Expert: Eileen Cronk - 5/2/2010

Question
QUESTION: I bought a second hand dining table and chairs and I want to paint them black. I did some research before I started the project and thought I had it all figured out (I was so wrong). I started with the table leaf, lightly sanding to remove the shine ( as I had read to do) then spray painted it with Rust-oleum Lacquer,which left a powdery film on it but wiped off easily then I noticed some areas felt gummy so I wiped it with rubbing alcohol and made it worse.plus the finish is splotchy. Utter disaster!!!! I'm just heartsick about it. Can you help me fix it and advise me about the rest of the table/chairs. I know you're probably thinking "what a moron" and you would be correct :(

ANSWER: Hi Lana
Nice to hear from you.
OK..first off I think your prep work was at fault.
Yes, you lightly sanded but I think there was still grease or grime residue left on the table.
Thats easily dealt with.
Get a box of medium steel wool pads and a can of mineral spirits (called varsol in Canada).
Dip the wool in the spirit and give all pieces an aggressive scrubbing.
Next comes the light sanding. Use 120 grit paper.
Prepping a surface in this way will guarantee perfect adhesion and finish.
Lana spraying large pieces is never satisfactory.
Use a brush and paint.
Get a good acrylic black paint and the best brush the store carries. My current brush cost 12.00 dollars and its excellent.
Also get a roller and tray to do the large surfaces (table top).
Personally I would use a semi gloss paint but its your choice.
Two coats of black will be all thats needed. And two light coats are far better than trying to apply only one heavy one.
The problem you encountered with the lacquer is common.
The powdery film is called blushing. It can occur in humid conditions or in cases of surface contamination.
The splotchy effect and gummy areas are surface contamination.
You must remove all the black you applied and proceed as in the steps I mention above.
Get a small can of paint stripper and remove the black.
Do not fret over this. Its easily remedied.
And you are not a moron LOL.
Get back if needed
Regards
Eileen


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

QUESTION: Hey Eileen

Thank you so much for your expertise and encouragement. I have a couple more questions before I tackle this project again. What type roller would you recommend and do I need to use a primer before applying the paint? Oh, one more question, do I need to apply a protective coat of some kind after painting? Thank you again for holding my hand through this project.          
         Lana

Answer
Hi again Lana
You are very welcome.
Get one of those foam rollers and a tray just because its a table top and this will ensure you get no roller lint in the paint job.
Usually primer is applied to unfinished or raw wood or in the case where we want to go from a dark color to a light one so in your case it will not be necessary to prime.
There is nothing wrong with applying a protective coat over the paint but personally I don't.
I feel the paints we buy today are durable enough on their own.
But if you want that extra insurance, apply a waterbased poly over the black but be advised that if the job is going to get messed up it will be applying the poly. Especially on the chairs.
Waterbased poly dries fast and when you overlap brush or roller strokes that have been on a few minutes, it leaves lap marks.
Don't hesitate to get back if needed.
Regards
Eileen
PS..I forgot to mention this. Give the paint ample time to cure before using the table and chairs.
If it can sit just looking pretty for a week before use you won't regret waiting.