How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Furniture With Paint?
Painting and refinishing furniture is one of the best value DIY projects you can do — a thrift-store dresser or a tired inherited nightstand can come out looking like a designer piece for under $100 in supplies. This calculator helps you budget a project accurately so you know going in how much you will spend and how much you save versus buying comparable new furniture.
How Much Paint Does a Furniture Project Really Need?
Coverage varies by paint type, color, and surface. As a rough guide:
- Nightstand / small side table — 1 quart (two coats)
- Standard 6-drawer dresser — 1 to 2 quarts (two coats)
- Large wardrobe or bookcase — 1 gallon
- Full dining table and chairs — 1 gallon
Choosing the Right Paint Type
- Chalk paint — adheres without priming, dries to a matte finish, waxes easily. Typical cost: $18–$45 per quart. The go-to for decorative pieces.
- Mineral paint — similar to chalk paint but built-in topcoat. Slightly more durable. $20–$45 per quart.
- Latex / acrylic cabinet paint — durable, self-leveling, great for kitchen cabinets and high-use furniture. Usually needs primer. $25–$60 per quart.
- Oil-based alkyd — hardest finish. Long dry times. Best for tabletops and high-wear surfaces. $30–$70 per quart.
Supplies You May Already Own
Check your garage or supply cabinet before buying — painter's tape, drop cloths, and sandpaper are often reusable from previous projects. A good quality brush ($8–$18) can be cleaned and reused for dozens of projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much paint do I need to paint a dresser?
A standard 6-drawer dresser typically requires 1 to 2 quarts of paint for two coats. If you use chalk paint (no primer required), 1 quart of paint is often enough for a medium dresser. Larger pieces like wardrobes or armoires may need up to 1 gallon.
Do I need to sand furniture before painting it?
It depends on the paint. Chalk paint and mineral paint typically require minimal or no sanding and adhere to most surfaces without a separate primer. Latex and oil-based paints adhere better with light scuff sanding (120–150 grit) to give the paint something to grip.
What topcoat should I use on painted furniture?
For chalk-painted pieces: clear wax or polycrylic. For mineral paint: often no separate topcoat needed. For latex or oil-based paint on high-use surfaces like tabletops: a water-based polyurethane topcoat in satin or semi-gloss adds significant durability.
Is refinishing furniture cheaper than buying new?
Almost always. A full paint makeover on a solid wood dresser typically costs $40–$120 in supplies. A comparable new solid-wood dresser could cost $300–$800. Even factoring in your time, DIY refinishing is one of the highest-return projects you can do.
Can I paint laminate furniture?
Yes, but it requires proper prep. Sand the laminate lightly with 150 grit sandpaper, apply a bonding primer rated for slick surfaces, then topcoat with chalk paint or alkyd paint. Latex paint alone tends to peel off laminate without a bonding primer.