How to Paint Veneer Furniture: End Table Tutorial

Revamp an old veneer end table with clear step-by-step instructions, a tidy supplies list, and practical tips for handling common issues.

During a recent beach cottage bedroom makeover, I wanted to introduce coastal paint colors and a touch of watery aqua blue. The nightstand I planned to update was an older dark-veneered piece I’d had since high school—still sturdy but dated.

I didn’t get a perfect before shot in the rush of the renovation, but you can see the original nightstand in this photo:

I was nervous about painting such a glossy surface—veneer can feel slippery and unfamiliar to work with—but the project turned out to be straightforward with the right approach.

Supplies You’ll Need to Paint a Veneer Cabinet (End Table)

Gather these materials before you start to make the job easier and cleaner.

Oil-based primer (or a high-quality water-based primer formulated for slick surfaces—ask your paint supplier for recommendations)
Disposable foam brushes or inexpensive brushes for applying the primer
Latex or acrylic paint in your chosen color for the topcoat
A good-quality brush for the latex paint (a dense, angled brush works well for smooth strokes)
Fine-grit sandpaper for light sanding between coats
Optional: antiquing gel or glaze if you want a distressed or aged finish

Step-by-Step Instructions for Painting a Veneer Cabinet, Table, or End Table

Clean the piece thoroughly with a degreasing cleaner, then wipe completely dry. Paint won’t adhere well to dirt, oil, or moisture.
Apply the oil-based primer with a disposable foam or inexpensive brush, working in long, even strokes. If using a water-based primer rated for slick surfaces, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the primer to dry fully.
Paint the first coat of latex paint with a high-quality brush, loading it enough to make long, even passes and reduce visible brush marks. Watch for drips and brush them out immediately.
Allow each coat to dry according to the paint manufacturer’s recommended time. Lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper between coats to smooth the surface and improve adhesion, then wipe away any dust before applying the next coat.

Tips for Painting Veneer Furniture

A few practical lessons from this project that may help you avoid common headaches:

Consider a spray primer if you want the most even application with fewer brush marks; it can make coverage faster and cleaner.
Foam brushes can disintegrate quickly with oil-based primer—keep extras on hand or use inexpensive bristle brushes instead.
Work briskly but carefully; some primers and paints begin to tack quickly on slick surfaces.
Minor drips are common. Sand and smooth them between coats, or use them as part of a distressed look if that suits your style.

The project is a learning experience, and small mistakes are fixable as you go.

Colors I Used for This Painted Veneer End Table

After priming, I painted the base and drawers twice with a soft white (Benjamin Moore’s Cloud White) and the top with an aqua (Behr’s Tide Pools), sanding lightly between coats for a smooth finish.

At first the combination looked too sweet—almost nursery-like—so I balanced it with a dark chocolate antiquing gel. Wiping back the glaze brought out depth and contrast and transformed the piece into a more mature, coastal bedside table.

The antiquing gel added the right amount of contrast, taking the nightstand from “nursery” to a relaxed, beachy look suitable for the master bedroom.

Here’s the final Beach Cottage bedside table after refinishing and glazing:

I left the original hardware in place for this version, though the positioning made a playful “smiley” face appearance. Next time I might reposition or fill and re-drill holes for a more balanced look.

A simple vignette—like a woven basket and a soft throw—helps the finished piece blend into the room while drawing attention to texture and color rather than the hardware.