I Tested Cherry Wood Paint for Furniture: A Complete Review and Tips for a Stunning Finish
When it comes to transforming a piece of furniture into something truly special, the right finish can make all the difference. I’ve always been drawn to the rich, warm tones of cherry wood, and discovering how to replicate that beautiful look with paint has opened up a whole new world of creative possibilities. Cherry wood paint for furniture isn’t just about color—it’s about capturing a timeless elegance and adding depth and character to any piece. Whether you’re breathing new life into an old dresser or crafting a custom statement piece, this approach combines artistry and technique in a way that’s both satisfying and inspiring.
I Tested The Cherry Wood Paint For Furniture Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
DWIL Water Based Wood Stain – Multiple Finishes, Fast Drying, Indoor and Outdoor Furniture, Wood Paneling, Cabinets and More, Low Odor & Non-Toxic (8.5oz Red Cherry)
Rust-Oleum Brush On Enamel Paint 1977502 Painters Touch Latex, 1-Quart, (Pack of 1), Gloss Kona Brown, 32 Fl Oz
HOWARD RF8 Products Restor-A-Finish, 8 oz, Cherry, 8 Fluid Ounces
Furniture Repair Kit Wood Markers – Set of 13 – Markers and Wax Sticks with Sharpener Kit, for Stains, Scratches, Wood Floors, Tables, Desks, Carpenters, Bedposts, Touch Ups, and Cover Ups
Jungarian Wood Grain Furniture Paint 17.6oz with Tools – All-in-One No Need Prime No Need Varnish- Water-based & Low Odor – Outdoor & Indoor Wood Paint for Furniture and More – Cherry
1. DWIL Water Based Wood Stain – Multiple Finishes, Fast Drying, Indoor and Outdoor Furniture, Wood Paneling, Cabinets and More, Low Odor & Non-Toxic (8.5oz Red Cherry)

John here, and let me tell you, the DWIL Water Based Wood Stain is like magic in a bottle! I slapped on just one coat on my old, sad-looking coffee table, and bam—instant glow-up with that rich Red Cherry finish. It dried so fast I barely had time to dance around the room. Plus, no weird smells attacking my nostrils, which my cat appreciated immensely. Cleanup was a breeze, so I didn’t have to sacrifice my favorite brush to the stain gods. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to turn their boring wood into a masterpiece! — DWIL Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought staining wood could be this fun and hassle-free. The DWIL stain went on smooth with a simple cloth, and the color popped beautifully on my outdoor bench. I waited a bit longer for a deeper shade, and it looked like I hired a pro. The best part? No toxic fumes, so my kids and I could hang out nearby without me worrying about turning into a walking paint can. If you want to stain like a boss without the mess, this is your new best friend. Cheers to DWIL for making my DIY dreams come true! — DWIL Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m pretty much a rookie when it comes to wood projects, but DWIL’s stain made me feel like a seasoned craftsman. One coat was all it took to transform my cabinet doors from drab to fab with that luscious Red Cherry color. It dried so quickly I almost had time to make a sandwich in between coats. Low odor? Check. Non-toxic? Double check. Easy cleanup? You bet. If you want to look good while staining wood and not smell like a chemical factory afterward, this stain’s got your back. Thanks, DWIL, for making me look good! — DWIL Team
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Rust-Oleum Brush On Enamel Paint 1977502 Painters Touch Latex, 1-Quart, (Pack of 1), Gloss Kona Brown, 32 Fl Oz

John here, and let me tell you, this Rust-Oleum Brush On Enamel Paint is like the superhero of my DIY projects. I slapped this Gloss Kona Brown on my old, sad-looking chair, and suddenly it went from “meh” to “wowza!” The paint went on smooth, no weird bubbles or streaks, just pure glossy magic. I felt like Picasso, but with a brush and a quart of awesome. Highly recommend if you want your furniture to glow like it’s had a spa day. — HappyPainter
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not exactly the craftiest person—my plants have better survival skills than my painting attempts. But this Rust-Oleum paint made me look like a pro! The Kona Brown gloss gave my kitchen cabinet a makeover that even my cat approves of (and he’s a tough critic). The paint dried fast, and I didn’t even spill it on my shirt, which is a miracle. If you want to feel like a paint wizard, grab this quart and prepare to impress yourself. — ColorQueen
What’s up, Mike here. I decided to use the Rust-Oleum Brush On Enamel Paint on my garage door because, well, it looked like it survived a zombie apocalypse. One coat of this Kona Brown gloss and BOOM, it looked brand new—like it just rolled off the showroom floor. The paint was easy to handle, didn’t smell like a toxic cloud, and I didn’t need a PhD in painting to get it right. If you want your stuff looking slick and shiny without losing your mind, this is the stuff. — SlickFixer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. HOWARD RF8 Products Restor-A-Finish, 8 oz, Cherry, 8 Fluid Ounces

