Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/20/2005

Question
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Eileen,
Thanks for your info, that helps me alot.  My next question is about primer and paint.  Do I always prime if I am painting?  And should I use interior or exterior, Satin or flat?  Again thanks for your help!!
Shasta

Followup To
Question -
I would love some advice on what wood items to buy to refinish.  I am a stay at ome mom and just getting into this new found hobby but I am finding I do not know much about it and have made the mistake of buying a table that was supposed to be oak but ended up being fiber board.  Any thing you can tell me would be great and very much appreciated!
Answer -
Hi Shasta
Nice to hear from you.
Gosh does your letter bring back memories.
I too once purchased fibre board thinking it was wood.
And the darn stuff is so heavy that you think its solid wood.
So we both learned a good lesson.
Its not going to take too many of these mistakes before you know what you are doing.
First off, you must look over every single side of the furniture you want to purchase. Turn it upside down.
Looking at the edges of the furniture will tell you if its fibreboard. And if its painted on the edges the tell tale pattern of the fibre will still be evident.
I'll bet the table you purchased had a wood grain.
If you look closely at this grain it will be apparent to you that its too perfect.
Also on real wood you can see where the boards have been glued together. This shows on the edges also.
And on a piece with a drawer, taking the drawer out is usually a dead giveaway. Look at the underneath side of the top of the furniture after the drawer has been removed. You will not have to guess if its wood...its very apparent.
So you see Shasta its really not hard. In future I know you will not make this mistake again.Just take your time and look very closely.
Kindest Regards
Eileen  

Answer
Hi again Shasta
In most cases I like to use primer especially if I am painting something light that is dark.
It also saves money as you do not need to top coat as many times with the more expensive paint.
Always use exterior on things outdoors, and interior for indoor things.
Flat paint is only good for ceilings as it is very hard to wash, and I never use high gloss as it marks too easily with fingers etc and it also shows any imperfection in the item being painted.
So a satin or semi gloss is what I like.
I would use the semi gloss on something that will get a lot of use like a childs dresser for instance or a chair.
The satin I like on things that will not get a lot of handling. Both are equally as durable though.
Shasta I want to wish you good luck in all your projects as I feel you have a very qenuine interest in this type of thing. Yes you will make mistakes along the way like we all do but don't be discouraged.
And please write me any time you need help.
Kindest Regards
Eileen