Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/21/2006

Question
Hi Ellen, I have been asked to paint a light wood not raw wood it has a clear finish on it. and they want it blue distressed look. I know i would sand it but what would be the base coat for the distressed to come through the blue and would i prime it and how much for 2 dressers and a sleigh type bed? Thanks Sharon

Answer
Hi Sharon
Nice to hear from you.
First I would wash the entire set with a TSP solution and use a steel wool pad as a scrubber.
No sanding will be needed if you use this method.
Next a coat of primer.
Then your undercoat.
Color is a matter of choice, but personally I would use a navy for the undercoat then a lighter blue for the top.
Sharon I would charge this job by the hour plus materials.
So you will have to decide how much you are worth per hour LOL.
Its difficult to judge the hours required, but if they want to know, judge higher then they will be happy if its lower.
Just in my head I figure like this..washing with TSP around two hours (thats high balling)
A coat of primer applied by hand with the right rollers and brushes ...two hours...thats low balling maybe.
A coat of undercoat another two hours.
A top coat another two hours.
The final distressing I just cannot guess at as I rarely if ever do it. So you judge that LOL
Hope this helps
Kindest Regards
Eileen