Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/30/2008

Question
I just bought my son a maple (finished natural) desk and hutch from a local consignment shop. I would like to refinish or paint it a dark color as his bed is a dark chocolate (jacobean stain) color. What would you recommend? and what products to use as well. Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Kristina
Nice to hear from you.
There is no hope of staining this maple desk a dark color so you will have to paint it.
This maple just will not absorb a dark stain.
All you have to do to paint is a light sanding and a coat of primer and two coats of your color choice.
Use 120 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the piece.
I would use all water based paint.
As long as you get good quality paint and painting equipment you can't go wrong.
I would choose a semi gloss for this but an eggshell finish would be great as well.
The semi will just be easier to clean.
And you can get the exact color paint you want which is nice.
Hope this helps
Kind Regards
Eileen