Best Acrylic Paint for Furniture

One of the most important aspects to consider when painting furniture is the type of paint for furniture to use. While there are many options, acrylic paint has become a popular choice for DIY furniture makeovers. But how do you know which is the best acrylic paint for furniture?

We’ll highlight the top acrylic brands available in the market, so you know exactly which products to look for. We’ll also discuss the benefits of acrylic paint, how it compares to other paints, and how to properly use it. So if you’re planning to update your furniture with acrylic paint, keep reading!

painting acrylic paint onto furniture with text overlay

Acrylic paint has become a go-to choice for furniture makeovers for many DIY-ers and professionals alike. With its versatility, ease of use, and smooth finish, you can easily transform your old furniture into stylish pieces. Whether you want a classic solid finish or a more distressed farmhouse look, acrylic paint can help you get your desired results.

It’s a waterbased paint, making it easy to clean up and low in VOCs, making it eco friendly. Its self leveling properties also make it beginner friendly as it minimizes brush marks for a smooth finish with minimal effort. Plus, acrylic paint dries quickly so you can complete your project faster.

You can use it straight from the can, and you can apply it using a brush or a paint sprayer. For low traffic areas, you can even skip the sealing step. So you can see how acrylic paint is a convenient and hassle free choice as well.

Many people also choose acrylic paint because it sticks better than chalk paint. While chalk paint has its own set of benefits, acrylic paint offers a stronger bond with furniture surfaces. So acrylic paint is definitely reliable if you want your painted furniture to last.

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What Is The Difference Between Chalk Paint and Acrylic Paint?

Speaking of chalk paint, let’s compare it to acrylic paint. You might be choosing between these two paints, so this would be helpful. While both are waterbased and easy to use, there are a few key differences between the two.

First, acrylic paint dries to a smoother finish with less visible brush marks. They both dry to a matte finish, but acrylic paint levels out better. Especially when using a brush, there is less need to worry about brush marks with acrylic paint.

chalk paint and acrylic paint brushed onto furniture

Another main difference is the bonding ability of acrylic paint. As mentioned above, it sticks better to furniture surfaces compared to chalk paint. So you can still expect acrylic paint to have a stronger bond and last longer on your furniture.

We do still recommend preparing furniture for painting so you can get the best results with any type of paint. Here’s a more detailed chalk paint vs acrylic paint post you can check out to learn more about these paints side by side.

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Best Acrylic Paint for Furniture

Now that you know the benefits of acrylic paint and how it compares to chalk paint, let’s dive into the best acrylic paint brands for furniture. We’ve listed down our top picks based on their quality, ease of use, and availability in the market.

General Finishes Milk Paint

So let’s talk about General Finishes Milk Paint. One major advantage of this paint is its self-leveling properties. It levels really well so you don’t have to worry about brush marks or uneven finishes.

However, this paint is on the pricier end compared to other acrylic paints. Additionally, there are not as many color options available with General Finishes Milk Paint. So if you’re looking for a specific or unique color, you may be limited with this brand.

Overall, if you’re willing to spend a little more for quality and convenience, General Finishes Milk Paint is a great choice. Check out our General Finishes Milk Paint review for more of our thoughts on this paint. Here’s a post on painting with General Finishes Milk Paint to help you get started when you decide to go for it.

Paint Couture Paint

Next on the list is Paint Couture Paint. This time, the color selection is a definite highlight. With over 40 colors to choose from, you can find the perfect shade for your furniture makeover. Plus, this paint also self-levels really well, giving you a smooth and flawless finish.

Paint Couture Paint is only available online though, so you do have to wait for it to be shipped before starting your project. And it also comes with a higher price tag. But if you’re willing to splurge for the perfect paint and color, this one is worth considering!

Waverly Chalk Paint

Now we also have Waverly Chalk Paint. It’s an acrylic based paint that is easy to use and is known for its exceptional coverage. You can get a significant transformation with just one coat, though you can always apply a second coat for more intensity.

One of the best things about Waverly Chalk Paint is its affordable price point. You can find it in Walmart stores for local pickup, so no need to wait for shipping if you need it right away. It does have fewer color options compared to other brands, but if you’re not too picky about color, and you’re more concerned about your budget, then you should go for Waverly Chalk Paint.

Read our Waverly chalk paint review and this post on everything you need to know about Waverly chalk paint. Here’s how to use Waverly chalk paint for a step by step guide on using this paint.

Fusion Mineral Paint

Another acrylic based paint to look into is Fusion Mineral Paint. Now if you’re particular about paint color, and you’re eager to find a specific shade, then Fusion Mineral Paint is the brand for you. They have an amazing selection, with over 50 colors to choose from. So whether you’re going for a bold and vibrant look or a soft and muted finish, there’s sure to be a color that suits your style and home.

But to be honest, it doesn’t level as well as other acrylic paints on this list. So the finish may not be as smooth and flawless. Fusion Mineral Paint is also expensive, so it’s not the most budget friendly and may not be suitable for larger projects where you need more paint.

However, if color selection is at the top of your priority list and you don’t mind spending a little more for the color you want in their line, then you should consider Fusion Mineral Paint! You can read our Fusion Mineral Paint review to learn more about this paint and its overall performance.

I’m a huge fan of acrylic paint because of its awesome self leveling feature that gives furniture a smooth finish, and all of these options are fantastic. When it comes to the best acrylic paints for furniture, General Finishes Milk Paint, Paint Couture Paint, and Waverly Chalk Paint are my top picks!

How to Paint Furniture with Acrylic Paint

Now that you’ve decided to use acrylic paint and which brand to go with, it’s time to finally paint your furniture. But how exactly do you use acrylic paint on furniture? This is how it usually goes!

First, you’ll need to prep furniture for painting by removing all hardware and giving it a good cleaning with a degreaser. Next, scuff sand the surface and wipe it down for a smooth and clean base for painting. For even better results, apply one of the best primers for painting furniture before starting with the acrylic paint.

applying clear shellac primer before painting

You can use a high quality brush or roller to apply long and even strokes of paint onto the furniture. If you’re using a paint sprayer, make sure to thin out the acrylic paint with water first. Acrylic paint is pretty thick, so thinning it will make for a smoother application.

Here’s our list of the best paint brushes, best rollers, and best HVLP paint sprayers for furniture to help you decide which brush, roller, or paint sprayer is the right one for your project!

Seal your acrylic painted furniture with a waterbased polyurethane for added protection and durability. If you don’t have any idea how to do this, here’s sealing painted furniture to learn more about how to choose the right sealant for your project.

applying topcoat to furniture painted with acrylic paint

Check out our painting furniture with acrylic paint post for a more detailed guide on how to use acrylic paint on furniture, along with tips and tricks.

We hope this has been helpful in your search for the perfect acrylic paint. Remember to always consider factors like performance, color selection, and price when choosing the acrylic paint brand for your furniture projects.

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Best Acrylic Paint for Furniture

What Is The Difference Between Chalk Paint and Acrylic Paint?