean and gives a velvety smooth finish.
Pros
- Soft, warm colors
- Low odor
- Water-based
- No sanding or primer required
- Easy to clean with soap and water
Cons
- Some people found issues with bubbling while coating.
Type of Paint. You can transform your furniture with this chalk-based paint. You can paint it on any wood, metal, glass, or ceramic surface easily. The paint by rust-oleum is available in a variety of colors to choose from as per your need. It is best to use a good-quality foam brush to get a matte finish.
Dry Time. When you are don’t painting on any surface, it takes just 30 minutes to dry. You can easily apply one coating on the surface. One can cover 150 sq. ft. of space.
Durability. The quality of the paint is great, and it lasts a long time. It provides great adhesion and requires significantly less prep. This low-odor paint formula is easy to clean with soap and water.
Finish. It gives a smooth velvety finish. To get the best finish on any surface, it is better to use a good quality brush the surface with sandpaper or sponge. It is advised to wait for at least 30 minutes before applying the second coat.
#2 Shabby Chic Chalked Paint: Runner Up
Features
- Type of paint: 9/10
- Durability: 9/10
- Finish: 9.5/10
- Overall Score: 9.1/10
Technical Specifications
- Paint Type: Oil, Watercolor
- Color: Black Liquorice
- Usage: Windows
- Finish Type: Matte
- Size: 8.5 oz
Bottom Line
If you are looking for premium quality paint that does not use any harmful chemicals and fumes and is safe to use around children, then the chalk finish paint by shabby chic is a great option. This water-based paint is suitable to use on wood, metal, plastic, or stone.
Pros
- Long-lasting Durability
- Suitable to use on multiple surfaces
- Low odor
- Easy to use
Cons
- The paint can is very small and covers less area.
Type of Paint. This chalk-based watercolor is suitable to use on any wooden furniture, plastic, bricks, or metal surfaces. You can transform old wooden furniture or a picture frame and give it a new look. It does not require sanding or applying a primer before coating. It is great to use on interior and exterior surfaces. This paint is available in almost all colors.
Durability. This paint by shabby chic saves a lot of money and time. It covers a large surface and provides long-lasting durability. There is no prep work required before using the paint on any surface. You just need to clean the surface. It does not use any harsh chemicals or fumes, such as heavy metals or phthalates. This advanced formula paint is safe to use around children.
Finish. This non-toxic and low-odor paint gives a matte finish. This chalk-based paint is designed in such a way that it gives a distressed and imperfect finish. These are quite easy to use, and you can transform or paint any surface without the use of primer or undercoat.
#3 Country-Chic Chalk Style paint: Value For Money
Features
- Type of paint: 9/10
- Durability: 9/10
- Finish: 9/10
- Overall Score: 9/10
Technical Specifications
- Paint Type: Mineral
- Color: Cheesecake
- Usage: Interior or exterior
- Finish Type: Matte
- Size: 16 Oz
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a user-friendly paint that is safe to use in kids’ furniture, home décor items, or any craft projects, then this paint by country chic is a great option to go for. It is eco-friendly, has low VOC, does not use any harsh chemicals, and provides excellent adhesion.
Pros
- Eco-friendly and safe to use
- Low odor
- Excellent Adhesion
- You can apply on a variety of surfaces
- User-friendly and gives a beautiful result
Cons
- Scuffs easily
Type of Paint. This chalk-style all-in-one paint can be used on almost all surfaces. One good thing about this paint is that you cannot only use this paint on furniture but also on any home décor items or crafts. The paint is odor-free, and I find it good to use in any of my craft projects. It is available in various colors to choose from.
Durability. The paint is eco-friendly and safe to use on kids’ furniture. It provides excellent adhesion on a variety of different surfaces and gives excellent coverage. It has long-lasting durability and requires no prep work as such.
Dry Time: This paint dries very quickly in just 30 minutes and gives a chalky matte finish to the surface. It is perfect to use on both interior and exterior surfaces.
Finish. This paint is water-based and contains chalk, clay, and minerals that give excellent adhesion. The paint has a built-in primer and topcoat and does not require any wax or sanding. It gives a smooth chalky matte finish to the surface. However, it is pretty easy to distress but is durable. It gives an excellent finish in just one or two coatings.
#4 Rust-Oleum Milk Paint
Features
- Type of paint: 9/10
- Durability: 8.5/10
- Finish: 9/10
- Overall Score: 8.8/10
Technical Specifications
- Paint Type: Watercolor
- Color: Eclipse
- Usage: Indoor
- Finish Type: Matte
- Size: 32 oz
Bottom Line
If you are looking for light-textured paint that gives a matte finish and creates a modernized look, this paint by rust-oleum is an excellent option.
Pros
- Excellent adhesion
- Durable
- Textured matte finish
- Dries up quickly
Cons
- It needs more than two coats.
