Expert: Eileen Cronk - 5/18/2008

Question
Hi! I have my bedroom furniture from my childhood that I would like to refinish so that I can use it.  It is about 35 years old.  White with gold trim.  Canopy bed, dresser, etc... that every girl from the 1970's had!

I am not to handy at these things but the furniture is sentimental.

Thanks so much!  Tammy

What can I do to make it fit into my modern taste style?

Answer
Hi Tammy
Nice to hear from you.
How nice to have this from your childhood.
First off this is paint grade furniture so it cannot be stripped and refinished in the usual way. It can never be natural wood finish.
So covering the existing finish with paint is the only option.
This should be fairly straight forward to doo
A light overall sanding. A tack cloth to remove dust and then two coats of paint.
I don't feel this painted furniture needs priming but if you paint it black for instance, you may want to apply a coat of black primer if you can get it.
Tammy the possible color choices are many, but get to a good paint store and check out the different paints.
Personally I can see this set in a black pearl paint.
If this was a square corner cut type set I could see it in a matte black. But I am thinking your set is more girly with rounded lines.
But look at all your options.
This will be fun.
Great question
Regards
Eileen