Learning how to paint metallic furniture is easier than you may think. I can show you how to get a flawless finish on your furniture with a paintbrush with the right paint. Let’s dig in!
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Before The Metallic Paint
Gather Your Supplies
Here is a complete supplies list of the products that I know, like, and trust. You can find where to purchase them by clicking on the individual products below.
- Vintage Chest
- White Lightning Furniture Cleaner (prep before painting)
- BOSS (stain blocker)
- Metallic Paint (Steele Magnolia)
- Chalk Mineral Paint (Dried Sage)
- Decor Mould
- Paper Clay (for molds)
- Wood Glue
- Artist Paintbrush (for applying glue to molds)
- Paintbrush
- Finishing Pad
- No Pain Gel Stain Walnut (wood tabletop)
- Gator Hide (topcoat for wood tabletop)
- Rust-Oleum Spray Paint (hammered dark bronze)
Adding Detail To A Plain Chest
To add a bit of decorative detail, I used Decor Moulds and added the designs across the top of the chest to create a consistent design and attached them with wood glue. The process is fairly simple. It’s like a play dough consistency. Do you remember that stuff as a child? Press the Paper Clay into the Decor mold and remove it. Instant detailing! Apply the designs while they are still damp. This will allow you to bend and shape them the way you want. You can even bend them around corners. I waited 24 hours before painting them, but I have seen others paint them while they were still damp.
WATCH THIS Video to LEARN MORE
Prepping Before Applying Metallic Paint
I chose a color that is similar to the metallic paint color for the basecoat. For this project, I used one coat of Dried Sage Chalk Mineral Paint. Be sure that you have a good solid base coat of that color. Also, make sure you have a super smooth finish before applying the metallic paint. I suggest using a Finishing Pad to smooth out any rough areas of the chalk mineral paint or imperfections. You can also use sandpaper if you wish. Any lumps or bumps will stick out like a sore thumb once the metallic paint is applied.
Paintbrushes Matter
First, you will need a great paintbrush! I can’t emphasize this enough. When working with metallic paints, the paintbrush matters. Metallic paint has tiny particles of metal flakes. That’s what gives it its brilliance. You will want a super smooth finish on your metallic painted furniture, especially if you are working on a flat, smooth wood piece.
So, let me say… inspirations come from some of the strangest places. Can you guess my inspiration for this piece? You can CLICK HERE to get a bling cap just like my inspiration.
Steel Magnolia Metallic-Painted Chest
The metallic paints are not like your typical chalky type of paints. They will take more coats for full coverage. Apply 2-3 coats over the base coat. When applying the metallic paint, be mindful to paint one direction with your paintbrush and use long even strokes on flat surfaces. This will help with the streaking. Metallic paints have somewhat of memory, and depending on the brushstroke’s direction, they will hold that pattern. Painting with metallic paint can be tricky, but so worth the effort! The results are stunning and can turn a plain Jane piece into a showpiece.
The wood top was refinished with No Pain Gel Stain in Walnut to complement the metallic paint finish. I never knew wood and metallics would look so good together!
So, what do you think about this plain Jane makeover? Shocker, right? I’m super happy with the results, and I love how versatile this finish is. I can see this metallic beauty used in many different design styles. Farmhouse Glam, Modern, Fleamarket Decor, etc. Love this look? You can see more of my metallic painted furniture projects below. And as always, I would love to get your feedback and thoughts on the metallic finishes. Drop me a comment below, or just let me know you’ve stopped by.
Until the next project… xo, Do
So, what do you think about this plain Jane makeover? Shocker, right? I’m super happy with the results, and I love how versatile this finish is. I can see this metallic beauty used in many different design styles. Farmhouse Glam, Modern, Fleamarket Decor, etc. Love this look? You can see more of my metallic painted furniture projects below. And as always, I would love to get your feedback and thoughts on the metallic finishes. Drop me a comment below, or just let me know you’ve stopped by.
Until the next project… xo, Do
It is absolutely beautiful! I am in love with metallics, always have been! And yes, I would use metallics on any piece of furniture. Thank you for your lovely and informative videos.
