Ideas for Painting a Child's Rocking Chair
Children's furniture is the most beautiful among all other furniture because of its whimsical designs and colors. It can create a world of fantasy within your child's bedroom. Most everyone can remember one piece of furniture from their childhood that reminds them of happier times. When painting a child's rocking chair, there are many things to consider, especially for his safety. The painting isn't difficult if you apply a few standards, and, depending on the size of the project, you can expect to finish it in one day.
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Sanding
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Remove the old finish and coloring with sandpaper. Place the furniture on a sturdy work surface---sawhorses with plywood as a top will do. Sand the furniture using coarse, medium and fine-grit sandpapers. Make sure the room is properly ventilated with a fan. Wear a dust mask when sanding. After you have finished sanding, spray a fine mist of water over the wood grain; this will raise the grain and allow for a finer sanding. Re-sand with a fine-grit paper, and always sand in the direction of the grain. Sanding across the grain will damage the surface. You can use an orbital sander instead of hand sanding. Regardless of which method you choose, make sure you use coarse and medium papers to remove the finish, and fine papers for smoothing the surface.
Staining
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Apply a wood conditioner to the furniture before you color with stain. This conditioner will prevent uneven staining. Mix and match stain colors---choose dark on the seat and light on the back. Wipe the stain onto the furniture using a cotton rag; old T-shirts work well. Remove any excess stain with another rag. Your color depth can be achieved in several coats, so it won't be necessary to try to get all of the color at once. Follow the drying instructions on the can. Re-coat as many times as you like to achieve your desired shade. Use a fine bristled brush to apply the finish. Finishes, and stains, for that matter, come in oil- or water-based mixtures. You should use water-based stains because they are better on your child's health. Apply the first layer of finish, satin, semi-gloss or gloss, and allow it to dry. Sand in between coats for a smoother finish.
Painting
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Choose a safe paint that is recommended for use near children. Your local paint store clerk can help you determine which type. Mix and match while coordinating the colors. For example, paint spindles red, then yellow, then blue. Try staining the back of the chair while you paint the seat---these matches are contemporary and handsome. Use milk paint on the furniture. This has a wonderful antique appearance and will enhance the dreamy appearance of a child's bedroom. Try to stick with pastels when the child is below 7 years old. Prime the furniture with an interior water-based primer before you paint. Apply several coats of paint to the furniture, and sand lightly between each coat for a smooth finish.
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