How to Paint a Wooden Glider Chair

Wooden glider chairs are a staple in many baby nurseries and can be painted to match the room decor.

Painting a wooden glider chair is no different from painting any other type of wooden furniture. With the right tools and a little patience, you can complete this do-it-yourself project easily.

1. Determine the color you want to paint your glider chair. Purchase paint along with a can of primer base coat for best results. Oil-based paints provide a more durable finish than latex.

2. Find a large, well-ventilated work area in which to paint. Place drop cloths on the floor to protect from paint spills.

3. Remove the seat cushion from the wooden glider chair. Most cushions are tied in two places to the back of the chair. Untie the cushion straps and lay the cushion aside.

4. Sand the entire surface of the chair with a medium-grit sandpaper. You don't have to remove any layers of old paint completely, just rough up the surface well. The rough surface allows paint to adhere better.

5. Paint a coat of primer onto the chair. Use the 1-1/2 -inch flat paintbrush to paint large back surface areas. Use a mini roller to paint the seating area of the glider. The mini roller will create a smoother surface than a brush. Completely cover the entire chair with the primer coat. Allow the coat to dry thoroughly.

6. Paint your color coat onto the wooden glider chair. Apply the same method as with the primer, using the 1-1/2-inch flat brush for large back areas and the mini roller for the more visible spots. Allow the paint to dry completely.

7. Examine the chair for areas that need a second coat of paint. Repaint areas of the chair as needed. Allow the paint to dry completely.

8. Tie the seat cushion back onto the glider once the paint is completely dry.

Tip

If you have an old chair available, test your painting skills on it before you paint your actual wooden glider. Use masking tape to mark off certain areas if you choose to paint the chair multiple colors or use stripe patterns.

Warning

Always paint in a well-ventilated area to prevent exposure to hazardous fumes.