Full question: I have a brown piece of furniture that I want to paint... I thought about staining it as well.... it seems to have some sort of glossy finish... How do I figure out what kind of paint to get for it? (Note: this is NYC, and carrying around a drawer til I get to a hardware store is a bit tough) First rule: read the whole post before you head out for provisions. Also, call the store to be sure they have everything you need before you head out - and don't be afraid to chat up the sales people. They can be very informative.
Tools and necessities:
* Soft angled brushes 2-2 1/2″ wide (Purdy or Sherwin Williams brand)
* Small foam roller
* Painter’s tape
* Paint tray
* Paint (Latex satin finish paint – specifically, Behr) (*If you want to use a primer, a tinted primer that is tinted the same color as your paint would be ideal and can still give you a great distressed look)
and paint tray
* Drop cloth
* Lint free rags
* A fan
* A mask - no need to lose too many brain cells
* OPTIONAL: If the piece has major scratches, dents, or is falling apart, you may need a craft knife, Wood glue
* OPTIONAL: Sander. Ideally, you need an orbital sander – here’s a good option. You also need 120 grit disc (available on Amazon and hardware stores – just be sure to buy the right size for your sander). Sand paper/blocks would also work, but will be very messy and time consuming.
How to:
1. Remove all hardware and fill any holes that you will not be using once the piece is completed. Now is a good time to consider upgrading the hardware – Anthropolgie for a funky style or Restoration Hardware for more classic options. You should also a great time to address any scrapes and scratches that may need to be filled, as well as any loose joints.
2. OPTIONAL: If you’re going to be professional about it, you’ll need to sand all of your filled areas and apply more filler where needed - sand in between coats and keep wood filler thin so that your holes are completely seamless when painted. Then lightly sand the entire piece with your orbital sander and a 120 grit disc, being careful not to eat into the finish as this will show through your paint
3. Vacuum (Dust Bust) the entire piece inside and out and then wipe down with a clean damp cloth. Make sure that your piece is completely clean, dry, and dust free before you whip out your paint brush.
4. Tape off any areas that you do not want to get paint on. It’s a good idea to tape off the sides of all of the drawers so that when you open the drawers you see a nice clean line. Also tape off the inside of the piece (where the drawers will eventually return to keep all runners and free of paint. Taping is a slow and suckish process - but very important in order to get professionalish results.
5. OPTIONAL: Priming. If you are going for a solid look with really clean lines a primer will help. If you want a more distressed look or if you’re in a hurry, skip this step.
6. Painting! Finally! Pour your choice of paint in the tray and get your roller and paintbrush all nice and full of paint. Use your brush to cut in all areas of the piece that the roller cannot reach and then grab your foam roller and roll your piece. Work on one section at a time to make sure that it is smooth. Make sure that you check all of your edges when rolling to make sure you don’t have extra paint overlapping the edge, which is also an unwanted end result!
7. Paint more – apply 2-3 light coats this way, and then let dry overnight. Don’t be lazy - paint the back of the piece to finish it off.
8. OPTIONAL: If you want a distressed look, sand the piece. To get the look you want, look online for some pieces you love and then copy their distressed areas. Distressing can go bad fast.
9. Once the piece looks perfect to you, apply Miniwax Tung Oil according to product instructions.
10. Still creatively hungry? Line the drawers with paper , and add some beautiful new hardware.
OPTION: STAIN. Staining requires sanding - other than that, the directions are the same. And duh, instead of paint, you buy stain (try Miniwax Gel Stain in your preferred color).
HELP - this thing looks way too "painted"! If the furniture looks too done, buy some Fiddles supreme wax polish in light (clear) and Rugger Brown. Take a clean cloth or brush and apply wax evenly in the direction of the grain (this is really important!) and immediately work it in and smooth it with clean rags. Wax the entire piece, let it dry for about 20 minutes and then buff it outold pairs of nylon tights (a.k.a. pantyhose).
