No-Sanding Secrets: Achieving Picture-Perfect Furniture with Sherwin Williams Primer

Transforming furniture can be a deeply rewarding experience. The way a piece can take on new life with the right paint or stain is always inspiring. Whether you’re enhancing the natural beauty of wood grain with a rich stain or giving it a modern twist with a fresh coat of paint, there’s something magical about the process. Finding the perfect piece that’s not quite the right color, but knowing you can change that, is one of the joys of DIY projects.

However, getting started can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you’re working with a stained or intricately detailed piece. Traditionally, you’d have to sand down the surface to remove the shine before applying paint—a tedious task that becomes even harder if the piece has a lot of curves or carvings.

But there’s good news! If you’ve been following our blog, you’ll know how much I love Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond Primer. This game-changing product makes the prep work so much easier. Not only does it work beautifully on wood, but it can also be applied to glass, tile, and other glossy surfaces, saving you time and effort.

When I set out to repaint our fireplace, I was concerned about the intricate details, which would be difficult to sand. After consulting the helpful staff at our local Sherwin Williams store, I decided to try Extreme Bond Primer. Initially, I was skeptical—it left visible brush strokes after drying. But with some fine-grit sanding or the use of a self-leveling paint, those imperfections were easily smoothed out.

Another concern I had was covering the darker paint underneath. The primer isn’t stain-blocking, and I was only applying one coat. To my surprise, after painting over the grey, the coverage was flawless. Not a hint of the old color bled through.

I’ve also used this primer on our bathroom vanity with equally great results. Whether applied with a brush or a roller, it works wonders—especially when paired with the right paint. I found that using a softer brush gave a smoother finish, but the method of application can be tailored to your preference.

For those ready to tackle their own furniture transformations, I’ve included a list of the materials I used to paint our fireplace, along with some helpful tips and photos to inspire your next project.

Materials:

• Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond Primer
• Purdy Nylox Glide Brush
• TSP cleaner
• Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel in Alabaster (SW 7008)
• Purdy Syntox Angular Brush (Extra Soft)
• 000-grade steel wool (optional)

With the right tools and techniques, revamping furniture can be a breeze. Ready to get started? Share your experiences and let’s bring new life to our spaces together!