What Kind Of Paint to Use on Wood? (Top Picks!)
What Kind Of Paint to Use on Wood? Once it has been painted with the appropriate color, any wooden project can go from being done to flawless.
However, for that to occur, you need to be aware of the type of paint that should be used on wood.
What kind of paint to use on wood?
In an ideal world, this is determined by the type of project you are working on, the species of wood being used, the state of the wood surface, and your individual preferences.


If you give each of these considerations the extreme attention they need, you should be able to locate the paint that works best for your wood craft.
This article examines the many different kinds of paint used on different types of wood.
In addition, it reviews the best available choices on the market and offers some helpful advice and instruction on how to make the most of these items.
VIDEO: The Best Paint For The Job
What Kind of Paint Is Appropriate for the Wood?
Wood Paint with a high-gloss or semi-gloss finish is often considered superior when used on wood.
The coating, which is smoother and nonporous, makes it easier to clean and prevents it from absorbing moisture rather than repelling it.
Consequently, these exterior paint coatings do not lose color or become corroded over time.
On the other hand, some circumstances, such as the specifications of your project, can force you to use a different kind of paint.
Therefore, the most important thing is understanding your project to figure out what is most effective for you.
Here are five different kinds of best paint you can use on wood for your project.
There are wide varieties of paint, each of which possesses a unique set of properties and can therefore be utilized for a specific purpose.
If you are familiar with the various kinds of paint on the market and the qualities that set them apart from one another, you will be more equipped to find the kind of paint that will meet your specific requirements.
Oil Based Paint
Oil-based paint comprises pigments suspended in a drying oil such as linseed oil. The name of this type of paint gives away its composition.
Because oil serves as either the base or the solvent in this form of paint, it usually dries at a much slower rate.
However, if you so choose, you can speed up the drying time of oil paint.
These paints can contain, in addition to the oil, an organic component, commonly mineral turpentine, which is added to adjust the paint’s viscosity.
Similarly, if you want to thin oil-based paints, you can add an organic solvent such as white spirit or turpentine to the paint.
Varnish can be added to oil based paint to make them even glossier than they already are; oil-based paints are already the glossiest of all paint types.
Because of its reputation for lasting for a long time, oil-based paint is frequently the material of choice for both experienced DIY painters and professional painters.
Because it contains oil when the paint dries, it forms a lovely glossy or satin finish that is water-resistant and resists scratching.
The oil also contributes to the creation of a smooth surface.
If you finish your project using oil-based paint and apply it with a high-quality paintbrush or paint sprayer, you will only need to apply a topcoat occasionally.
This is because oil-based paint is more durable than water-based paint.
This is because oil paints have a natural glossy finish and luxurious appearance. In addition, mineral spirits are required to be used to clean brushes, rollers, and other implements used in applying oil-based paints as soon as the job is finished.
It is difficult to remove oil paintings, and the process becomes significantly more difficult once the paint has dried.
Therefore, cleaning things up sooner can make your work easier.
Paint that is based on water
Water-based paint has pigments and binders suspended in water, which act as either the carrier or the solvent for the paint.
Because these paints contain water as part of their composition, you can wash them off with water, making them one of the most user- and cleanup-friendly types of paint.
In addition, all that is required to thin water-based paints is the addition of water and further mixing to achieve the desired consistency.
One of the most significant benefits of paints made with water is the speed with which they dry.
Water based paint dry rather quickly than their oil-based cousins, which implies that a project can be finished sooner.
On the other hand, oil-based paints are known to have a longer lifespan than water-based paints.
As a result, they are only sometimes the best option for applications that take place outside.
However, developments in paint compositions continue to produce a wide variety of water-based exterior-grade paints with a significant amount of endurance.
It is also common practice to add a topcoat to these paint layers to extend their durability in more challenging situations.
Latex paint
Latex paints, just like water-based paints, have water as a foundational component in their composition.
However, because they are composed of acrylic resin, they take significantly longer to cure than paintings based on water.
Since latex paints are often purchased in enormous quantities, they are better suited for undertaking undertakings of a more substantial scale.
