Hi, I’ve heard if rustoleum, Zinsers and frenchic but I’m not sure if they’re a bit too specialist and if I can use normal eggshell? It’s for some war... More on mumsnet.com

The best kind of paint for painting furniture depends on the type of furniture you are painting, the look you are trying to achieve, and your personal preferences. Here are a few options to consider: Chalk Paint: Chalk paint is a popular option for furniture painting as it requires minimal preparation, adheres well to most surfaces, and dries to a matte, velvety finish. It's also easy to distress or create a vintage look with chalk paint. Milk Paint: Milk paint is a natural, water-based paint that gives a matte, slightly translucent finish. It works well on unfinished or raw wood furniture and can be used to create a variety of looks, from a rustic, weathered appearance to a smooth, modern finish. Acrylic Paint: Acrylic paint is a versatile option that can be used on most types of furniture, including wood, metal, and plastic. It dries quickly, is easy to clean up, and comes in a wide range of colors and finishes. Oil-Based Paint: Oil-based paint is durable and provides a smooth, glossy finish, making it a good choice for high-use furniture like tables and chairs. However, it can be more difficult to work with and requires solvents for cleanup. Ultimately, the best paint for your furniture will depend on the specific piece you are painting, the look you want to achieve, and your own preferences and skill level. Be sure to choose a paint that is appropriate for the surface you are painting, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for preparation, application, and cleanup. More on reddit.com

Stain with poly is the longest lasting for furniture. Oil based enamel has a very tough finish. I used milk paint after priming IKEA laminate furniture, the finish came out well, but these are low-use items so I don't know longevity or if putting a sealer would be beneficial. Chalk paint needs a wax or sealer, I've only used that once. Acrylic and latex paints aren't good options for furniture. More on reddit.com

You don't need to sand before applying chalk paint. It also comes in a much more limited color way and is more expensive. There are matte and some gloss options but limited. However, once chalk paint is on an item, I think it is more difficult to strip than a typical paint. For this reason, I only use chalk paint on items that are lower value - if it's a really nice piece of wood furniture I'm going to do it by the book with sanding, primer, regular paint. More on reddit.com