How to Refinish a Thrifted Chair (And Make It Look Like You Paid Full Price)

I found this chair at the thrift store for $12. Solid wood, good bones, absolutely hideous finish. Took it home, refinished it in an afternoon, and now people ask me where I bought it. Here's exactly what I did. What You'll Need: Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint — https://amzn.to/3OmSeTb — this is the one. Covers almost anything without primer, dries fast, and the chalky matte finish hides every imperfection. You'll also need sandpaper (120 and 220 grit), a cheap foam brush or small roller, a drop cloth, and a clear wax or sealer if you want it to last.

1. Clean the chair first.. Wipe it down with a damp cloth and let it dry completely. Any grease, dust, or thrift store mystery residue will mess with how the paint sticks. This step takes five minutes and people always skip it. Don't skip it.
2. Sand lightly with 120 grit.. You're not stripping the whole finish — just scuffing it up so the paint has something to grab onto. Hit all the flat surfaces and go with the grain on wood. Wipe off the dust when you're done.
3. Apply your first coat of chalked paint thin.. Don't glob it on. Thin, even strokes. It's going to look terrible after the first coat and that's completely normal. Let it dry — chalked paint dries in about 30 minutes.
4. Lightly sand again with 220 grit between coats.. This is what makes the finish smooth instead of textured. Just a quick pass — you're knocking down any brush marks, not removing the paint.
5. Apply your second coat.. This is where it starts looking real. Same thin, even strokes. Most chairs only need two coats. If there are any spots still showing through, do a third.
6. Seal it.. Chalked paint scratches without a topcoat. Clear wax or a matte polycrylic sealer both work. Apply a thin layer, let it cure for 24 hours before you actually use the chair.