Expert: Eileen Cronk - 4/11/2008

Question
I have a rubberwood kitchen table and chairs. They are not stained, just the typical clear finish. I want to stain table top cherry to match cabinets and paint table legs and chairs black. Any suggestions on preparation and what products to use (especially type of primer if needed and type of black paint). Thanks! Julia.

Answer
Hi Julia
Nice to hear from you.
This wood acts like maple with regards to staining it in my opinion.
In other words it does not absorb stain very well at all.
The chairs and table legs will be easy to prep and paint.
Sand, prime and paint black.
Use 120 grit paper for sanding.
You can use medium steel wool in place of sandpaper in hard to get at spots.
Use all water based paints. I would use a semi gloss over a gloss as it will not show finger marks so much.
The table top must have all its finish removed before staining it cherry.
It is likely lacquer which does not respond well to paint stripper, but certainly try a test.
Use lacquer thinner if the stripper will not work.
I can tell you for certain that the usual Minwax stain will not work here.
Try a gel stain, and do a test (under the table top) to see if you can get the desired color.
If the gel does not suit, the next would be a dye stain that will work but its miserable stuff to use.
You know Julia, you could consider using a colored lacquer if you are good at spray painting (some folks aren't LOL).
Then you could apply a clear coat over that for durability.
Here is a link to look at
http://www.constantines.com/browseproducts/Behlen-Jet-Spray-Lacquers.HTML
It comes in a lot of shades as you will see.
You will only need one can, but if I was ordering this and wanted a cherry color I would get the cherry plus the red mahogany.
The red mahogany is a richer color.
The color samples are deceiving, and with both to choose from you should get your desired color.
Get back to me if you go the lacquer route as there are some do's and don'ts.
Kindest Regards
Eileen