Furniture Refinishing · Dec 2019
Entertainment center painted white
Entertainment center painted white. These are before and after photos from the job, taken Dec 2019. This furniture refinishing project was done by Larry Gaytos and the My Personal Painter crew. We are based in Florence, Kentucky, and our work is covered by a 2-year touch-up warranty.
Before and After Photos
Dark Wood Entertainment Center Painted White with Original Hardware
This large entertainment center started in a deep reddish brown wood finish, photographed in Dec 2019. It has a tall center bay for the TV with an arched top and crown molding, two side towers with arched open shelves, and a long base with two textured glass doors, two solid arched panel doors and five drawers. Before the work, the dark stain and wood grain made the piece look heavy against the cream walls and light wood floor. In the after photo, every surface is painted a clean white, from the crown and arched openings to the fluted side columns and the shelf edges. The paneled back of the TV bay is white too, so the screen stands out. The original dark ring pulls and round knobs were kept, and they now pop against the white finish. The wall behind the piece is now a dark charcoal, which makes the white furniture stand out even more.
How We Painted This Entertainment Center White
- We removed the ring pulls, knobs and hinges, and protected the textured glass panels in the base doors with tape and paper.
- All surfaces were cleaned to remove dust and old furniture polish, since polish residue can keep both primer and paint from sticking well.
- The dark finish was scuff sanded to dull the sheen, with extra care taken on the crown, the fluted columns and the arched edges.
- A stain-blocking primer went on next. Reddish wood stains can bleed pink or brown through white paint if they are not sealed first.
- Small gaps at joints and trim were caulked or filled, then sanded so the white finish would look smooth and even across the whole piece.
- Two coats of white were applied with light sanding between coats, then the original pulls and knobs were reinstalled once the paint was ready.
Paint Colors Similar to This White Entertainment Center
These are similar colors to consider for painted furniture and the wall behind it, not the exact colors used on this piece.
Sherwin-Williams High Reflective White SW 7757
A very bright white close to the finished piece. It makes crown, arches and fluted columns read crisp against a dark wall.
Sherwin-Williams Cyberspace SW 7076
A deep charcoal with a hint of blue, similar to the wall behind this piece, and it makes white furniture stand out.
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008
A softer warm white for anyone who wants painted furniture that feels a little more relaxed next to cream walls.
Questions About Painting Wood Furniture White
Will a dark wood stain bleed through white paint?
It can, especially with red or mahogany stains. Tannins in the wood and dyes in the stain can work through white paint and leave pink or yellow spots. A stain-blocking primer seals the surface first. Sometimes a second coat of primer is needed on very dark or reddish pieces.
Is painted furniture durable?
With good prep and a hard-wearing enamel or cabinet paint, painted furniture holds up well to normal use. The finish needs time to cure, often a few days to a few weeks, before heavy items go on shelves. After that, gentle cleaning with a soft cloth keeps it looking fresh.
Should the hardware be replaced when painting furniture?
Not always. Keeping original pulls and knobs saves money and adds contrast, like the dark ring pulls on this piece. Replacing hardware can change the style completely. If you switch to new pulls with different hole spacing, the old holes need filling before the piece is painted.
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