You can paint wood for both decorative and protective purposes. In wood, it helps enhance its appearance and protects it from damage due to environmental factors. But choosing the wrong paint type can ruin your project and even cause irreversible damage.
That’s why we have tested the best paints for wood to help you choose the right one for your task.
Reviews of the Top Paints for Wood
1. Rust-Oleum 285140 Ultra Matte Interior Chalked Paint
This Rust-Oleum 285140 Ultra Matte Interior Chalk Paint could be just what you need to give your wooden furniture that weathered or vintage look you’ve been going for.
What we like about this paint for furniture is that it doesn’t need to be primed or sanded before application, so you may use it on almost any surface. It eliminates spending additional time sanding, stripping, or priming the wood.
It also prevents you from having to spend money on a primer. Any wood finish can’t top that on the market. It only takes one coat of this chalk paint to completely transform the look of your old wooden furniture into a sophisticated matte sheen.
What We Like
- User-friendly
- Available in many colors
- Water-based milk latex paints
- Low volatile organic compounds
What We Don't Like
- It needs a topcoat
- These paint types are ideal for interiors
2. KILZ Siding, Fence, and Barn Paint
As far as exterior paints go, this KILZ is as good as it gets. It has been specially prepared to withstand the sun’s ultraviolet rays and rain, snow, and any other inclement weather that can ruin your wood if you leave it outside.
Once dry, the coating is tough and won’t chip, break, or blister. The innovative mixture combines oil and water to perform better in dry and wet conditions. We like the paint’s ability to adapt to varying temperatures and the protection it provides surfaces.
Additionally, the KILZ Siding, Fence, and Barn Paint can coat 200 square feet with just one can and up to 500 square feet each gallon for nonporous surfaces.
What We Like
- Water and oil-based paint coat blend
- Ideal for exterior use
- Great adhesion
- Weatherproof
- Good for outdoor wooden chairs
What We Don't Like
- Not the best for painting wooden floors
- Not the best for high traffic areas
3. Rust-Oleum 245210 Universal All Surface Spray Paint
For those who like a glossier finish, this Rust-Oleum 245210 is a perfect choice. Its oil-based recipe guarantees a glossy finish on almost any wood surface after the paint dries.
Its spray function makes it simple to apply, even for novices, and guarantees uniform application. You can get the job done much more quickly without having to deal with messy paintbrushes or rollers.
It makes the surface both attractive and long-lasting. The shiny exterior is very scratch- and water-resistant, which aids in extending the time that the polished surface retains its clean appearance.
What We Like
- Very durable for painting wood
- Spray can makes it easy to use and clean
- This paint type is attractive on wood grain
- Fast-drying
- Good for wood paneling
What We Don't Like
- These paint types contain VOCs
- It requires safety equipment
4. Retique It Chalk Furniture Paint by Renaissance DIY
One or two applications of this Renaissance chalk furniture paint are all needed to cover any wood surface. It is designed to stick to various substrates and should serve you well.
This paint is excellent if you hate the preparation before you can finally put the finishing touches. Sanding and priming are optional since it’s made to stick to wood in any condition.
This Retique It Chalk Paint by Renaissance DIY also performs well on both inside and exterior surfaces. Since this is the case, it’s an excellent option for any painting job. Remember to seal the paint with a marine-grade finish when working on an outdoor project.
What We Like
- It dries in 30 minutes.
- Chalky and silky finish
- Eco-friendly
- Low odor and very low VOCs
- Very safe for painting furniture
What We Don't Like
- The paint cracks outdoors
- It requires a topcoat to prevent cracking
5. ARTEZA Acrylic Paint, Arteza Set 14 Colors
You can use up to 14 stylish hues with this acrylic craft paint set, making it ideal for any creative woodworker. Besides, you may use this paint to create beautiful wood finishes, and a wide variety of colors are available.
By combining different hues, you can make new shades that are uniquely you. Also, we like that the small box that Arteza paint comes in is excellent for keeping all your paint supplies in one place.
All of the colors in this Arteza Acrylic 14-Color Paint Set are made with high-quality pigments to avoid fading. In addition, the paints are safe for human touch, allowing you to experiment with your artistic abilities without fear of harming yourself.
What We Like
- Ensures a smooth surface
- Hides scuff marks and brush strokes
- Super pigmented
- ACMI-certified non-toxic
- Best acrylic paint for artists
What We Don't Like
- Not ideal for large tasks
- Not available in bigger sets
6. Rust-Oleum 365930 Floor Coating Base Coat Black Quart
Here we have one of the most adaptable wood stains we’ve tested. You can use the Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch on just about every surface indoors or outdoors.
This water-based composition contains a potent acrylic resin, which aids in producing a durable layer to survive severe climate changes. Your task will also be well-protected from chips and blusters, which makes it ideal for painting wood that is heavily used indoors.
The formula of Rust-Oleum 365930 has low toxicity, and its water base make it the best choice if you paint wood indoors. The paint has a minimal odor, so those with chemical sensitivity need not worry.
What We Like
- Quick-drying paint type
- User-friendly
- Interior and exterior use
- You can use it with brushes or paint rollers
- Matter or semi-gloss finish
What We Don't Like
- It requires proper storage
- Shelf life decreases when opened
7. Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint
Since Liquitex is a company that mainly produces craft paints, its heavy-duty paint is excellent for use on wooden DIY projects. The strong body acrylic composition used to make this paint makes it the best in terms of finish quality.
We’re impressed at its advanced formula provides superior adherence to your wood surface and produces vibrant colors. In addition to being kid- and pet-friendly, the low-odor nature of this paint makes it an excellent option for interior use.
The Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint doesn’t fade or yellow over time thanks to the formulation. It’s also impervious to moisture after it dries.
What We Like
- Versatile
- User-friendly
- Non-yellowing paint type
- Superior blend for painting wood
What We Don't Like
- A bit pricey
- Limited colors
Paint for Wood Buyer’s Guide
Sheen and Finish
Enamel paint or oil-based paint is your best bet for a glossy finish. Because of their inherent luster, oil or enamel paint need no varnish to seem shiny.
You can achieve many matte finishes with water-based products. Chalk or milk paint is ideal if you’re going for a more traditional, old-fashioned look.
First, decide on the level of shine you’re after, and then look for paints explicitly made for wood that you can apply in that manner.
Satinwood Paint
Due to its more moderate sheen and ability to retain its brightness for longer than gloss, satinwood paint quickly replaces gloss as the finish of choice for woodwork.
Gloss Paint
Gloss paint is a long-lasting choice that provides a glossy sheen to surfaces like doors, window frames, and baseboards.