In a perfect world, latex paint would be simpler to work with and simpler to clean up than oil paint with paint roller.
On the other hand, the resulting coat frequently has a durability inferior to that of an oil-based paint coat.
Additionally, brush strokes are more likely to be visible in the final product when using these paints.
However, you can reduce the visibility of paint brush marks on the painted surface by adding a Floetrol substance to your paint.
This can be done in any situation.
Latex paint comes in various sheen levels, ranging from matte and satin finishes to gloss and semi-gloss options.
You have your choice.
The surface of latex paint with a higher sheen reduces the likelihood that a topcoat will be required. However, a topcoat is necessary for matte and satin finishes to make them more long-lasting and achieve a more sophisticated appearance.
Acrylic paint for arts and crafts
Acrylic paints are typically saved for more artistic or smaller undertakings, such as painting portraits on wooden boards or canvas.
One everyday use for acrylic paint is in this context.
They are made up of pigments dispersed throughout an acrylic polymer emulsion, silicone oils, plasticizers, stabilizers, defoamers, or metal soaps.
When dry, acrylic paints become impervious to moisture, even though their quick-drying formulas often consist of water as the primary solvent.
Because they are water-soluble, they may be easily cleaned using soap and water.
Because the acrylic craft paint is not only entirely non-toxic but also very easy to remove from hands, most people do not need gloves when working with it.
Acrylics, in addition to being non-toxic, have almost no odor, making them an excellent choice for anyone sensitive to smells or who has allergies.
Acrylic painting are available in various colors, decorative possibilities, and finishes, contributing to their adaptability and versatility.
Additionally, by combining acrylic paints, you may quickly create colors and finishes that are unique to your project.
Acrylics are among the most user-friendly paint forms, regardless of the alternative you choose.
They make it possible for you to create unique effects by utilizing a variety of colors and materials.
In addition, with this particular kind of paint, you may wash and reuse the brushes an unlimited number of times.
Because most acrylics are also reasonably priced, you may buy them in sufficient amounts to suit the scope and scale of the projects you are working on.
Chalk paint
Milk paint, often known as chalk paint, is a water-based paint that may be utilized to paint virtually any surface.
This style of paint requires very little preparation and may be made to have a distressed appearance.
To prevent the paint from flaking, you will need to apply a top coat once it has been painted.
Chalk paint is distinct from traditional water-based paint in that it can have the appearance and texture of actual chalk.
This gives it a weathered, matte surface that many individuals find appealing.
Chalk paint is appealing because of its one-of-a-kind quality, which is especially evident when it is utilized on the primary focus of a room, such as a piece of furniture.
On wood surfaces, chalk paint creates a subtle and ever-so-slightly antiquated appearance or a worn feel, and it is pretty simple to use.
Excellent vintage finishes can be achieved by applying the paint to wooden headboards, coat racks, or cabinets. Chalk paint requires very little preparation is probably its most significant benefit.
Because chalk paint adheres to practically any surface, you do not necessarily need extensive surface preparation before painting on that surface.
Reviews of the Best Paints for Wood


After being familiar with the several kinds of paint sold in stores, the next step is to zero in on specific paints that fall under the various categories.
There are a variety of companies that produce and sell various kinds of paint, and not all brands are created equal. They range widely in terms of quality, dependability, and cost.
Therefore, you will need to know which product brand and formulation are ideal for the wood project you are working on.
We have, to our relief, already conducted the necessary research and evaluated the most effective solutions for every feasible case.
Therefore, the following list of the top paints for various woodwork projects.
Garden Shades Exterior Woodcare Cuprinol 5244438


The formulation of Cuprinol paint makes it suitable for use on any external wood surface.
In addition, the drying period of this paint is less than that of most other paints available on the market, which means that you will be able to finish your woodworking project sooner.
It is available in various paint kinds, including spray paint and watercolor, but our desire for a more traditional appearance and texture prompted us to fall in love with the watercolor variety.
Despite this, you are free to pick the coating that best suits your taste, thanks to the variety.
