Do It Your Self – How to Paint a Five-Board Bench?

Quick Summary

• A five-board bench is furniture made of one smooth plank top, two side boards, and two legs, commonly used in homes for sitting or reaching shelves.
• This DIY project teaches how to repaint/refresh an old five-board bench using a layered, antique-style painting technique.
• Required materials: bench/boards, rust-red matt paint, turquoise matt paint, candlewax, wire wool, sandpaper, gloss varnish, and a paintbrush.
• Apply a coat of rust-red paint and let it dry.
• Rub candlewax on edges and sitting areas to create resistance for the next paint layer.
• Apply one coat of turquoise paint and allow it to dry.
• Use wire wool to remove paint from wax-coated spots; use sandpaper to expose wood bits for a weathered look.
• Apply 2–3 coats of gloss varnish on turquoise areas. Leave worn areas matt to simulate natural ageing.
• The final finish gives the bench a charming vintage appearance.
• This DIY method can also be used alongside similar furniture rejuvenation.

While these days they are displayed as country antiques, every home would have had a small five-board bench at one point in time that would double up as a seat for a small child and a single step for reaching high shelves. Here Gharpedia is presenting a DIY Project to learn how to paint a five-board bench. So, let’s paint up this bench and lend it a fresh touch…

The five-board bench used in this blog has been constructed to a traditional pattern using rough timber to create an instant country antique. These benches have been made all over the world in many shapes and sizes – essentially, they have a nice smooth plank top, two ends cut into legs at the base and two side pieces. It is a simple design that endures because it is easy and works well.

Things Required for Painting a Five-Board Bench

The following things are required to paint a five-board bench-

• A bench or five boards to construct your own
• Background colours – Buttermilk cream for walls, natural board or matting floor, olive green woodwork
• Gloss varnish
• Medium grade sandpaper
• Rust red/orange paint in any matt finish
• Turquoise matt paint
• White candle
• Wire wool
• 5 cm paintbrush

Process – How to Paint a Five-Board Bench?

Go thoroughly to this five-board bench painting DIY process-

Use colours with good contrast in order to make the most of this five-board bench painting technique.

1. Apply one coat of the rust-red paint. This thick covering coat must be bone dry before the next stage.
2. Rub the candlewax on all the edges of the top plank, plus lightly across two ‘sitting’ areas on the surface. Also, rub along the edges of the legs and the side planks. The candlewax will resist the next coat of paint, although this will not be obvious at first.
3. Apply a single coat of the bright turquoise paint, and leave the bench to dry
4. Using the wire wool, rub away the paint in all the areas where you rubbed the candle wax. After initial resistance, it should come off quite easily. Now use the sandpaper to rub away some of the red below to reveal some of the wood. Don’t rush this job – the aim is to replicate the effect of many years of family life, so it is worth taking a little time over it!
5. Apply two or three coats of gloss varnish to the turquoise parts, leaving the rubbed areas matt. This will enhance the illusion of layers applied over the years.

That’s it…your five-board bench painting DIY Project is successfully accomplished!

I hope you like this blog on how to paint a five-board bench. Now you are all ready to give a new look to your old bench. Similarly, Gharpedia has also written blogs on old wooden chairs and stool renovation. Go through the below link to read.

6 Steps to Rejuvenate Old Wooden Chair & Give a New Fresh Look!

Rescue Mission: 9 Steps to Rejuvenate Old Wooden Stool

FAQs on How to Paint a Five-Board Bench

1. What Materials Are Needed to Paint a Five-Board Bench?

You’ll need a bench (or boards to make one), rust-red paint, turquoise paint, a white candle, wire wool, sandpaper, gloss varnish, and a paintbrush.

2. Why Is Candlewax Used in This Painting Technique?

Candlewax creates resistance so the top paint layer can be rubbed off easily, helping achieve a distressed, antique finish.

3. How Do I Achieve an Aged or Rustic Look on a Wooden Bench?

Use layered contrasting paints, apply candlewax on edges, then rub off the top coat with wire wool and sandpaper to reveal the base colour and wood below.

4. How Many Coats of Varnish Should I Apply After Painting?

Two to three coats of gloss varnish should be applied to protect the paint and enhance the layered look.

5. Can This Painting Method Be Used on Other Wooden Furniture?

Yes, the same distressed-finish technique can be applied to chairs, stools, and other wooden décor pieces.

Author Bio

Huta Raval – An English Literature and Journalism Topper, Huta Raval has graduated from the L D Arts College, Ahmedabad. Post serving for 23 years in the NBFC and Public Library Sectors her desire for ‘writing the unwritten’ brought her to the creative field of content writing. Her clientele comprises of NGOs, Blogging Platforms, Newspapers, Academic Institutions, et al.