How to Make Black Furniture Look Brown

How to Make Black Furniture Look Brown
Published: Oct 24, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Glaze the Furniture

Step 1

Place drop cloths on the ground to protect the surface. Set the furniture on the drop cloths.

Step 2

Clean the black furniture with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. Wipe the furniture with a dry cloth.

Step 3

Scuff the furniture with 180-grit sandpaper. Sand the furniture by hand or use a handheld sander if you're working on a large piece of furniture. This prepares the furniture to bond with the glaze and paint.

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Step 4

Apply the red glaze with a paintbrush. Brush the glaze on heavily, and wipe the glaze away with a damp cloth. Start at the top corner of the piece and work in small areas. For example, on a chair, brush the glaze over the seat, and wipe the glaze with the damp cloth. Then work on the arms, then the legs, and so on.

Step 5

Paint on one to two coats of clear, water-based top coat to seal in the new brownish color.

Cover With Brown Stain

Step 1

Wipe down the black furniture with a damp cloth to clean off dust and grime. Wipe the furniture dry with a clean cloth.

Step 2

Place drop cloths on the floor. Set the furniture on the drop cloths.

Step 3

Sand the furniture with medium grit sandpaper. Go over the entire piece to scuff off the top coat of paint. The 180-grit sandpaper works well. Sand the furniture by hand or use a handheld sander.

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Step 4

Prime the furniture with spray primer. Spray in even strokes to cover the entire piece completely. Let the primer dry four to six hours.

Step 5

Apply the brown gel stain with a paintbrush. Spread the stain evenly. Wipe away excess stain with paper towels. Work quickly because the stain dries fast.

Tips

Sand the corners and crevices more if you want to create a more distressed look to the furniture. The stain and glaze will settle into those places to create the antique appearance.

Photo Credits

Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

Stephanie Rempe

After attending the University of Missouri St. Louis, Stephanie Rempe worked as a documentation manager in the finance industry 10 years before turning to her first love, writing, which she's been doing professionally since 2008. She…

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