On the other hand, this product contains benzisothiazolone, and its odor composition makes it unsuitable for use in living environments where people and pets interact.
In addition, the hazardous vapors released could endanger your and your family’s health by triggering allergic reactions.
What We Enjoyed Most About It
- Because of its fast-drying recipe, this paint is not only delightful to work with but also quite convenient.
- Because it provides its own undercoating, you won’t need to worry about applying another layer of coating to it.
- The formula does not turn the product yellow. This indicates that the color you choose will stay the same with time.
- The paint is simple to use and may be applied with little or no dripping or running.
- Because of its viscosity, it provides coverage that is pleasant and even.
What Aspects Need to be Enhanced
- Even though the manufacturer suggests applying just one layer, applying two layers will result in better coverage.
- Potential to provoke allergic responses
Rust-Oleum Floor Coating Base Coat in Black


One of the most flexible types of paint is described here; it can be applied to any surface. Painter’s Touch by Rust-Oleum is a product that may be used indoors and outdoors because of its specifically developed composition.
Because of this property, you can apply the paint on any wood project without being constrained to a particular setting. This opens up a lot of possibilities for you.
The potent acrylic resin in this water-based solution produces a sturdy paint layer that is sturdy enough to survive the most severe climatic conditions.
In addition, it does an outstanding job of guarding your project against chipping and blustering.
Because the formulation is water-based, it has deficient toxicity levels, making it entirely acceptable for residential use.
In addition, because the paint has a very faint scent, you won’t be bothered by its presence, even if you are sensitive to odors.
What We Enjoyed Most About It
- Because this paint dries quickly, it is an excellent choice to use when you are rushed for time. The treatment is ready in only half an hour.
- Utilization of this product couldn’t be more uncomplicated.
- It has a great appearance and has the potential to alter any wood project completely. You’ll have no trouble spreading this paint evenly and gently on the surfaces of any room, building, or other location you choose.
- Because it is suitable for interior and exterior applications, it provides a comprehensive answer to all your painting requirements in a single product.
- Upon drying, it forms a finish that is flawless and gorgeous, giving the wood an elegant appearance.
What Aspects Need to be Enhanced
- If you keep the packaging open for more than a few months, the goods may become impaired. Once it has been opened, it can restrict how long you can continue carrying it with you.
ARTEZA Acrylic Paint, Arteza Set 14 Colors


This acrylic set provides up to 14 stylish colors you can use for your artistic endeavor with wood.
No other method could be superior to this one in terms of bringing out the artist that resides within you.
Paints allow you to make outstanding finishes on wood and give you a wide variety of color options to pick from.
Blending two or more colors allows you to create one-of-a-kind hues uniquely suited to your character.
The small storage box with the Arteza Acrylic paint helps you stay organized while ensuring that everything is kept in a single, handy spot.
Your creation will retain its stunning appearance for many years because of the high-quality pigments contained in every one of these paint tubes.
Because the paints are non-toxic, you won’t have to worry about them damaging your health if you accidentally come in contact with them while practicing your artistic skills.
What We Enjoyed Most About It
- Their exceptionally high quality ensures the endurance of these paints.
- They have been deemed non-toxic by the ACMI. Thus, there is no danger to your health that they pose.
- The paint’s recipe makes it suitable for application to any wood surface.
- Because of their high pigmentation, the colors provide excellent coverage.
What Aspects Need to be Enhanced
- These paints are not appropriate for use on significant projects.
Rust-Oleum Brands 285140 Linen White Chalked


This chalk paint from Rust-Oleum could be the ideal product for you to use if you want to add a touch of country allure to the wooden furniture in your home.
It is beautiful that you do not have to remove the finish already on those pieces of wood, as this will not be necessary.
This furniture paint does not need to be primed or sanded before use because it adheres to nearly any surface.
This will save you the time you would have spent priming, sanding, or stripping down the wood if you had to accomplish those tasks separately.
You won’t have to spend the money on a primer as you would have to if you still needed to do this. There is no other wood finishing product that could be of more excellent assistance than that.
