When I decided to give our dining room a refresh, I knew I needed a statement piece. I found a second-hand 1940s buffet on Marketplace, and it was perfect for the job. With some cleaning, sanding, and a few coats of paint, I transformed it into a stunning black sideboard that brings so much character to our dining room. If you’ve ever wondered how to paint a sideboard, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
If you’re new to painting furniture, don’t miss my post on How to Paint Furniture for Beginners. It’s a great starting point for tackling your first project with confidence.
How to Paint an Old Sideboard (Step-by-Step)
Painting a sideboard might seem intimidating, but it’s a straightforward process when you break it down into manageable steps. Here’s exactly how I tackled my sideboard makeover:
Materials Needed:
- Latex paint (I used Sherwin Williams Black Magic)
- Sandpaper (120-150 grit)
- Tack cloth or vacuum with brush attachment
- Mild detergent and sponge or cloth
- Primer (optional)
- Clear wax or polyurethane topcoat
- Paintbrush, foam roller, or paint sprayer
- Screwdriver (for hardware removal)
- Wood filler (if needed)
Tools Needed:
- Paint tray (if using a roller)
- Lint-free cloth (for wax application)
Instructions
1. Clean the Sideboard
Start by giving your sideboard a thorough cleaning. Use a damp cloth or sponge with a mild detergent to remove dirt, grease, or dust. Pay close attention to areas like corners, handles, and crevices where grime can build up. Let it dry completely before moving on.
2. Remove Hardware and Prep the Surface
Take off any hardware like knobs, handles, or hinges. If you’re reusing them, set them aside in a safe spot. Next, inspect your piece for any damage, such as loose veneer or deep scratches, and repair these as needed with wood filler.
Once the repairs are dry, lightly sand the entire surface using 120-150 grit sandpaper. This step removes the glossy finish and helps the paint adhere better. Use a tack cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment to get rid of sanding dust.
Pro Tip: If your sideboard is very old, use a lead paint test kit before sanding to ensure safety.
3. Prime the Sideboard (Optional)
If your piece is very dark, stained, or has knots in the wood, apply a coat of primer before painting. A quality primer can block stains and help your paint color go on evenly with fewer coats. I recommend a water-based primer for easier cleanup.
4. Paint the Sideboard
Choose a high-quality latex paint in your desired color. For my sideboard, I used Sherwin Williams Black Magic for its bold and timeless appeal.
- Brush: Use an angled brush for corners, edges, and detailed areas.
- Roller: For larger flat surfaces, a small foam roller works best to achieve a smooth, even finish.
- Paint Sprayer (Optional): If you prefer a professional look, a sprayer can save time and give you a flawless result.
Apply thin, even coats, letting each coat dry completely before applying the next. Latex paint typically needs 2-3 coats for full coverage, but follow your paint manufacturer’s instructions for drying times and coat recommendations.
Pro Tip: Avoid overworking the paint to prevent brush marks or uneven finishes.
5. Protect the Finish
Once your paint is completely dry (usually after 24-48 hours), seal the finish with a protective topcoat. I used a clear wax for my project, but polyurethane is another excellent option for durability, especially if your sideboard will see heavy use.
- Use a lint-free cloth to buff wax onto the surface in thin layers, allowing it to cure fully.
- For polyurethane, use a high-quality brush to apply 1-2 coats, sanding lightly with 220-grit sandpaper between coats for the smoothest finish.
6. Reattach Hardware
Once your topcoat has cured, reattach the hardware or add new knobs and pulls for a fresh, updated look. This step is an easy way to customize your piece even further.
FAQs
Yes! Paint can easily hide imperfections and give an old piece a fresh new look. Just follow the steps in this guide to get started.
I used a brush because it was winter, and I was painting indoors. However, rollers and sprayers are also great options depending on your setup and the finish you want.
Work quickly, paint with the grain, and avoid going over partially dried areas.
I used Sherwin Williams Black Magic for a dramatic, modern look.
Absolutely! You can swap out hardware, add decorative details, or even use contact paper for a fresh look.
The difference is all about location. In the dining room, it’s called a buffet. Anywhere else, it’s a sideboard.
More Paint Finish Tutorials
- How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
- Grey Wash Wood Finish
- How to Get the Lime Wash/White Washed Wood Finish without Blue Undertones!
