Expert: Eileen Cronk - 3/9/2007

Question
Thanks for the info! Shows how much I know about this! Are there any other options for me, to change the look of the furniture, without having to send it out? What about painting it? Is that something I can do in my house? I really like antique-looking stuff- is there a way to imitate that look with a paint? If staining requires sanding and all that, I definitely dont want to go that route. Id like to come up with an at-home project to occupy my time and save me the hassle of buying new furniture...if thats possible! I am even thinking about buying new drawer handles and knobs so that it looks like something different...I just need to get rid of the ugly color! Thanks for your help!

Katie
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hi,

I have some bedroom furniture that I would like to spice up a bit... I've had it for years and it's great quality but I hate hate hate the color of it now...instead of going through the hassle of selling and buying something new, I thought it would be fun to change what I already have. It is a medium color wood and you can see the grain in it but I love dark wood and was wondering if there is a way to stain mine darker? I've never done anything like this before so Im lost! I would love to do it by hand, in my house as a project if possible...is it possible?? If so, what's the easiest way to do it, and what kind of products should I look for?

Thanks for your advice!!
-----Answer-----
Hi Katie
Nice to hear from you.
Well I am giving you A+ for enthusiasm Katie LOL
Unfortunately there is just no way of changing the stain color without removing the existing finish...sorry but it can't be done.
It may be possible to have the furniture sent out to be sprayed with a dark colored laquer. This would require agressive sanding for the laquer to stick and would be pretty costly.
You cannot do this in the home as its toxic, flammable, requires a paint parlor and special spraying equipment.
Sorry but no easy way.
Kindest regards
Eileen


Answer
Hi again Katie
Sorry I could not give you the answer you wanted to hear about the furniture, but there are things you can do to give it a facelift.
Go to a good paint store and check out the various antique paint kits that are available.
These projects are designed for people like us who want to do it ourselves.
Usually whats involved with doing this Katie is an undercoat color with the antiquing color applied over that.
The color selections are great.
Any good paint store has brochures detailing the method and instructions.
Get out and have a look. I know you will like this.
Regards
Eileen