Because this chalk paint has such a thick consistency, you will only need to apply one coat to your wooden furniture to give it an excellent matte finish.
This includes desks, chairs, and closets, among other things.
What We Enjoyed Most About It
- Utilization of this paint couldn’t be more straightforward. It only requires you to brush it onto the wood surface consistently and then wait for it to dry. If you want the painted surface to have a smooth feel, scuff sand it using sandpaper with a fine grain once it has dried.
- You have a selection of hues to choose from while using this paint, and they are all available.
- Because it is made with a water-based composition, the product is guaranteed to have a low toxicity level.
- Using only one coat of paint guarantees that only a small quantity of paint is required for a substantial undertaking.
What Aspects Need to be Enhanced
- For the paint to maintain its durability, a topcoat such as lacquer, polyurethane, or varnish must be applied.
- It is only intended to be used inside a building.
Rust-Oleum Universal All Surface Spray Paint, Model Number 245210


For DIY enthusiasts and professional painters alike who like glossier results, the Rust-Oleum paint is your best bet for achieving that look.
This spray paint has a formulation based on oil, assuring it will dry to form a glossy finish on any wood surface.
The spray mechanism makes it simple to apply and ensures that the product will cover evenly, even in the hands of a novice.
It will take you much less time to finish the process, particularly considering that you won’t have to deal with dirty paintbrushes or rollers.
Because of its oil-based composition, this spray paint is extremely long-lasting, and as it dries, it leaves behind a glossy shine on the wood surface it was applied.
It’s no wonder that this spray paint for furniture is the best.
The glossy surface is highly resistant to scratching and can withstand wetness without being affected.
This contributes to the completed surface maintaining its clean appearance for extended periods.
What We Enjoyed Most About It
- Because it is an oil-based recipe, the paint is exceptionally long-lasting.
- If you apply the paint with a spray can, there will be no need to clean any paintbrushes or paint rollers after the application.
- Spraying the paint onto the wood surface also allows for greater control over the amount of paint applied. This makes it easier for you to produce a finish that is even all over.
- The paint on wood surfaces creates a luxurious and appealing finish.
- This product is renowned for being one of the oil paints with the quickest drying times. After that amount of time, it is dry to the touch.
What Aspects Need to be Enhanced
- The oil-based paint has a higher concentration of volatile organic solvents (VOCs) than water-based paints. Because of this, its toxicity profile is elevated to a significantly greater level.
How to Determine Which Paint Will Work Best for Your Wooden Project
Paints are available in various formulations, each optimized for a particular use.
Unfortunately, this indicates that only universal paint can be used for some surfaces.
In addition, there are dozens of different brands on the market, each of which has an offering that is in direct competition with the others.
As a result, it is vital to know how to differentiate between the many options to make the best choice.
The following is some guidance on selecting the paint that best meets your requirements.
Take into account the setting.
Is the location of your project going to be interior painting or exterior wood painting?
Although it might appear to be stating the obvious, ensuring that the paint you choose is developed with the exact environment in mind is essential.
Paints designed for the outside are often flexible and exhibit high UV resistance.
However, this adaptability might not be optimal for applications inside.
This paint coat may lack the hardness and scratch resistance necessary indoors.
In a similar vein, paints designed for inside use cannot be used outside.
Therefore, they are constructed to be sturdy and durable enough to endure the consistent impact characteristic of indoor settings.
However, they do not possess the necessary flexibility and resistance to the elements to be used outside.
Therefore, if your job will take place inside, you need to make sure the paint you purchase is designed for usage indoors.
Similarly, if you are working on a project that will be exposed to the elements, you should use paint that has been developed expressly for such applications.
Take into consideration the level of sheen you desire.
In situations like this, it may come down to individual preferences.
Use oil based or enamel paint if you want your finished wood furniture or wood crafts product to have a glossy appearance by painting wood furniture with gloss paint.
There is no need for a topcoat when using oil paints because they already have a natural sheen.
If you like a matte finish, you have several water-based alternatives to choose from. Milk paint and chalk paint are your best options if you want your project to have an antique or rustic look.
