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Paint dramatically changes the look of any piece of furniture. So whether it is a stylish garage sale find or a dresser that no longer matches your decor, paint will bring new life to old furniture. So gather your painting supplies and let's get started.

1. Assess your goals for your finished product. If your goal is the look of new furniture, you need to completely strip any existing paint or finish. Stripping kits can be purchased at your local paint or home improvement store. If you are seeking a "shabby chic" look or are unwilling to strip your old furniture, painting will still give your furniture a fresh exciting look.

2. Choose your paint. You will need an interior primer, paint and polyurethane. The products should be compatible interior products. Paint instructions detail whether it is oil based or latex and the type of primer required. Paint can be tinted to almost any color and comes in a variety of finishes. If you are unfamiliar with paint products it is best to visit a paint store and ask for advice. Ask to see the different paint and polyurethane finishes and decide what is best for your project.

3. Primers and interior paint are available in spray cans. Spray paint requires a well ventilated work area, face mask and eye protection. Your work area must be well protected, since spray paint splatter is difficult to remove. Your work area should be free from dust or other elements that can ruin your paint finish. The best place to use spray paint is outside, but only during certain weather conditions. Check the spray paint can for temperature or humidity limitations. While spray paint requires special precautions, it dries quickly and produces a finished surface that is smooth and free of brush strokes. A multitude of light coats, often with no sanding between applications, produce the best results. If a "store bought" finish is your goal, spray paint will achieve it.

4. Interior latex paint will create the popular "shabby chic" style. Color options are extensive, as most paint stores can tint paint almost any color. A decent paint brush is a necessity. The quality of your brush affects the application of the paint and lessens the problem of loose bristles. Good ventilation is needed, but interior work spaces can be used. Latex paint cleans up with soap and water. Latex paint can usually be used with any primer. Oil based paint usually requires a specially designed primer. Oil based paint has a strong odor and requires special cleaning agents. It does

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