Wood Crayons & Furniture Painting: A Simple Guide to a Fresh New Look

Your furniture has been through a lot—dinners, dropped forks, maybe even a few dog claws—but that doesn’t mean it’s ready for the curb. With a little love, a splash of paint, and a few clever fixes (hello, wood crayons!), you can bring your pieces back to life in a way that’s budget-friendly and totally satisfying.

Whether you’re refreshing a thrifted treasure or reinventing your dining set, this guide will walk you through fixing scratches and painting wood furniture like a pro.

Why Bother Painting Furniture?

Painting is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to give furniture a second life. It helps:

  • Cover scratches, chips, and stains
  • Update the style to match your home décor
  • Save money compared to buying new
  • Extend the lifespan of well-built pieces
  • And let’s be honest—it’s also a really fun weekend project.

Step 1: Evaluate Your Piece

Before anything else, take a close look at the furniture. Is it solid and sturdy? Are there deep scratches, gouges, or water marks? Knowing what you're working with helps you plan the right repairs and prep.

Step 2: Fix Those Scratches with Wood Crayons

Minor surface scratches? No problem. Wood crayons are one of the easiest ways to hide those marks—especially before painting.

Here’s how to use them:

Choose the right color: Try to match the crayon to your furniture’s tone. You can even blend colors for a better match.

Clean the area: Wipe away dust or grease so the crayon sticks well.

Fill the scratch: Rub the crayon gently over the scratch, letting the wax fill in the damaged area.

Buff the surface: Use a soft cloth to smooth and blend.

Even if you’re planning to paint, filling in scratches first helps the finish look even and professional.

Step 3: Gather What You’ll Need

Here’s your toolkit for a successful makeover:

  • Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
  • Primer
  • Latex, chalk, or oil-based paint
  • Wood filler (for larger dings)
  • Wood crayons (for scratches)
  • Brushes and foam rollers
  • Tack cloth
  • Painter’s tape
  • Drop cloth
  • Safety gloves and a mask

Step 4: Prep Like a Pro

Clean It

Soap and water go a long way. Get rid of grease, old polish, and dirt. Let it dry completely.

Sand It

Start with medium-grit sandpaper to remove old finishes, then switch to fine grit for a smooth surface. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain. Wipe off the dust with a tack cloth.

Repair It

  • Use wood crayons for light scratches.
  • Apply wood filler for deeper dents and sand once dry.

Prime It

Priming gives your paint something to hold on to and evens out the color. Choose a primer based on your paint type and apply a thin, even coat.

Step 5: Time to Paint

Now that your surface is clean and prepped, let the transformation begin.

Pick Your Paint

Chalk paint: Great for a vintage, matte look.

Latex paint: Durable, dries fast, and comes in many sheens.

Oil-based paint: Long-lasting with a glossy finish (but longer drying time).

Paint It Right

  • Use thin coats to avoid drips.
  • Let each coat dry fully before adding another.
  • Lightly sand between coats for a buttery smooth finish.
  • Finish with a topcoat for protection—especially for high-use pieces.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Hardware

Don’t forget drawer pulls, knobs, or handles. A good cleaning or a simple swap can elevate the entire look.

Style it

Once your piece is dry and sealed, place it back in your space and decorate around it. That “brand-new” look? It’s all yours.

Final Thoughts

Painting furniture is one of those DIY projects that feels rewarding every step of the way. And thanks to tools like wood crayons, even scratched or scuffed pieces can look polished and beautiful again. So don’t toss that old dresser or dining chair just yet—paint it, fix it, and enjoy the transformation.

FAQs

Can I paint over furniture that’s been varnished?
Yes, but it needs sanding and priming first for the paint to adhere properly.

Do I need to use wood crayons if I’m painting?
If the scratches are shallow, painting alone might work. But using crayons helps achieve a smoother, more flawless result.

What paint finish is best for furniture?
It depends—matte for a rustic feel, satin for durability, and gloss for a more formal, polished look.

Can I skip the primer?
You can, but it’s not recommended—especially if the surface is slick or dark.

Is sealing the paint necessary?
For high-traffic pieces (like tables or dressers), yes. It adds durability and keeps the paint from chipping.

Back to blog