Type of paint. This milk paint finish is a water-based paint that is most suitable for furniture and home décor items. Since the paint is water-based, it is easy to clean with water and soap. It has a low odor and VOC. You need to wait for at least two hours to apply the second coat on any surface. You can recoat it as many times as you want and get the desired texture. It is available in 6 different colors to choose from.
Prep Time. Before applying the paint, you need to remove any hardware, clean the surface with a damp cloth, and remove all the dirt and dust. Start painting by applying a light coat first and then give some textures if you want to.
Durability. It gives great coverage and is durable. It provides great coverage of up to 125 sq. ft. in a single 32 oz can. It offers great adhesion and is easy to use on any surface.
Finish. This light texture matte finish paint gives a great look. In just one single coating, it provides a great look to any home décor or vintage items. You can layer the paint with different techniques and give it a custom look. If you want to give some accent details and textures to any home décor items or furniture, this is an excellent paint to have with a brushed effect.
#5 Country Chic Chalk Style paint
Features
- Type of paint: 9/10
- Durability: 8/10
- Finish: 8.5/10
- Overall Score: 8.5/10
Technical Specifications
- Paint Type: Chalk style
- Color: whoop-de-do
- Usage: Interior/ exterior
- Finish Type: Matte
- Size: 32 Oz
Bottom Line
If you are looking for an all-in-one paint formula with a built-in primer and topcoat that gives a matte finish and is durable, then the Country Chic Paint is a great option.
Pros
- Eco-friendly and safe
- Chalky finish
- Suitable to use in furniture and home decors.
- Built-in primer and topcoat
Cons
- It needs two to three coating.
Type of Paint. This all-in-one paint comes with a built-in primer and topcoat. Waxing after applying the paint is optional. This paint is most suitable to use in furniture and home décor items. You can even use it in craft and art projects as well.
Durability. It gives excellent coverage and excellent adhesion. It has great adhesive properties and can adhere to almost any type of surface, including wood, glass, or metal. It gives a long-lasting finish and is quite durable. It requires minimal or no prep work as such and is great to use on interior and exterior surfaces.
Finish. It gives a chalky finish and contains chalk, clay, and minerals. It gives a matte finish on the surfaces and dries in just 30 minutes. It is quite easy to distress and is durable. It has a very low odor and low VOC. It does not contain any harsh chemicals such as phthalates, formaldehyde, or any solvents. It has been certified with European toy safety standards and ensures safety. It is safe to use on children’s furniture.
#6 General Finishes Milk Paint
Features
- Type of paint: 8.5/10
- Durability: 7.5/10
- Finish: 8.5/10
- Overall Score: 8.1/10
Technical Specifications
- Paint Type: Watercolor, Acrylic
- Color: Alabaster
- Usage: Interior or exterior
- Finish Type: NA
- Size: 32 Oz
Bottom Line
If you are looking for water-based acrylic paint that gives a smooth finish on the interiors or exteriors, then the general finishes milk paint is a good option. It does not require a top coat and provides great adhesion.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to clean and maintain after applying.
- Excellent adhesion
- Suitable to use indoors and outdoors
Cons
- A bit expensive
Type of paint. These water-based paints do not require top coating. This type of paint is perfect for painting in raw wood or any existing finishes. It is just perfect for repurposing any old furniture. It is easy to clean and maintain after applying the paint. It is advised to apply two to three coats using a good quality roller or brush. Also, always mix or shake the can before applying it, so the color gets mixed properly.
Durability. The paint is quite durable and provides great adhesion. This paint uses high-quality acrylic resins, which gives better durability and adhesion on any surface you use. It is a good option to look for if you want a long-lasting finish on your chairs, tables, or cabinets. I have tested this paint on my kitchen cabinets, and it holds really well and is durable. You don’t need a top coat or sanding done before applying the paint.
Finish. This water-based acrylic paint has zero VOC and gives a flat, low luster shine. The consistency of this paint is quite smooth and thick and provides great coverage.
#7 Amy Howard at Home Paint
Features
- Type of paint: 8/10
- Durability: 7.5/10
- Finish: 7.5/10
- Overall Score: 7.6/10
Technical Specifications
- Paint Type: Watercolor
- Color: Ballet White
- Usage: Exterior
- Finish Type: Chalk Finish
- Size: 16 Oz
Bottom Line
If you are looking to paint without priming, sanding, or stripping, the Amy Howard one-step paint is a great option. It is eco-friendly and can be used on multiple surfaces.
Pros
- Dries Quickly in 20 minutes.
- Low VOC
- Easy to clean up
- Excellent coverage
Cons
- A bit expensive as compared to others.
Type of Paint. This Amy Howard paint is best for DIY furniture and repurposing. This one-step paint provides great coverage and is suitable to paint any furniture, cabinets, or décor items. It does not require primer or sanding before applying the paint. This one-step paint is easy to apply and requires very less prep time. Just clean the surface properly and remove all the dirt and grime before applying the paint.
