Expert: Eileen Cronk - 3/19/2008

Question
QUESTION: hi,
i have found a bunch of old furniture and i am going to paint it all white for the shabby chic look.some is wood and thats fine.but some is laminate over partical board and some venner over partical board.do i need to sand and prime or is there a product you just spray on.also what is the best type of paint to use for a nice effect.ie flat,eggshell.semi gloss.or melamine
thank you

ANSWER: Hi Julie
All of the above types of furniture can be painted of course, but the surface prep is essential so the paint will stick.
Just a light sanding, you just need to rough the surface.
Use 120 grit paper.
The wood is already sealed so you can skip the primer (I know where your coming from LOL)
Don't use Malamine paint.
I would not use gloss or flat either.
That leaves eggshell and semi gloss.
Personally I love the look of eggshell paint.
But semi gloss will wear better.
If the durability is not a must, I feel eggshell is the choice.
Great Project and I hope this helps.
Kindest Regards
Eileen


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

QUESTION: thanks for your reply.it was very helpful.i did read some people use eggshell then put a paste wax over it..whats your opinion on this.all this sanding and stripping is sure a lot of work...on the wood pieces...i don't want to use the wrong paint after all this work.
thanks again
julie

ANSWER: Hi again Julie
I have heard of applying a clear coat over paint for protection but never wax.
It will have to be a waterbased clear coat though.
Yes this work is a big job but you will be very proud of your efforts.
Regards
Eileen

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

QUESTION: hi,
sorry to keep bugging you but i thought of something else.how should i apply the paint..eg...brush ,roller....also i have another question.i was stripping a table which is veneer over pressboard.it came up really nice but when i stripped the big pedestal base underneath, the stuff under the stain and varnish wasn't wood.it was this light colored stuff...maybe a form of somekind...it scraped off like plaster.i was wondering if you are familiar with this.the table is really heavy and the chairs that came with it are real wood.oak i think...thanks again
julie

Answer
Hi Julie
You are never bugging me.
I like to use a small roller for this type of painting.
Not one of those larger ones you use for walls but one 5 or 6 inches long.
A a brush will be needed in some places too.
I have seen this material you refer to but not a lot.
Can't tell you its name.
But you can paint the pedestal or use this product

http://www.constantines.com/browseproducts/Behlen-Jet-Spray-Lacquers.HTML

It is something similar to what was on originally.
Good luck with all your projects
Regards
Eileen