Tips For Painting Furniture
Have you been wondering what to do with that ratty old dresser that you have in storage? Are you thinking of getting rid of that old rocking chair because it just doesn't fit in with the décor? Maybe you just changed the color scheme in a particular room, and now you have several furniture items that look out of place. Many people in these situations have saved themselves a lot of hassle and money by painting furniture. If you think this might be the answer you've been looking for, but have never done it, here are some tips to help you get started.
Before You Start
There are a few things to consider before you begin painting furniture. You need to know a little bit about the piece before you start, because you do not want to put a painted finish on something that might be an antique. If you're dealing with a piece you have owned for a while, you may already know enough about it's history to be safe. However, if you want to paint something you picked up from an auction or a yard sale, you may want to do some research.
Once you've decided to go ahead with the project, you'll need to get your tools and supplies together. These items include something to strip off the existing paint or varnish, such as mineral spirits or liquid de-glossing formula. You'll also need tack cloth, sand paper, wood filler, paint, brushes, and possibly other tools if the piece has hardware of some kind that will need to be removed.
Preparation
Preparing the surface is essential when painting furniture, just as it is with anything else. The first thing you should do is remove any hardware that may be on it, such as handles or hinges. Then you can strip off the existing finish until you reach the wood surface underneath. Depending on the age of the piece, there may be numerous scratches and nicks that need to be repaired with wood filler. Wait till it dries, and then sand down the entire surface of the furniture. Next, wipe down the entire piece with tack cloth to remove any dust or other debris from the surface.
Prime And Paint
Some people will try to get away without it, but it's always a good idea to start with a coat of primer when painting furniture. This will help the paint adhere better and prevent chipping and peeling later on. After the primer has dried, sand it lightly and wipe away any dust or debris. At this point you're ready to paint. Apply as many coats as are necessary to cover completely, usually two or three will do. To help the paint adhere, lightly sand the surface between coats and be careful to wipe away any dust or dirt particles.
Depending on the décor you're trying to match, you may want to take it a step further and stencil some type of design or image on it. You can really let your creative side out when painting furniture. You can turn that old dresser or chair into a work of art.
