Expert: Eileen Cronk - 3/26/2009

Question
I recently purchased an old bedroom set of 5 pieces from Craig's list.  I am getting ready to go away to Graduate School and am trying to buy cheap furniture pieces and spruce them up a little.  This set is from the 1960's or 70's with that classic white (slick surface-maybe MDF or Veneer) and the gold trim on the beveled edges.  I'd like to paint it all black...trying to make it look a little more modern.  My question is this?  Can it be done?  What type of paint should I use, spray, brush on, oil, water?  (I do have access to a compressor to paint it like you would a car, LOL).  Do I need to scuff it up first?  My father will be helping me with this, but I just want to make sure we take the right approach...I hate to completely ruin the top of the dress or desk.  I do have pictures if seeing the furniture might help.  Let me know.

Thanks for your help!!!!
Sincerely,
Angela H. of Buffalo, NY

Answer
Hi Angela
Nice to hear from you.
This is a great project. And yes you absolutely can paint this furniture. And this furniture from the 60's will be much better made than cheap furniture you would buy today.
So..first off the surface must be prepped so the paint will stick.
Do this with 120 grit sandpaper. No need for agressive sanding. Just a good scuff.
Tack cloth off the dust.
Because you are using black paint I see no need for a primer although that step is entirely up to you (or what your Dad thinks LOL).
Use water based acrylic paint. Personally I would choose a semi gloss but thats up to you.
You can use a small roller on most of it and brush the places that cannot be rolled.
When you purchase your paint, ask for the best brush and roller for the actual paint you purchase. This is very important and the salesperson better know that.
Two coats of black should be all thats needed.
OH I forgot. Remove all the handles and knobs before you sand and paint. And you can actually spray paint them to update them also.
Gold, silver or any color you choose but get a spray paint.
Most of todays spray paint clearly states on the label what they are good for. Get one that says for wood or metal. You can give all the handles a good scrub with a degreaser before you paint.
Angela your set will be beautiful.
My very  best wishes to you.
Eileen