Best Black Paint For Furniture
Black paint is a timeless classic that never goes out of style, making it an excellent choice for your furniture projects. The trick here is to choose the best black paint for furniture that will give you the look and finish you’re after.
Glossy, satin, semi-gloss or matte finish – it can be hard to decide which type is best for your project. Take a look at some of the best ones available to help you make the right choice! And hey, while you’re at it, check out other types of paint for furniture here.
For painting furniture black, you can’t just grab any old can from the home improvement store. Different kinds of paints have different properties that may work better or worse for your project, so take your time to choose the right paint.
And to help you make the best choice, I’ve compiled this list of the best black furniture paint. And the best part is that all of these paints are water based for easy clean up and without the nasty fumes of oil based paints!
From General Finishes Enduro Poly to Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel to Fusion Mineral Paint and more, I have all the best black paints here! Plus, if you’re on a budget, don’t miss our homemade chalk paint option with Behr Black Paint.
Get ready to give your furniture a makeover with the perfect black paint!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I also may earn from other qualifying purchases with other companies or get free product to review and use. All opinions are my own.
General Finishes Enduro Poly in Black
General Finishes Enduro Poly in Black is a spray-only paint that requires no topcoat! It’s perfect if you want a sleek and sophisticated look on your furniture.
Pros
- Easy application with spray only
- No topcoat needed
- Excellent coverage and protection
Cons
- Not suitable for brushing or rolling
- Prone to drips if not applied properly
Use a HVLP sprayer to get the best results. Make sure you use a primer before painting to help your paint stick better – especially if your furniture has a slick or laminated surface. Check out the best primers for painting furniture you can use here. See how I painted a dresser black with Black General Finishes Enduro Poly here.
where to buy General Finishes Enduro Poly in Black
- Etsy: Get the General Finishes Enduro Poly in Black HERE!
- Amazon: Order General Finishes Enduro Poly in Black HERE!
- Walmart: Get the General Finishes Enduro Poly in Black HERE!
Heirloom Traditions Paint in Iron Gate
Heirloom Traditions Paint in Iron Gate is an all-in-one paint that you can spray, brush, or roll on. It’s perfect if you want a beautiful matte finish on your furniture with no need for a topcoat. This paint goes on smoothly, no primer needed, and it’s especially great for slick laminate surfaces.
Learn everything you need to know about Heirloom Traditions Paint here. I also have a Heirloom Traditions All In One Paint review sharing my experience and thoughts on this paint.
Pros
- All-in-one paint – no topcoat needed!
- Easy to apply with spray, brush, or roller
- No primer required for most surfaces
- Excellent coverage and protection from wear and tear
Cons
- Not self-leveling – needs more coats to provide a smooth finish if brushing/rolling
- Prone to drips if not applied properly
Use a sprayer for the smoothest results, or a Staalmeester brush if you are brushing. Make sure to use primer if your furniture has any slick or laminated surfaces. Here’s a painting furniture black makeover with Heirloom Traditions Paint in Iron Gate.
where to buy Heirloom Traditions Paint in Iron Gate
- Amazon: Order Heirloom Traditions Paint in Iron Gate HERE!
- Walmart: Get the Heirloom Traditions Paint in Iron Gate HERE!
Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel in Tricorn Black
Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel in Tricorn Black is a fantastic option if you’re on the hunt for a paint that’s super easy to use. You can apply it with a brush, roller, or even a spray!
And get this, it gives amazing coverage and protection with no need for a topcoat! It’s seriously durable, so you won’t have to stress about touch-ups all the time. Here’s my honest Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel Review too!
Pros
- Easy to apply with brush, roller, or spray
- Excellent coverage and protection
- No topcoat needed – very durable!
Cons
- Requires primer for best paint adhesion
- Prone to drips if not applied properly
Grab a sprayer to apply this paint. If you’re more into brushing, a Staalmeester brush will do the trick and keep those brush marks to a minimum. Oh, and don’t forget to use primer before painting for better adhesion, especially if your furniture is all shiny and laminated.
Here’s everything you need to know about painting furniture with enamel paint. And check out this painting a dining table black with Sherwin Williams Urethane Trim Enamel in Tricorn Black.
where to buy Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel in Tricorn Black
- Website: Get Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel in Tricorn Black HERE!
Fusion Mineral Paint in Coal Black
Fusion Mineral Paint in Coal Black gives you a smooth, matte finish that’s got you covered. It’s low VOC, non-toxic, and doesn’t need a primer or topcoat! Easily apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer – perfect for effortless furniture painting.
Plus, the paint is highly durable and provides excellent coverage and protection against wear and tear. Check out my personal experience in our Fusion Mineral Paint review post here.
Pros
- Easy application with brush, roll, or sprayer
- Non-toxic
- Low VOC
- No topcoat or primer is required, but I recommend doing both for the most durable finish.
- Very durable
- Excellent coverage and protection
Cons
- Not self leveling – needs more coats to provide a smooth finish if brushing/rolling
- Prone to drips if not applied properly
For best application, start by cleaning your piece thoroughly and then lightly sand it with 220-grit sandpaper. Read through this post to learn more about what is the best sandpaper for furniture painting.
