How to Repaint Old Furniture
An old chair or table will look like new if you paint it. Before you decide to paint a piece of furniture, you should consider some things. Choose a sound piece of reasonable quality. Examine it for any cracks or damaged areas. You may have to use filler to repair the cracks or nail holes. You will reduce the overall amount of work you do if you pay attention in the beginning. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Prepared piece of furniture (old finish already removed)
- 00 grit sand paper
- Turpentine
- Flat paint
- Enamel paint (same color as the flat paint)
- Cheesecloth
- Paint bucket
- Stir sticks
Instructions
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Painting old furniture
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1
Lightly sand the surface of the piece with 00 grit sandpaper to remove any rough spots. Wipe the dust away with cheesecloth.
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2
Pour some flat paint into the bucket. Thin the paint with spirits of turpentine, using one-tenth the amount. Apply the first primer coat thinly with the two-inch paintbrush, painting with the grain. Allow the paint to dry 24 hours.
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3
Gently sand the finish with 00 grit sandpaper and wipe away dust with the cheesecloth.
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4
Stir the flat paint thoroughly with the stir stick. Take paint from the can to apply the second coat of paint with light, even strokes. Allow to dry 24 hours.
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5
Gently sand the finished surface again and wipe away dust with the cheesecloth.
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6
Stir the enamel paint thoroughly. Apply the paint with even strokes, avoiding drips or heavy brush marks on the wood. Allow the enamel paint to dry 48 hours. Apply a second coat, resulting in a smooth, attractive finish.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Use colored varnish instead of enamel paint for a different finish.
Apply crackle paint for an antique effect.
Always paint in a well-ventilated area.
