Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/7/2008

Question
I've just bought a drop leaf birch with lacquer finish table from ikea and really want to paint it to achieve a rustic mexican matt red look.  Im not sure where to start in terms of sanding, priming and painting - or even what paint type to use?  Any help would be really appreciated

Answer
Hi Kate
Nice to hear from you.
Your right on with this..sanding, priming then paint in that order.
Thats just what you need to do.
If you have an electric palm sander it will make this first step easy.
Use 120 grit paper on your sander.
Then a coat of primer.
Get a primer thats compatable with the red paint you purchase.
Just ask the salesperson.
A very light sand of the primer will not hurt either. Use 220 grit paper.
Kate I gather the final color you want is like the color of those clay tiles, but pick the color you like and apply 2 coats.
You could get the paint in flat then add a final top coat of a matte clear coat.
I would use all waterbased products for the priming, color and clear coat.
But get yourself to a good paint store and let them guide you.
Sounds like a great project.
Regards
Eileen