Therefore, before looking for a paint kind that delivers the sheen you want, you need first determine the sheen you want.
Think about what it is that you are painting.
The nature of the project itself directly determines the type of paint that can be used on your project.
For example, although certain paints have been specially created to adhere to various surfaces, certain types of paint perform significantly better on certain sorts of wood projects.
Furnishings made of wood
The style you want to achieve with your wooden furniture will primarily determine which paint is the best option.
For example, if you want to give the appearance that your furniture has been used, you should choose chalk paint.
However, you must protect the surface by applying a clear finish, such as wax or varnish.
Latex paint is an excellent choice if you want a matte finish on any indoor furniture piece.
This includes dining tables, chairs, closets, cabinets, headboards, dressers, TV stands, and anything in between.
The paint has a high resistance level, making it capable of withstanding occasional use.
Oil-based finishes may be the most excellent option for outdoor furniture.
They provide glossier sheens that prevent moisture from being absorbed by the surface and instead cause it to bead up on the surface.
This quality offers substantial protection against the destructive effects of moisture on wood.
Wooden trimmings
Because trims have a greater propensity to be subjected to a great lot of damage throughout their life, they require a type of resilient paint to survive scratching without leaving visible scuff marks on the surface.
Paints made with oil are superior in this regard. Therefore, choose any high-quality oil-based paint that advertises its scratch resistance prominently on the product packaging.
Wooden floors
The most considerable wear and tear are placed on the floor compared to other hardwood surfaces.
As a result, they require the most durable forms of paint specifically developed to withstand the effects of foot traffic.
Paints made with latex and paints made with oil-based ingredients typically give this kind of excellent endurance.
The higher the premium, the better painted wood.
Raw wood still needs to be finished.
In a perfect world, unfinished wood should be compatible with any paint as long as the surface is well-prepared.
If, on the other hand, you do not intend to use a primer before applying the paint, you should look for paints that have excellent adhesion capabilities.
Paints made of latex or based in water are often recommended for use on bare wood.
However, if you can get a paint incorporating primer, that would be ideal.
Whether water-based or oil-based, the paint and primer options combined into one product produce the best results.
Completed woodwork
If you want to paint a piece of wood that already has a finish, you will need to pick a paint that clings impeccably to various surfaces.
In this respect, chalk paints typically perform pretty well.
However, if you do not like how matte chalk paint look, you should consider oil-based paints rather than chalk paints.
They will provide you with a glossy finish and excellent adhesion to the surface of the completed wood floors.
FAQ on What Kind Of Paint to Use On Wood
When painting wood, is it necessary to first use a primer?
Before painting, you should always prime any unfinished wood or exposed wood surfaces first. This is true for painting jobs both inside and outside of the house. Due to the fact that wood is porous and has a grainy surface, bare wood priming is an essential step that cannot be skipped. Primers typically have high solids content, which enables them to assist fill grain patterns in new wood.
What kind of paint will last the longest when applied to wood?
When it comes to protecting and beautifying wood, enamel paint is without a doubt the superior choice. He continues, “There are nice water-based oils and primers available now, but a quality enamel top coat will harden into a durable outer layer.” “There are good water-based oils and primers available now.” Since enamel based on solvents is more durable than latex, it is ideally suited for use in environments exposed to the elements.
When painting wood, does it make a difference what kind of paint you use?
To get the best results, you need to use wood paint of a high quality and an application brush of the same caliber. Epoxy wood paint is recommended by industry experts for its greater durability, while acrylic-latex paints are recommended for their ease of application. In most cases, giving the plywood a nice finish requires only two coats of wood paint, but you can always apply a third coat if you feel it’s necessary.
Is painting directly on wood even possible?
Wood can be painted with a variety of colours, including oil, acrylic, and mixed media paints. But you must make sure you prepare your surface before you begin.
What kind of paint can I use on wood that does not require sanding first?
Chalk paint is the easiest and most effective technique to paint almost any surface without first sanding it. It has a stunning matte finish, and there is no requirement for the surface to be prepared.