Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/changing finish color

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Expert: - 10/18/2010


Question
I recently purchased some solid wood end tables that are a dark chocolate color.  I would like to darken them even more to black.  What is the best way to do this-- a stain or paint?

Answer
Hi Kathy, the best way would be to scuff sand them with some 220-320 sandpaper to slightly abrade the existing finish for adhesion purposes..and then spray them Black with some Krylon or Rustoleum Universal spray paint, or a black lacquer aerosol. You really should clear coat them over the black for the best durability...so I recommend the Black lacquer, followed by the sheen of clear coat of your choice.The aerosols can be had from several places online, like Woodcraft.com or woodworker.com, or at a Woodcraft store if there's one near you, (but I would call ahead to check stock)...Home depot sells clear lacquers from Minwax, (Not Polyurethane), which you could spray over Krylon or the Rustoleum Universal, you just have to be careful to follow the directions as far as dry times so the clear lacquer won't wrinkle the Black....you could also use a waterborne or clear Acrylic....there are many ways to accomplish the task...depending on your familiarity with the application, etc. I would pick Satin or Semi-Gloss for the products... There is a knack to spraying a good finish, but it will get you a very smooth, professional result with a little practice......post back if need be- regards- Greg
Satin Black and the clears are available here...

http://woodworker.com/gloss-black-jet-spray---lacquers-mssu-851-078.asp?search=&...  

Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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