- How to Stain Wood – Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners
- How to Whitewash Stain (Plus FAQ & Staining with Minwax Pickling)
- How to Paint a Sideboard: Step-by-Step Guide for a Stunning Makeover
How to Paint a Sideboard Tutorial
Learn how to paint a sideboard with this easy guide. Step-by-step tips for prep, painting, and finishing your furniture makeover beautifully.
Materials
- Latex paint (I used Sherwin Williams Black Magic)
- Sandpaper (120-150 grit)
- Tack cloth or vacuum with brush attachment
- Mild detergent and sponge or cloth
- Primer (optional)
- Clear wax or polyurethane topcoat
- Paintbrush, foam roller, or paint sprayer
- Screwdriver (for hardware removal)
- Wood filler (if needed)
Tools
- Paint tray (if using a roller)
- Lint-free cloth (for wax application)
Instructions
- Clean the Sideboard: Wipe down the entire surface with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove dirt, grease, and dust. Let it dry completely.
- Remove Hardware and Sand: Use a screwdriver to remove knobs, handles, and hinges. Sand the surface lightly with 120-150 grit sandpaper to remove any gloss and help the paint adhere. Clean off sanding dust with a tack cloth or vacuum.
- Prime (Optional): If the sideboard has a dark finish, visible knots, or stains, apply a coat of primer to block them and ensure even paint coverage. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Paint: Use a paintbrush for edges and details, and a foam roller for large, flat surfaces. Apply thin, even coats of latex paint, letting each coat dry fully before applying the next. Plan for 2-3 coats for complete coverage.
- Protect the Finish: Once the paint is dry, apply a clear wax or polyurethane topcoat to seal and protect the surface. For wax, buff in thin layers with a lint-free cloth. For polyurethane, apply 1-2 coats with a brush, lightly sanding between coats if necessary.
- Reattach Hardware: Once the topcoat has cured, reinstall the original hardware or add new knobs and pulls for a custom look.
Learning how to paint a sideboard was such a fun and rewarding project. This thrifted 1940s buffet went from tired and outdated to a chic black statement piece that I absolutely love. With just a little effort, you can create a custom look that’s perfect for your home. Have you ever painted a sideboard or buffet? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your project!
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I’ve used latex paint for years. It’s my preferred paint for almost anything. I don’t like the gritty feel of chalk and mineral paint. The only other paint I’ll use is milk paint when I’m working on something really old and want an authentic look and feel. Not the premixed “milk” paint, authentic milk paint comes in a powder and must be mixed with water, It gives the best finish! Love the way your sideboard turned out! I typically don’t seal latex unless I’m using flat. Is that what you used? And then did you wax it? It looks lovely.
Right?! The gritty feel isn’t my fav all the time either. I’ve used the powdered Miss Mustard Seed milk paint before, but didn’t love the mixing part. But maybe that’s just because I’m a little clumsy. Lol. I often use whatever literal wall paint we have around, hence the sealing it with wax.
I am thinking of painting my wood credenza black. Should I uses flat or semi gloss?
That depends on a couple of things. Which look do you prefer? And what will you use to protect the finish – wax, poly, or something else? Flat will show scuffs and scratches easier but gloss will show imperfections in the paint and build of your credenza. Weigh the pros and cons for you and what you use the credenza for. 🙂
I feel the same way about chalk paints. I have a small but heavy side table or buffet. It’s 9 years old and been painted a few times. It’s yellow now with latex and I’m itching to sand and paint again. Maybe a dark teal but don’t want to get tired of the color again. Any ideas? Thanks
In addition to the paint looking awesome, you chose the perfect hardware! I love the drop handles and petite knobs, and also the hinges. You must have been so pleased with the result and it stands out so nicely against the light wall. I am likely to purchase an ACME Deianira accent cabinet which has the most horrid distressing I have ever seen, because the other furniture in the room is somewhat polished I’m going to paint this cabinet matte black and add pretty hardware using your project as a model.
Thank you! And good luck with your project!
Absolutely Beautiful!!!
Thank you!
Did you use a matte black and then when finished a clear wax ?
Yes. And a dark wax over the clear wax for some extra dimension.
I see that you used Sherman Williams latex, but you didn’t say which sheen did you use a flat paint?
Hi Jeannie. We used their Emerald paint in this case. But yes, when using a protective finish over top, choose either a matte or flat paint for ease.