Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/13/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi! Hope you can help! I just bought a second-hand dresser and nightstand for my young daughter and want to refinish them as they are a rather garish shade of pink. I know the pink is an oil paint. 1.) Do I have to strip and/or sand the pink paint off before repainting?  2.) Must I use oil paint to refinish if not completely removing the old paint? 3.) Should I use something like Kilz first, as I plan to go from garish pink to a pale lemon yellow and white? 4.) how many coats will I need and do I sand in between?
This is my first refinishing project-I know some basics from my ex who restored old homes, but not enough to be sure of myself!  Thanks so much in advance for your time. I really appreciate it!
Kathleen

ANSWER: Hi Kathleen
Nice to hear from you.
There should be no need to strip the pieces before painting.
Very old oil paint can be painted over with water based paint with proper surface prep.
Yes that means sanding.
And the primer coat ..kilz or whatever is a must.
So its sand well.
Then prime.
Then a very light sand again.
Then 2 coats of your yellow.
No sanding should be reguired for your 2 yellow coats.
And you be sure of yourself Kathleen..you can do this no fear.
And if you ever need any more help just ask.
Kindest Regards
Eileen

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

QUESTION: Hi Eileen!
WOW! What an amazingly fast response! Thanks a million for all the information -- just one quick follow-up, please -- In your reply you said "very old oil paint can be painted over with water based paint. . . "
This paint is, unfortunately, not very old -- just very ugly! The lady I bought it from refinishes furniture and did this one herself in the last couple of years (she even gave me extra pink paint for touch-ups, but I didn't have the heart to tell her I wouldn't be needing it!!) Does this change your response at all?
Oh, and when you say "sanding" do you mean with an electric sander (ie. a belt or orbital sander, or just by hand?)
I eagerly await your reply.
Cheers!
Kathleen

Answer
Hi Again Kathleen
Actually this does not change my answer. It only increases your sanding duties LOL.
And not a belt sander but a palm sander or oribatal if you have one should be fine.
As long as the surface is well sanded and primed it should be OK.
And have a look when you are getting your primer. It vaguely runs in my mind that there could be a primer specifically for going from oil based paint to water based. Or this could be the delusions of an old woman LOL
Good Luck and get back to me if your need further help.
Kindest Regards
Eileen