Best Matte Black Paint for Furniture

If you’re thinking about painting some furniture black, you’ll need to choose the right type of paint for furniture so that the job is done well and looks great. So here’s the best black matte paint for furniture.

If you’ve been searching for the perfect matte black paint for your furniture, check out our list below. We’ve got you covered with some great options that will make your furniture look amazing!

different matte black paint for furniture

Black matte paint can give furniture a modern and sophisticated look. And black is black, right? Sadly it’s not that easy. It all can become very confusing.

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Besides all the different shades of black, there are many brands of black furniture paint. So we narrowed down the search for you. You can’t go wrong with these options!

You can also check out the furniture makeovers we have done using these paints so you can see how they look on real furniture.

Best Matte Black Furniture Paint 

I’ve used many brands of matte black paint, and these are some of the best ones I have found when painting furniture.

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.

Fusion Mineral Paint – Coal Black

jar of fusion mineral paint in coal black

When it comes to black furniture paints, Fusion Mineral Paint is a great one.

It grabs onto furniture and doesn’t let go, making this paint one of the best paints when painting a piece of furniture that will go in a high-traffic area like a hallway or kitchen.

It is one of the best for durability, goes on smoothly, and adheres nicely to furniture. 

Pros: 

  • Very durable
  • Adheres very well
  • No top coat needed for durability
  • Waterbased, low VOC and easy cleanup

Cons: 

  • It doesn’t level as well as others (using a Staalmeester brush helps prevent brush marks) 

Check out this bench using Fusion Mineral Paint in Coal Black.

Where to Buy Fusion Mineral Paint – Coal Black

General Finishes Milk Paint – Lamp Black

can of general finishes milk paint in lamp black

General Finishes Milk Paint is one of the best self-leveling paints, which means it is formulated to dry evenly over surfaces as it dries.

When painting with General Finishes, you’ll get fantastic adhesion and a smooth finish.

Pros: 

  • Very durable
  • Great adhesion
  • It levels out very well
  • Waterbased, low VOC and easy cleanup

Cons: 

  • Top coat needed for high traffic areas
  • Thin paint, so you’ll need more coats

Check out how I painted furniture black using General Finishes Milk Paint in Lamp Black.

Where to Buy General Finishes Milk Paint – Lamp Black

Paint Couture Paint – Baltic Black

can of paint couture paint in baltic black

The best thing about Paint Couture Paint is that it has amazing adhesion and self leveling properties.

It is much like the General Finishes Milk Paint and will adhere greatly to painted or varnished furniture.

Pros:

  • Very durable
  • Great adhesion
  • Levels out amazingly 
  • Waterbased, low VOC and easy cleanup

Cons: 

  • Top coat needed for high traffic areas 

Check out this kitchen table makeover using Paint Couture Paint in Baltic Black.

Where to Buy Paint Couture Paint – Baltic Black

Waverly Chalk Paint – Ink

bottle of waverly chalk paint in ink

When it comes to budget-friendly paint and with great adhesion, this black matte furniture paint is an excellent choice.

Waverly Chalk Paint is a true matte paint, but should be topcoated for best durability. Here’s everything you need to know about Waverly Chalk Paint.

Pros: 

  • Great adhesion
  • Levels out nicely when thinned
  • Waterbased, low VOC and easy cleanup

Cons: 

  • Needs to be topcoated for best durability and washability

Check out this post on chalk painting furniture black where I used Waverly Chalk Paint in Ink for a buffet makeover.

Where to Buy Waverly Chalk Paint – Ink

Country Chic Paint – Liquorice

jar of country chic paint in liquorice

This black chalk paint has great adhesion, a true matte black finish, and has great coverage. But Country Chic Paint should be topcoated for best durability.

Check out my honest and detailed Country Chic Paint Review here.

Pros: 

  • Great adhesion
  • Levels out nicely when thinned
  • Waterbased, low VOC and easy cleanup

Cons: 

  • Needs to be topcoated for best durability and washability

Check out this coffee table makeover using Country Chic Paint in Liquorice.

Where to Buy Country Chic Paint – Liquorice

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Shackteau Interiors Milk Paint – Black Beach

pouch of shackteau interiors powdered milk paint in black beach

Shackteau Interiors prides itself in its natural milk paint! It is made from elements that pre-date the chemicals and toxins used in modern paint, making it biodegradable, non-toxic, and natural.

Since this is natural, powdered milk paint, you’ll need to mix the powder with water. Here’s more on how to use milk paint on furniture.

Pros: 

  • Non toxic, all natural
  • It can be used on baby furniture

Cons: 

  • Must be mixed with water
  • Harder to work with if you want a traditional finish
  • Can create a “chippy” look easily 
  • Should be topcoated

Check out this milk painted dresser makeover with Shackteau Interiors Milk Paint in Black Beach.

Where to Buy Shackteau Interiors Milk Paint – Black Beach

Behr Chalk Spray Paint – Classic Noir

bottle of behr chalk spray paint in classic noir

I recently compared the best spray paints for furniture use, and the best chalk spray paints… and Behr Chalk Spray Paint was the winner.

The can is perfectly shaped for holding, and the nozzle doesn’t hurt your finger. This paint can go on almost every surface, like glass, wood, and metal. It adheres so well, even without scuff sanding!

Plus, it dries to the touch in about 15 minutes and is perfect, and is drip and run-resistant. Learn more about how to use spray chalk paint here!

Pros:

  • No topcoat needed
  • Great adhesion
  • Very durable

Cons: 

  • Toxic fumes, so it should be used outside
  • Can be messy 

Check out this front porch makeover using Behr Chalk Spray Paint.

Where to Buy Behr Chalk Spray Paint – Classic Noir

Best Matte Top Coats

For added durability and protection with any of these paints, you’ll want to make sure you finish your project with a top coat.

