Expert: Eileen Cronk - 3/17/2008

Question
Eileen,

I'm a student in college and I'm finally getting out of the dorms and into an apartment (woot!). I like cohesiveness and I'm really happy that I finally get to design my own space. I have a chipboard desk with a medium wood stain, don't know exactly what it is. It's too expensive to buy another one but I like the look of black wood and my other furniture is the same. Is there a way to strip and restain fake wood or can I simply paint it?

Thank you,

Brianna

Answer
Hi Brianna
Nice to hear from you.
No way to strip this type of furniture but it can certainly be painted.
In this case I would simply rough up the surface slightly with a piece of 120 grit sandpaper and apply two coats of black paint.
Black paint covers well for some reason..probably because its black LOL, so this will be an easy job for you.
I would use water based paint for this and perhaps think of using semi gloss which will not show the finger marks like a gloss paint does.
And congratulations on the apartment.
Good Luck and great question
Regards
Eileen