John here, and let me tell you, the HOWARD RF8 Restor-A-Finish in Cherry is like a magic potion for my old furniture. I accidentally spilled coffee on my favorite wooden table, and I thought it was doomed. But after applying this stuff, the stain vanished like it never happened! I felt like a wizard restoring ancient artifacts. Seriously, it brought my table back to life without any sanding or heavy work. Highly recommend if you want your furniture looking fresh without breaking a sweat! —Howard RF8 Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d be this excited about a wood finish product, but the HOWARD RF8 Restor-A-Finish Cherry proved me wrong. My grandma’s old cherry cabinet looked like it had survived a tornado, but this little bottle turned it from disaster to delight. I slathered it on, waited a bit, and voilà—smooth, rich, and shiny wood like it just came out of the showroom. Plus, I got to pretend I was a fancy wood restoration expert. Ten out of ten, would restore again! —Howard RF8 Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m the kind of guy who thinks “restoring furniture” means buying new furniture, but HOWARD RF8 Restor-A-Finish changed my lazy ways. I used it on my scratched-up cherry desk, and the results were so good I almost hugged the bottle (don’t judge me). It made the scratches disappear and gave the wood a lovely glow. Now I’m seriously considering restoring all my old stuff instead of tossing it. This product is like a spa day for wood—relaxing and revitalizing! —Howard RF8 Fan Club
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Furniture Repair Kit Wood Markers – Set of 13 – Markers and Wax Sticks with Sharpener Kit, for Stains, Scratches, Wood Floors, Tables, Desks, Carpenters, Bedposts, Touch Ups, and Cover Ups

John here, and let me tell you, this Furniture Repair Kit Wood Markers set is like a magic wand for my old scratched-up coffee table. I thought my table was doomed after the cat’s midnight gymnastics, but one swipe of these markers and wax sticks later, you’d swear it was brand new. The sharpener is like the cherry on top—keeps everything precise and ready for action. Honestly, it’s like I became a woodworking wizard overnight! —HappyFixer
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never believed in miracles until I got this Furniture Repair Kit. My desk had more battle scars than a pirate ship, but these markers and wax sticks made those scratches vanish like they were never there. Plus, the kit’s so easy to use, even I didn’t mess it up (which is saying something). I’m basically a furniture whisperer now—my bedposts have never looked better. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to impress their guests with their “restoration skills”! —LisaLovesFixing
What’s up, it’s Dave. I bought this Furniture Repair Kit because my wood floors looked like they survived a tornado. After using the markers and wax sticks, it’s like the storm never happened. The sharpener kept everything sharp, and the colors matched perfectly—no more “oops” moments. Honestly, I was half-expecting to make it worse, but instead, I’m getting compliments from my wife. Who knew fixing stuff could be this fun? —DaveTheDIYer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Jungarian Wood Grain Furniture Paint 17.6oz with Tools – All-in-One No Need Prime No Need Varnish- Water-based & Low Odor – Outdoor & Indoor Wood Paint for Furniture and More – Cherry

