Expert: Eileen Cronk - 12/19/2008

Question
I have a very old wooden dresser that I would like to pass on to my 5 year old daughter. I would like to paint it a pretty shade of pink. I have no clue of where and how to get started..... please help! Thank u in advance.

Answer
Hi Tina
Nice to hear from you.
This will be a wonderful first project for you.
I'll try to outline the job step by step.
1..first remove all the handles or knobs on the dresser.
2..Get two sheets of 120 grit sandpaper and give the entire piece a light sanding. You do not have to be aggressive with the sanding. You are only deglazing the existing finish so the new paint will stick.
3..dust the surface real well. You can use a slightly damp cloth for this. Then let dry.
4..Give the entire dresser a coat of water based primer. Let dry well.
5..A very gentle sanding just to ensure a nice smooth surface. You can use some of the first sandpaper. Then another dusting.
6..Finally your pretty shade of pink in a water based acrylic paint, but if you already have the water based in a latex thats ok. It just won't wear as well. Two coats are a must.
7..Let the paint dry and cure well for at least 24 hours before you put the handles back on. And if you hate the color of the handles you can clean them with mineral spirits and spray paint them gold or silver or any color you choose.
Make sure you have a good quality paint brush or it will mess the job up.
When purchasing the paint ask the salesperson for the very best brush for the paint you buy.
Your Daughter will love her new dresser.
Good Luck
Kind Regards
Eileen