Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/7/2009

Question
I have a dresser and chest that I would like to paint black.  The furniture is nice and expensive, but I would like to paint it a cappuccino black.  Maybe some of the stained wood to show around the edges.  The furniture is now stained with a pretty high gloss.  Hope you can help.

Debbie

Answer
Hi Debbie
Nice to hear from you.
This is certainly something you can do Debbie.
First the furniture must be deglazed with sandpaper so the new paint will stick.
I would use 120 grit sandpaper.
Of course you know to remove all the hardware.
And I like to tape off any areas that will not be painted so you have a neat finished job.
I suggest that you first apply a primer then two coats of your black.
Stick to waterbased paint not oil paint.
If you want some of the underlying wood to show through, then you sand these areas back after the painting. This is usually done in areas that would normally wear. Around the edges like you say.
If you do expose these areas then you can apply a clear coat over the entire piece. Water based clear coat of course.
Good Luck with this
Kind Regards
Eileen