Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/14/2007

Question
I found a set of chair at target that almost perfect with my kitchen. I'd like to paint/refinish the seat area of the chair with a dark oak color so that it will match with the table and color of my kitchen. The chair is soft white. I don't have any experience or much knowledge about this kind of woodwork. Because of the size of my kitchen and what we already have in there, we don't have a lot of choices. Please, help me out here. Do you recommend me doing that or spend more time to look for another set. Or if I need to do it, could you tell me step by step and what product I should buy. Thanks

Answer
Hi Howard
Nice to hear from you.
If I understand this question correctly, you are thinking of buying white painted chairs which you then want to make the seat only into dark oak wood color.
OK...it can be done with paint only.
These chairs are paint grade and the seats cannot be stripped to bare wood and made dark. Paint is the only solution.
So you must sand the seat area you are painting dark.
Use 120 grit paper. This will mean lots of sanding so the new color will stick.
Then a coat of primer that is compatable with Melamine paint. This is an oil based paint that is very durable. Any paint store will carry it.
Two coats will be required.
The paint store will also recommend the proper brushes for you.
But certainly in the mean time keep looking for exactly the chairs you want as this will be a bit of work.
Good luck and a good question.
Regards
Eileen