Expert: Eileen Cronk - 5/4/2007

Question
QUESTION: I recently bought a used pedestal table (stained honey oak color) four ladder back chairs (painted white and pastel) and a hutch (dark walnut stain, high laquer) and I would like to refinish them all so that it looks like a matching set. To avoid stripping everything I've decided to do black paint. I bought a black "antique" paint kit which says to apply the black paint, then rub the corners etc to create antique look and the apply "antique glaze". but I have a few questions:
- the chairs seem like they may have multiple coats of paint - will your highly recommended TSP solution be enought to prepare a smooth surface for my black paint? since they have lots of turned leg details it would be a huge pain to strip to bare wood...
- also since all pieces are different base colors - if I apply the black paint, and rub the corners to "antique", won't the pastels/white paint, honey stain and walnut stain show through?
- should I forgo the kit and just buy black paint? if so what kind do you recommend? or should I use the kit, but just skip the rubbing step?
- should I apply a topcoat? if I use the kit which has paint and glaze what topcoat should I use? or if I use plain black paint, what topcoat works best (especially for high use areas like the table top?

thanks so much!
suzanne
ANSWER: Hi Suzanne
Nice to hear from you.
This sounds like a wonderful undertaking and I am so glad you ask the right questions before starting (smart lady).
First the TSP solution will be fine to prepare all the pieces. So much easier than stripping YUK. LOL
And for sure if you apply the black and rub back, you will have an ugly job.
You have a couple of options here I think.
Forego the rubbing like you suggest, or undercoat all pieces the same color before applying the black. Of course you could not rub too much or you will be back to a mismatched set.
You could undercoat in gray possibly.
My personal choice would be to forego the kit and prime then paint all pieces (after the TSP of course.)
And I like the sheen of the pearlised or velvet paint myself, but the choice is yours.
High gloss will show finger marks badly.
And prime for whatever route you choose.
Good Luck and thanks for a great question.
Kindest Regards
Eileen
OOPS..almost missed the last question. No top coat is necessary if you use good quality paint.




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

QUESTION: Thanks so much - your response was VERY helpful.Just a few follow-up questions:
- are there special types of paint or primer for furniture (I'm familiar with interior wall paint and not much else)?
- can you recommend a brand or two of good quality paint?
- also, just for my own information, what is "laquer" - an extra coat for sheen to be applied on top of the paint? or is it a type of colored paint?

thanks again - I can't wait to get started!
Suzanne
ANSWER: Hi Again Suzanne
Primer comes clearly marked as such. The can will clearly state wood primer.
I am in Canada and like Beautytone paint although there are better quality paints I'm sure. Apparently the Debbie Travis paint line is good also. And Bher makes a great paint. There are numerous to choose from.
Lacquer is used on todays wood furniture. If you see wood furniture (not painted) in a store it will have a lacquer finish. Lacquer is usually clear, but stain can be added in some cases. It is not paint.
I have never used lacquer on top of paint but it could be done I suppose for added protection but its tricky stuff to apply with a brush and is mostly sprayed on.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen

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

QUESTION: Thanks Eileen - I have just one more follow-up email. I have been reading a bit more about refinishing furniture online and found that many sites recommend enamel (which I now know is different from paint). Considering that this is a table set and will see lots of use, would a black enamel be a better choice? is it a lot more difficult to apply than paint? is the TSP solution still a good choice for prepping - and if I use enamel, do I use enamel undercoating and no primer? thanks again - sorry to be such a pest, just trying to make sure I make the right choice!
suzanne

Answer
Suzanne you are NOT a pest LOL
And please stop reading about paint on line LOL...you are getting things mixed up.
OK..Heres the facts. Enamel is paint plain and simple.
You can but flat enamel, semi gloss enamel and high gloss enamel velvet enamel etc etc etc.
Enamel can be oil based or water based...its all paint.
In my opinion, oil based paint is harder to apply than water based paint so I still recommend water based paint.
But if you choose oil based paint all my prep instructions remain the same.
And for years it was said that oil based paint (or enamel) was sturdier than water based paint (or enamel). I suspect that is why you are being led to the black enamel paint.
This was true years ago, but not today. Todays water based paint is as durable as oil based.
Now the only thing you need remember when choosing paint is you cannot use water based enamel over oil based enamel.
They are not compatable.
And get a compatable primer for the paint you choose.
Take a trip to the paint store and talk to a  knowledgable sales person. You will not go wrong.
Thanks for a great question.
Kindest Regards
Eileen