Apply two coats of Fusion Mineral Paint in Coal Black – be sure to let the first coat dry completely before you add the second one. For a brush free finish, use a sprayer or roller for smoother results. Let the paint dry completely before using your furniture. Here’s more on how to paint furniture without brush marks so you get those smooth results.
Check out this repainting furniture project using Fusion Mineral Paint in Coal Black.
Where to buy Fusion Mineral Paint in Coal Black
- Etsy: Get the Fusion Mineral Paint in Coal Black HERE!
- Amazon: Order Fusion Mineral Paint in Coal Black HERE!
General Finishes Milk Paint in Lamp Black
General Finishes Milk Paint in Lamp Black gives you a timeless matte finish that lasts. It’s a bit thin, so you might need a few more coats, but it levels itself out nicely.
Oh, and don’t forget to topcoat it once it’s dry – that way, your furniture stays protected from stains and scratches. Plus, this paint is low VOC and non-toxic for your peace of mind. Check out my honest and detailed General Finishes Milk Paint review here.
Pros
- Easy application with brush or roller
- Non-toxic
- Low VOC
- Self leveling – nice and smooth finish!
Cons
- Needs a few more coats than other paints
- Requires topcoat for maximum protection
- Requires primer to help the paint stick better to slick surfaces
- Prone to drips if not applied properly
For best results, use a brush or roller to apply and follow up with two coats of topcoat. Make sure you use primer before painting – that way, your furniture will look its very best! Let the paint dry completely before using your furniture.
I paint furniture black with General Finishes Milk Paint in Lamp Black in this post.
Where to buy General Finishes Milk Paint in Lamp Black
- Etsy: Get the General Finishes Milk Paint in Lamp Black HERE!
- Amazon: Order General Finishes Milk Paint in Lamp Black HERE!
Homemade Chalk Paint with Behr Black Paint
Homemade chalk paint with Behr Black Paint is the perfect budget-friendly option – it’s super easy to mix into any homemade chalk paint recipe for a smooth, matte finish. Plus, you can brush, roll, or spray it on – whatever works best for you! Check out the best paint brushes for painting furniture and the best rollers for painting furniture you can use for your projects.
Pros
- Cheapest option
- Easy to mix into any homemade chalk paint recipe
- Can be applied with a brush, roller, or sprayer
Cons
- Needs to be mixed into homemade chalk paint first before applying
- Requires topcoat for maximum protection
- Requires primer to help the paint stick better to slick surfaces
- Prone to drips if not applied properly
Follow my homemade chalk paint recipe that uses latex paint like Behr Paint and calcium carbonate powder here. I have this homemade chalk paint dresser makeover and this chalk painting end tables black makeover where I also used Behr for making chalk paint.
Where to buy Behr Black Paint
- Home Depot: Get Behr Black Paint HERE!
How to Topcoat Black Painted Furniture
If you want to give your black painted furniture an extra layer of protection and a glossy finish, you should topcoat it with polyurethane.
You can either spray poly or apply the poly by hand – just be sure that if you’re using oil based polyurethane, your water based paint is completely dry before applying it (which should take about 48 hours).
Start by giving your painted piece a light sanding using 220-grit sandpaper. Then stir the polyurethane before you begin applying it to get an even finish without any bubbles.
Be sure to use a brush or roller specifically designed for polyurethane and apply the topcoat in thin, even coats. Let each coat dry for at least four hours before you add a second one. You can learn all about topcoats for painting furniture here and the best paint brushes for polyurethane here.
Whether you’re looking for a matte finish, an eco-friendly paint, or just an affordable option, there is something out there for everyone.
If you’re after a smooth, matte finish that’s low VOC and non-toxic, Fusion Mineral Paint in Coal Black is the way to go!
For a timeless matte finish, General Finishes Milk Paint in Lamp Black is a solid choice, but it does require a few extra coats and a topcoat. And if you’re on a budget, you can’t go wrong with homemade chalk paint using Behr Black Paint!
With all this info, now you’re ready to start painting furniture black like a pro!
What is the best finish for black paint?
When it comes to choosing a finish for your black painted furniture, there are a few options to consider. Do you want a glossy finish? A matte finish? Or something in between?
One popular choice is a matte finish, which gives furniture a smooth and modern look with no shine. Another option is a satin or eggshell finish, which offers some sheen but still has a low luster. This can be great for adding some depth to your black painted pieces.
And if you want a high gloss look, consider using a semi gloss or gloss finish. This will give your furniture a dramatic and shiny finish, but can also show more imperfections in the surface.
Ultimately, the best finish for black paint depends on personal preference and the style of your space. Keep in mind that matte finishes tend to look dusty easier, especially on black or dark paints.
Matte finishes are great for modern or minimalist interiors, while satin or semi gloss finishes can add a touch of elegance. Gloss finishes are perfect for creating a statement piece and adding some drama to your decor.
Consider the overall aesthetic you’re going for and choose the finish that best complements it. And don’t forget to topcoat your black painted furniture for added protection and longevity!
More furniture paint ideas
- Best Paint For Spraying Furniture
- 10 Best Painted Furniture Colors
- Best Paints For Wood Furniture
- Red Painted Furniture Ideas
- Annie Sloan Chalk Painted Furniture
Follow us on YouTube to get more tips for painting furniture. Or share your project with us on our Facebook Group and be part of our community. See you there!