How to Repaint Wood Furniture
To maximize the lifespan of wood furniture, you have to place a protective coating over the wood. Paint is a commonly used coating that protects as well as adds to the attractiveness of wood furniture. However, eventually some of the paint wears away, or you simply may want to change the look of the piece by changing the color. Repainting the furniture restores a worn protective layer while simultaneously giving your furniture a new look that you can tailor to fit your decor. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Dropcloth
- Screwdriver
- Chemical paint stripper
- Paintbrush
- Round-edge putty knife
- Steel wool
- Wood cleaner
- Rags
- Sandpaper
- Tack cloth
- Primer
- Paint
Instructions
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1
Place a dropcloth on the floor where you intend to work. Make sure the area is well-ventilated area. Set the furniture piece on the dropcloth.
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2
Remove any screws holding padding or cushions to the furniture. Remove the padding or cushions and set them aside.
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3
Brush a layer of chemical stripper onto the wood to remove its finish. Allow the stripper to sit on the surface of the wood for the length of time recommended by the manufacturer, to soften the paint or finish.
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4
Scrape the stripper from the wood with a round-edge putty knife. Remove the stripper with steel wool in areas you can't reach with the knife.
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5
Remove stripper residue by washing the furniture with a damp cloth and a wood cleaner specified for your furniture's wood type. Wait two hours for the wood to dry.
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Examine the wood for any remaining paint or finish. Apply more stripper to remove any paint or finish that you find. Wash the wood again after stripping. Allow the wood to dry for two hours.
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7
Sand the surface of the wood smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe the wood with a tack cloth to remove any residue from sanding.
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8
Brush a light layer of primer over the wood with a paintbrush, working in the direction of the wood grain. Let the primer dry. Apply one or two more light layers to build up a solid coating of the primer. Wait two hours after the last coat to allow the primer to dry thoroughly.
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9
Smooth the primer by sanding the wood with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any brush marks or heavy deposits. Wipe the surface with the tack cloth to remove the sanding dust.
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10
Brush the paint over the primer, using the same process that you used to apply the primer. Apply several light layers in the direction of the wood grain. Wait two hours for the paint to dry, then sand the surface to remove imperfections. Wipe the surface with the tack cloth.
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Apply a second coat of paint. Let it dry overnight. Sand away any imperfections and wipe the surface with a damp cloth.
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12
Replace any padding or cushions that were removed from the furniture.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear a face mask and gloves during the painting or lacquering process. Use the products only in a well-ventilated area.
References
Resources
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