2 of 25

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

the paints ability to adhere to the piece. It might cause it to thin in some places making the news paint appear inconsistent.

Instead of a stripper you can use sand paper to remove old paint. It is likely to get gummed up and it might require that you have a lot of sand paper to use. If you desire to remove all of the original paint start with a rough paper for the quickest results.

In many cases you can apply fresh paint over old paint. But you still need to prepare the surface to assure good adherence.

Sand:
Sanding has two purposes. It can be used to remove unwanted paint or bumps on the surface that you will paint. It can erase any faults that might be on the piece.

Sanding is also very useful in preparing the surface to receive the paint.

After the old and unwanted paint is gone and the faults and scratches are removed from the surface with a rougher piece of paper then it is time for the surface preparation.

For the quickest results in preparing the surface you can use an increasing grain count of sand paper. Scratches from rough paper can be smoothed with a medium grain count of paper before you use a lighter paper.

The entire surface to be painted should be lightly sanded with a high grain count of paper (smooth) before paint is applied. This is the case whether you are painting over old paint or on a newly stripped piece.

After sanding the scratches out and after lightly roughing the surface with light paper then remove the dust. You use compressed air or a piece of tact cloth.

First Coat:
Now you are ready for the first coat. If you expect that this piece of furniture will get a lot of ware, use oil based paint. Or you can prime the surface before adding your favorite color.

Between coats of oil based paints or primers a paint brush can be stored in a zip lock bag inside of the freezer. The brush could stay there for days without allowing the paint on it to dry. Oil based paints and primers will need to be cleaned with a stripper or thinner then rinsed with water after you are done with the job. Do not use a wet brush to paint brush for normal painting.

Use a small amount of paint on your brush to avoid dripping or over painting. Thin coats are best. They will make the paint stick better to the surface and dry better if you use thin coats. In the end several real thin coats will look significantly better then one real thick coat.

After each coat of paint, inspect your work carefully and clean up drips before they start to dry. If they have started to dry and can't be touched up with a brush wait until it is fully dry and sand the spot off. It will need a new light coat of paint after sanding.

Second Sand:
If your piece requires a second coat of paint, use a real fine sand paper (220 grain is typical for this purpose) to softly rough the surface. This makes the second coat adhere to the first coat better. Rid the piece of the dust before the next coat.

Second Coat:
A second coat of paint is standard. Sometimes a third coat is applied. As always carefully avoid dripping paint and clean up any imperfections as you go.

Following these steps you are sure to like the results.

Learn more about this author, Nathan Perkins.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for painting old furniture?
We want to hear your view. Write now!