Expert: Eileen Cronk - 10/12/2008

Question
QUESTION: Date: 6/20/2008
Subject: Painting/Staining a bamboo papasan frame

Hi Eileen:
I picked up this Papasan Chair at a garage sale and tried to paint it.  I used sandpaper and lightly sanded, then spray painted.  I must not have used the right spray paint or did not let it dry enough, because when I put the top part back on the base the paint rubbed off when moving or shifting the top part of the chair.  I only spray painted the inside and the top of the base.  

I read your previous recommendation from 6/30/08 and I am wondering what would you suggest I do now.  I am thinking that I have to re-sand the base where I painted and do a spray paint again.  Is there any particular spray paint that would work best??  What do you think. Help!!:0 - Please!!!



ANSWER: Hi Linda
Nice to hear from you.
Hmmm...the paint did not stick because it did not have a surface properly prepped to stick to.
I do not feel it could be the paint.
Your only choice now is to resand and paint again as its too late to use the TSP scrub you read about.
Wish you told me what kind of paint you used the first time, but I feel a water based spray is fine on this surface if its properly prepped.
Hope this helps and glad to know someone reads the forums.
Kind Regards
Eileen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I only sprayed painted the inner and top portion of the base so sanding won't be quite as grueling.  Can I still use TSP on the rest of the base along with the top to prep?  I used Rust-Oleum Gloss Protective Enamal.  The guy at Home Depot said any spray paint would probably be fine.  I picked that because of the color. I feel Rust-Oleum should have given me a heads up, Huh! Anyhow, any last suggestions would be great.  Should I  use a water based spray?  Any particular brand?  I am not sure what Rust Oleum is? Thanks again.  I really appreciate your time.

Answer
Hi again Linda
Yes you can use the TSP on the rest.
My concern now after hearing you used Rustoleum paint is that a latex will not stick.
You can topcoat latex with oil, but not oil with latex (really confused now? LOL
The only Rustoleum I have used has been oil based..don't even know if it comes in latex.
So its vital you read the label on the spray you used and stick to the same thing.
I have been trying for the last half hour to access the Rustoleum site but each and everytime I go to it my PC freezes..just great LOL.
Keep me posted
Regards
Eileen