Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/5/2009

Question
QUESTION: I found a very old rocker at a flea market.  I am in the process of stripping it.  The wood looks very old and dry.  Can I apply linseed oil and then paint over it?  Will the paint hold?  What kind of paint would you suggest?   Thanks I am new at this.

ANSWER: Hi Barb
Nice to hear from you.
Sorry but I'm a bit confused with this (it doesn't take much LOL).
If you are just going to paint the chair, it should not need stripping.
But in any case, do not apply linseed oil to the chair.
Just painting is fine.
Water based acrylic paint will do nicely.
If you decide not to paint, you could use an oil based stain then apply a tung oil finish.
This would really look nice on an old chair.
Great question
Regards
Eileen

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

QUESTION: I am curious as to why you would not strip this old rocker.  I probably was not clear enough...It had at least 3 colors of paint on it.  Would you sand it after stripping it?

Answer
Hi again Barb
I meant that I think it is a lot of unnecessary work to strip paint off a piece of furniture only to turn around and repaint the piece..call me lazy LOL.
But it will certainly make for a beautiful paint job with all the old paint removed first.
If all the paint is removed, there is no need to sand prior to repainting and its best for the chair if you don't because sanding will cause the wood to absorb more paint in the grain.
Years down the road someone may want to remove the paint and it will be easier to do.
And thank you so much for the great ratings. It makes helping others a pleasure to know its appreciated.
Regards
Eileen