Expert: Eileen Cronk - 4/20/2009

Question
QUESTION: What is the TSP technique to keep from stripping the furniture before finishing?

ANSWER: Hi LaDonna
Nice to hear from you.
TSP is used to deglaze a shiny surface before we paint it.
This is usually done if sanding is not an option.
I wish stripping furniture was as easy as a wash with TSP but unfortunately thats not the case. When we refinish furniture we must remove all the existing finish with stripper. This takes us down to bare wood. Then we restain and clear coat.
LaDonna if you can let me know what it is you wish to refinish I will advise you.
Kind Regards
Eileen


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Eileen!
I bought an antique oak chest of drawers.  I am planning to finish it with a hand rubbed black finish.  I need to know where to begin!  
I would love the color of the chest (light brown oak) to show through when some of the black is rubbed off.  I don't want a glossy black finish, but a smooth black matte with a touch of a sheen.  
Do I need to strip the oak?  It doesn't appear to be at all shiny but it might have a tung oil finish.  Is there a way to tell and if it isn't sealed, may I apply paint to it as it is?
Thanks so much!

Answer
Hi again LaDonna
You can certainly apply paint directly to the chest as is.
You will only need to lightly sand the surface with 120 grit sandpaper.
The chest will certainly have some type of seal on it but for your purposes it makes no difference what it is.
It sounds like you want a semi gloss paint. Its between shiny and flat.
Then I think you want some of the underlying wood color to show so this is done after the black has dried.
The procedure is usually done with sandpaper. Its usually done on areas that recieve the most wear like edges, around handles etc.
For this I would use a 220 grit sandpaper.
Folks often use a final seal coat over this. This is where you can refine your desired sheen. You can get a nice matte sealer that does have a touch of sheen as you desire.
My advice before you start is get to your local paint store and have a look at the products that are available to you. This way there will be no surprises and you will have a lovely completed project.
And make sure you ask for the correct brushes for the paint you are using.
Also I recommend you use all water based products.
Kind Regards
Eileen