Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/repainting furniture

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Expert: - 1/18/2008


Question
Hi,

I have a chest of drawers that is white and I would like to paint it brown to match a baby crib. Is this possible? It is not solid wood and seems to have an oily paint on it. It is not stained. Can I just paint over the white?

I would appreciate your help.
Thanks
Calliopi

Answer
Hi Calliopi
Nice to hear from you.
Certainly you can paint over your chest of drawers.
Give the chest a good sanding with 120 grit sandpaper.
Then apply a coat of good primer and then your brown paint.
Probably take two coats of brown.
Use water based latex paint.
Its possible the chest had oil based paint at one time, or perhaps just high gloss water based which could appear oily.
In any event a good sanding and primer is a must before you apply the brown.
Good Luck
Eileen

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Eileen Cronk

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Hi..I can answer most questions about the repairing,stripping and refinishing of all your old furniture and wood items(the things we call antiques)I can give advice about what to buy/avoid at auctions/flea markets. I do not give appraisals on antiques.

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I have been refinishing antiques for the past 30yrs. While I have taken several courses over the years,I have found that "hands on" learning is the best teacher. Perhaps I can help you avoid some of the mistakes I made while learning.

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