How to Repaint Colors on an Old Chair
Whether gathered around dining tables or resting against walls, chairs are useful additions to your space. If your home is currently filled with chairs that have seen better days, you may have another option other than retiring these pieces. With some basic tools, you can give your chairs new looks, revitalizing them and allowing them to perform their duties within your home for many years to come. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Paint stripper
- Paintbrush
- 220-grit foam sanding block
- 220-grit sandpaper (optional)
- Paint
- Clear polyurethane
Instructions
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If your chair has spindles with nooks and crannies, use a chemical stripper to remove paint. It's a wise choice because it will remove most of the paint before you sand. Follow package instructions on your stripper. In most cases, you will need to apply this stripper, wait for the paint to bubble and then scrape it off. To get into the crannies on your chair, use a razor blade.
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Look the chair over carefully for any spots of paint still remaining and remove these spots with sandpaper. Use a 220-grit foam sanding block. This tool is a rectangular block of foam that's covered on all sides by sandpaper. It makes it easier for you to hold the sandpaper as well as to manipulate the paper into the grooves of the chair. If you do not wish to use this tool, you can use standard 220-grit sandpaper.
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Apply your paint in a consistent direction, going with the grain of the wood. Start at the top of the chair and work your way down to ensure that you catch any drips as they work their way down the body of the chair. Allow the first coat to dry completely, giving it at least 12 hours to do so. Apply a second coat. Cover all parts of the chair, evening out the color in any places missed by the first coat. Allow this second coat to dry for 24 hours before proceeding.
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Cover with a protective layer of polyurethane. Polyurethane is a clear protective coating that will prevent paint chipping. Apply this finishing coat in the same manner you applied your paint, using a clean paintbrush and running with the grain of the wood as you add this finishing touch. You only need to apply one coat of this to your chair. Allow the polyurethane to dry for at least 24 hours before using the chair.
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