Durability. This high-quality paint provides better durability and adhesion. It has a low VOC and is easy to clean with soap and water.
Finish. This high-quality paint gives a chalk paint finish. It dries up quickly in just 20 minutes and can cover up to 60 to 140 sq. ft. You can use it on multiple surfaces such as wood, fabric, stone, melamine, or any outdoor furniture and get a great finish.
#8 Retique It Paint
Features
- Type of paint: 7/10
- Durability: 7.5/10
- Finish: 7/10
- Overall Score: 7.1/10
Technical Specifications
- Paint Type: Chalk-based
- Color: Dove Grey
- Usage: Interior
- Finish Type: NA
- Size: 32 Oz
Bottom Line
If you are looking for an all-in-one paint with a built-in primer and topcoat and can be used on a variety of surfaces, then this Retique It chalk-based paint is a good option to go for.
Pros
- Built-in primer and coat
- It dries in just 30 minutes
- Eco-friendly and safe
- Great to use on indoor surfaces
Cons
- The paint comes out after some time.
Type of paint. This all-in-one furniture paint is great to use on indoor surfaces. It comes with a built-in primer and topcoat. It is eco-friendly and safe to use on kids’ furniture. It has a low odor and low VOC. You can clean the surface easily using soap and water. It comes in 40 different colors to choose from.
Durability. It provides great coverage and gives a long-lasting finish. It does not require any prep work as such. This type of paint is specially made for furniture and home décor items. You can even use it in craft projects as well. This type of paint is easy to distress but is quite durable.
Finish. It gives a chalky finish and dries in just 30 minutes. The paint is very smooth to apply if you use a good quality roller or brush. It gives a great finish in two coats.
Buyer’s Guide
Type of Paint
It is important to know the type of paint that best suits your needs. If you have a certain budget and requirements, you can choose good quality chalk paint. Most of the chalk paints do not require sanding and give a great finish. Using a soft brush to paint helps avoid any streaks in the furniture or walls.
You can also go for mineral or water-based paints, but they may be on the expensive side.
Durability
Looking at the durability of the paint is one of the essential factors to consider. The paint should look attractive, but it needs to last long as well. If the paint comes out soon, it is of no use. Ensure the paint you use is scratch-resistant and can be washed easily.
Finish
You may want to consider the final finish of the furniture or any space you want to paint. If you need to paint any indoor furniture, then a satin or glossy finish will give a great look. But if you want to paint any outdoor furniture, a matte finish will look great.
Dry Time
It is essential to see how long the paint takes to dry. When you choose any paint for your furniture, it is best to choose the one that takes less time to dry, especially if you have kids or pets at home, so that you don’t have to worry about any fingerprints that may ruin the finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of paint is best for furniture without sanding or wax?
The best paint that you can use for your furniture without sanding is chalk paints. The chalk paint by Rust-Oleum is one of the best paints to go for. Chalk paints give a great matte finish and are the most popular ones to choose from.
Can you paint on old wooden furniture without sanding?
Yes, you can. It is possible to paint on old wooden furniture without sanding or applying wax. But make sure you paint the surface correctly and choose paints that provide long-lasting protection and quality. Nowadays, there are a lot of different types of paints available to choose from. You can choose the paint type as per your need. So when you paint an item of old wooden furniture, make sure the coating is done correctly and gives protection.
What type of paint can you use on a dresser without sanding?
One of the best paints to use on a dresser without sanding is milk paint. It comes in powder form or premixed. If you mix it with a good quality-bonding agent, you don’t need any sanding done as such. Most milk paints are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and safe to use on kids’ furniture as well.
Is it easy to paint on varnished wood without sanding?
Yes, you can paint on varnished wood. However, you may find applying sand so that the paint is applied correctly. But nowadays, there are different types of paint available that do not require sanding. You need to choose the correct paint that gives a long-lasting finish.
Conclusion
You would like to refurnish your furniture or any décor item from time to time. You can transform old furniture and add a dash of colors and give it a new look. Finding the best paint for furniture without sanding is a quick and easy way to give a new look to your chairs, tables, or home decors.
We have marked the best three products in the article, but just to reiterate:
The Rust-Oleum Chalk Paint is the best paint for furniture without sanding. It can be used on a variety of different surfaces like wood, metal and can be easily distressed. The paint dries up quickly and has excellent adhesion. It gives a smooth velvety finish.
The Shabby Chic Chalked Paint is another excellent choice. It gives great coverage on a single coat and saves a lot of time and money. This water-based paint has a low odor and low VOC and is safe to use.
If you are looking for a value for money option, you can also consider the Country-Chic Chalk Style paint, which comes at a very reasonable price point.