Thank you, Debbie! It’s a great finish and you are so welcome. xo
This is such a night and day makeover Do… you did a stunning job…LOVE it! I’d never know it was the same dresser!!! XO
What a great compliment! Thank you, Denise. It such a simple finish but one that really makes a statement. xo
oh nooooo I painted a dresser drawer (just one) with copper, my first time. But I didn’t realize I needed a base coat!!!!! I like the color but you can see the wood grain in the drawer. It is a VERY old piece so should I go back and paint over the copper with a similar color then re-apply? I was not going to patina the copper because I really want that color but I was going to go over the copper with a brown wax to make it a little richer. HELP ME! I see no pics of this certain technique as I knew I probably wouldn’t because I tend to be outside the box.
Hi, Terri.
It will need a base coat of a similar color to get the look you are wanting. Sorry. Just let the paint dry well, give it a good sanding and start over. Live and learn. That’s the way it is with me too. Good luck and blessing to you.
ps… outside of the box is a good place to be.
xo, Do
Absolutely stunning! Do you mist with water when using metallics?
Hi Sharon, Thanks! I do not. Metallic paint is usually acrylic-based. And here’s a tip for you… always brush it in the same direction when applying. I can get streaky. 🙂 xo
What kind of brush was used for your project?
Hi Judy,
I used the Dixie Belle Mini angle brush. It gives a smooth finish with the metallics. You can purchase the brushes here. 🙂 https://dixiebellepaint.com/dbp-mini-angle-synthetic-brush/?aff=80
Did you apply a topcoat?
Hi Tinker,
I did not use a topcoat on the metallics and it has held up very well. But I didn’t use the metallic paint of the top. I don’t believe you need a top coat however I would be inclined to if applying to a high traffic area. Hope this helps.
🙂 Do
Did you use a glaze on the moldings?
Hi Kristin,
I did not. It may appear as I did, but I think it’s because of the depth of the details in the moldings. It really is a beautiful finish. 🙂
Do I need to sand my furniture before painting?
Hi Nancy,
Yes, I would. I always scuff sand before painting any piece of furniture and especially if you’re using metallic paints. Don’t forget the primer/stain blocker too. You will want a smooth surface for the best results. I hope this helps, and good luck with your project. 🙂
I am thinking of trying this on a poster bed but it has a lot of bevels on it,,would you have any tips on how i could go in a straight line if there round ,yikes, or have you tryed this on any other project,, by the way WOW, awesome job,thanks julie.
Hi Julie,
Of course, you can’t always paint in a straight line when you have details. Those areas are fine. It’s the larger smooth areas that you’ll need to concentrate on painting in a straight line. Does this help?
Can you use a sprayer instead of a paint brush?
You absolutely can! I love using a paintbrush. The best finish, of course, would be to spray metallic paint, in my honest opinion. 🙂
I haven’t used metallic paint yet. After seeing how beautiful your project turned out, I’m ordering them now!!
Fantastic, Sandy! I think you’ll love the results. Let me know. 🙂 xo
What toe of metal paint souls I buy? I don’t unos of I can fknd IT un México.
Hi Elena, I’m not sure if this is available in Mexico. Here’s another blog post I wrote about metallic paint, and this one you can purchase on Amazon. https://dododsondesigns.com/metallic-paint/
Came out beautiful! Do you recommend applying a topcoat? If so, what do you recommend? Thank you,
Hi Clorinda,
I did not. It isn’t necessary with their metallic paint. But you can add a water-based top coat for extra protection if what you’re painting will get high traffic. Gator Hide works well.
I love this piece. It is stunning. If I tried to do this to a dining table would you recommend the gator hide as the top coat to protect? I would love if my table turned out this amazing!!
Hi Tracy,
Yes, if you’re using metallic paint on a tabletop, you will need extra protection, Gator Hide is a great option. Have an amazing day! xo, 🙂
I like the bureau but I don’t care for the brown top. I am planning on painting some brown furniture silver metallic. I am having a hard time getting paints. I couldn’t even get a white semi gloss paint at Walmart! I don’t know if it’s the supply problem or everybody is starting their Spring re-dos & buying paint! Just have to wait. Ace hdwe. is near me but their prices are insane!
Hi Loretta,
The best metallic paint I have found is modern masters. There’s a link under the supplies list in this blog post. I’ve also found it on Amazon.