Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/4/2008

Question
I read your response to not sanding first, you said use steel wool and TSP solution, What is this? I want to paint mine cream. I want a satin finish. What is best paint to use?

Answer
Hi Julie
Nice to hear from you.
TSP (tri sodium phosphate) is good to use as a scrub solution along with steel wool as a scrubber.
Its available at all hardware stores in powder form. You mix it with water (follow directions on the label for deglazing a surface).
It costs under three dollars for the box.
I believe the question you refer to was about an alternative to sanding as I never say no sanding before painting a surface.
Its essential to deglaze a surface before painting so the new paint will stick.
And you must be fairly aggressive with the steel wool and TSP scrub.
Some folks can't stand the sanding dust and the TSP scrub eliminates that.
Use an eggshell finish water based paint if you want the satin look.
But you asked the best paint to use and thats Melamine paint.
Unfortunately its oil based and needs lots of drying time and it does smell where the water based does not.
I do not believe it comes in eggshell finish.
I have used it a lot and find it does not have a high sheen in the semi gloss type.
Its lovely and mellow actually.
So there are two choices.
One the best and one second best LOL.
Kind regards
Eileen