Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/2/2008

Question
Hi, I have a set of basic "poor man's" waterfall bedroom furniture that is of two different collections (one piece is just slightly different from the others).  They are all in good condition, but the wood is looking worn.  I would like to possibly paint the pieces in a black or bone finish, but I'm worried that the painted finish will look "cheap" or careless.  I still want to maintain the integrity of the pieces.  My question is, have you run across painted waterfall pieces?  Which would you recommend to maintain the classic look of the pieces while still updating them--black (with antiqued silver hardware), bone, or just suck it up and strip and refinish the furniture? (honestly, I'd prefer not to spend the time and energy stripping and re-staining, but I'd rather do that than have sloppy looking furniture)

Answer
Hi Liz
Nice to hear from you.
My personal opinion about painting old furniture (thats in good condition) is don't do it.
Usually what happens over a short time is the piece needs painting again..and again.
Finally it goes to the dump.
And you know Liz its actually easier to refinish this type of furniture than it is to paint it.
These pieces finish beautifully.
And if you put a tung oil finish on it, you will never have to strip again. All thats needed over the years is a fresh coat of tung oil.
Most every piece in my home has had a tung oil finish applied.
Every year or so I apply a fresh coat.
My furniture today looks as good as it did when freshly refinished.
So really think about it before you get the paint brush out.
If I painted a piece of this furniture I would paint it matte black with silver hardware LOL
Kind Regards
Eileen