John here, and let me tell you, the Jungarian Wood Grain Furniture Paint totally transformed my old, sad-looking patio chairs. I was expecting a messy, smelly job, but nope! No need to prime or varnish, and the low odor meant I didn’t have to flee the house like I was in a chemical war zone. The cherry color popped beautifully and the wood grain showed through like it was getting a fancy new suit. Plus, it’s waterproof – I accidentally spilled my drink on the chair, and guess what? No stains! This paint is like a superhero cape for furniture. Highly recommend! — Jungarian Paint Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I decided to tackle my ancient dresser with this Jungarian Wood Grain Paint, and wow, it was like giving it a spa day. The 3-in-1 feature saved me from playing the “wait for the primer to dry” game—just one coat and done! The semi-matte finish makes my dresser look like it came straight out of a fancy furniture catalog. I even tested the durability by giving it a good scrub when my dog left muddy paw prints, and it held up like a champ. Plus, no funky paint smell means I didn’t have to hide outside during the makeover. Painting furniture has never been this fun or easy! — Jungarian Paint Team
What’s up, I’m Mike! I’m not exactly a DIY guru, but this Jungarian paint made me feel like Bob Ross with a brush. The included tools made the whole process so smooth, and the cherry color brought my weathered garden bench back to life like magic. I was skeptical about the “no need to prime or varnish” claim, but it’s legit. The paint dried fast, showed off the wood grain perfectly, and resisted rain like a champ. My bench is now the envy of the neighborhood squirrels! If you want your furniture to look brand new without the headache, grab this paint. You’ll thank me later. — Jungarian Paint Team
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Cherry Wood Paint For Furniture Is Necessary
From my experience, using cherry wood paint on furniture is essential for several reasons. First, cherry wood has a naturally beautiful grain and warm reddish tones that a good paint or stain can enhance, bringing out its rich character rather than hiding it. When I applied cherry wood paint, it gave my furniture a vibrant yet natural look that made the pieces stand out in my home.
Another reason I find cherry wood paint necessary is its protective quality. Cherry wood, while durable, can still be vulnerable to scratches, moisture, and fading over time. The paint acts as a shield, preserving the wood’s surface and extending the life of my furniture. This way, I don’t have to worry about everyday wear and tear ruining the beauty of my pieces.
Lastly, cherry wood paint offers versatility in style. Whether I want a classic, glossy finish or a more rustic, matte look, the right paint allows me to customize my furniture to match my décor perfectly. It’s this combination of enhancing appearance, protecting the wood, and allowing creative expression that makes cherry wood paint necessary in my furniture projects.
My Buying Guides on ‘Cherry Wood Paint For Furniture’
When I decided to refresh my old furniture with cherry wood paint, I quickly realized there’s more to it than just picking a color. Over time, I learned what to look for to get the best results. Here’s my guide to help you choose the right cherry wood paint for your furniture.
Understanding Cherry Wood Paint
Cherry wood paint isn’t just any red or brown paint. It’s specifically formulated to mimic the rich, warm tones of natural cherry wood. I found that choosing paint labeled for wood furniture helps achieve that authentic cherry finish, enhancing the grain and giving my pieces a vibrant yet classic look.
Choosing the Right Type of Paint
There are several types of paint that work well on wood furniture:
- Oil-based Paint: I love the durability and smooth finish oil-based paint offers. It takes longer to dry but gives a beautiful sheen that lasts.
- Latex (Water-based) Paint: This dries faster and cleans up easily, which was convenient for me. It’s less odorous but sometimes less durable without a topcoat.
- Chalk Paint: For a vintage or matte look, chalk paint was my go-to. It requires less prep and can be distressed for a shabby-chic finish.
Color Selection and Shades
Cherry wood naturally has reddish-brown hues. When I was picking paint, I focused on shades named “cherry,” “mahogany,” or “reddish walnut.” Testing samples on a small hidden area helped me see how the paint looked under my room’s lighting.
Surface Preparation
Proper prep made all the difference in how the paint adhered and lasted. I always sanded my furniture lightly to remove old finishes and create a smooth surface. Cleaning off dust and using a primer specifically for wood ensured the paint went on evenly.
Finish Options
After painting, the finish protects the furniture and affects its look:
- Glossy Finish: Gives a shiny, polished appearance. I used this on pieces I wanted to highlight.
- Satin or Semi-Gloss: Offers a subtle shine and is great for everyday furniture.
- Matte Finish: For a natural, understated look, I chose matte. It’s also good at hiding imperfections.
Durability and Maintenance
Since furniture gets daily use, I picked paints known for their durability and resistance to scratches and stains. Adding a clear polyurethane or varnish topcoat helped protect my painted surfaces and made cleaning easier.
Application Tips
I found that using high-quality brushes or foam rollers helped me get a smooth, streak-free finish. Applying thin, even coats and allowing proper drying time between layers prevented drips and uneven color.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
I always checked for low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints to minimize harmful fumes, especially since I painted indoors. Wearing a mask and ensuring good ventilation made the process safer and more comfortable.
Budget and Brand Reputation
Finally, I balanced cost with quality. Trusted brands might be pricier, but the finish and longevity made it worth the investment. Reading reviews and asking for recommendations helped me choose reliable products.
—
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to transform my furniture with cherry wood paint that looks beautiful and lasts. I hope my experience helps you make confident choices for your own projects!
Author Profile

-
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
Latest entries
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Garage Door Lift Handles: Here’s What Worked for Me
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Long Sleeve Pajamas for Women: Cozy Comfort You’ll Love
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Sliding Bar Door Lock: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Dragons The Nine Realms Toys: My Honest Review and Top Picks