Or, if you use a black paint in a different sheen, the topcoat can change it to a matte sheen.

If you want the best protection for your furniture though, it’s best to topcoat with a higher sheen, and finish off with a matte sheen for the matte look.

Here are some of the best matte topcoats.

General Finishes Flat out Flat Waterbased Topcoat

This topcoat is a true matte topcoat.

Although matte topcoats aren’t the most durable sheen of topcoat, it makes for the perfect topcoat for decorative pieces in the living room or master bedroom. 

Pros:

  • Spray or brush it on
  • Dries clear
  • Waterbased, low VOC and easy cleanup

Cons:

  • You can’t roll it on because it will bubble
  • Not as durable as other sheens of topcoat
  • It can be streaky if you brush it over black or dark paint

Learn more about topcoats for painting furniture here.

Where to Buy General Finishes Flat out Flat Waterbased Topcoat

Minwax Polycrylic Matte in a Spray Can

minwax waterbased polycrylic matte in a spray can

Another excellent option for a matte topcoat, but this time it’s a “spray paint”. This spray topcoat is the best option if you want to spray your freshly painted furniture with a matte look.

Pros:

  • Professional looking finish
  • No streaks
  • Dries clear

Cons:

  • Not as durable as other sheens of topcoat
  • Must be used outside
  • It can be messy without protection on items around you

Check out this post on painting with General Finishes Milk Paint where I used Minwax Polycrylic Spray for an end table makeover. (I’ve only used the satin finish, not the matte finish)

Where to Buy Minwax Polycrylic Matte in a Spray Can

Fusion Mineral Beeswax 

jar of fusion mineral beeswax

Rounding out the list is this mineral beeswax topcoat. It’s anti-yellowing and easy to use!

The best thing about the Fusion Mineral Beeswax is it doesn’t look streaky when put on black or dark paint. Many other brands of wax often leave a hazy look.

Pros:

  • It doesn’t look streaky on black paint
  • Adds a little sheen but is still matte black
  • No toxic fumes

Cons:

  • Not as durable as the Polycrylic 

Check out this post on repainting furniture where I used Fusion Mineral Beeswax for a flat file cabinet makeover.

Where to Buy Fusion Mineral Beeswax 

There are so many brands of black paint for wood furniture. When looking for the best matte black furniture paint, it can be hard to decide which one is the best choice for your project.

If you choose any of these paints or topcoats, you’ll end up with a beautiful piece of furniture! 

How To Paint Furniture Matte Black

There’s no need to break out the black spray paint or paint sprayer for this project. I mean, unless you’re using Behr Spray Paint.

You can get beautiful results by painting furniture black by hand! You’ll need to follow a few steps when grabbing that paintbrush and getting to work: 

  • Remove hardware
  • Clean the furniture
  • Scuff sand (for better results)
  • Prime (for better results)
  • Paint
  • Topcoat (if needed)
  • Attach hardware
  • Let cure

Learn more about how to easily paint black furniture here and read this post for more black painted furniture ideas.

Is Matte Paint Good For Furniture? 

Yes and no. Matte paint creates a smooth surface and is ideal for older furniture pieces because after a few coats, shallow dents seem to disappear.

Even larger imperfections, when fixed with wood filler and painted over with matte furniture paint, end up looking flawless! 

But, matte paint easily collects dust and fingerprints. Especially if it hasn’t been topcoated. Check out how easy painting furniture black is with no topcoat here.

If matte isn’t your preference, we have a list of the best black paint for furniture here for more options.

How to Clean Matte Black Furniture

Matte black furniture can add a sleek and modern look to any room. However, it can be difficult to keep this type of furniture clean. Here are a few tips on how to clean matte black furniture:

  • Start by dusting the surfaces with a soft cloth or a dusting brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.
  • If there are any fingerprints or smudges on the surface, you can gently wipe them away with a microfiber cloth dampened with water.
  • For tougher stains, you can try mixing together equal parts water and vinegar. (Test it out on a conspicuous spot first.) Apply this mixture to the stain with a sponge or cloth, and then wipe away with a clean, damp cloth.

Remember not to let water sit on any furniture. By following these simple tips, you can keep your matte black furniture looking like new for years to come.

Don’t be afraid to try something new, whether it be a new color like black, a new brand of furniture paint, or a new finish.

DIY furniture projects are supposed to be fun, and you’re allowed to experiment with funky handles or drawer liners and paint color too! 

Read our post on painting furniture for all the tips, tricks and ideas to help you with your painting projects.

Matte vs Glossy Finish on Furniture

Matte and glossy finishes are 2 popular options for furniture paint. A matte finish has a flat, non-shiny appearance while a glossy finish is reflective and shiny.

So which one should you choose? Well, it ultimately depends on your personal preference and the style you’re going for in your space.

Some people prefer the sleek and modern look of a glossy finish. It can make a piece of furniture stand out and give it a more refined look. However, glossy finishes can also show fingerprints and smudges more easily than matte finishes.

On the other hand, a matte finish has a more muted and subtle appearance. It’s great for creating a rustic or vintage look. Plus, it doesn’t show imperfections as much as a glossy finish does. However, matte finishes can be a bit harder to clean and maintain.

Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and the style you want to create. If you want a bold and eye-catching look, go for glossy. If you prefer a more understated and natural vibe, then opt for matte.

And if you can’t decide, why not try both? You can create some interesting contrasts by using a combination of matte and glossy finishes on different pieces of furniture.

For example, you could have a glossy black accent table paired with a matte black dresser. It’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for your space.

No matter if you go for matte or glossy, remember to seal your furniture with a topcoat. This will not only help enhance the appearance of your chosen finish but also protect the painted surface from wear and tear.

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