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The Kitchen Table

I have a furniture painting question

17 years ago

A neighbor is giving me an old entertainment center that I'm going to use as a microwave/countertop oven stand in my kitchen. It's that pressed board with the "wood look" sticky paper over it (does that make sense?). I want to paint it black. I've never painted anything in my life! Do I just get a can of black spray paint and go for it? Or buy a can of black paint and a brush?

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Comments (6)

trinitytx
17 years ago
I would be sure to run some sand paper over it first, so the paint has something to adhere to. After that, take it outside and spray paint your heart out.
Trin
ruthieg__tx
17 years ago
If it were me...I'd buy the paint and brush it on. It will take way more paint if you spray but spraying might be easier. I would sand the surface some before I painted...
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I've successfully painted several pieces of furniture. The process of sanding, tacking till clean, priming, painting, wet sanding, 2nd coating of painting, sand again before applying protective finish are all steps I'd recommend. One thing I learned in all this is that it's imperative that once you prime, you need to apply your first coat of paint within 24 hours for best adhesion. The primer I used was a water based primer from Home Depot, and it did specify that the best results would be achieved if the paint was applied within the first 24 hours. I had one piece that I couldn't paint until several days later that had already been primed, and this piece ended up showing chips easier. I used the latex kitchen base paint in a satin finish on my furniture, with a water based polyurethane sealer, and the finish is durable and rock solid. I tried foam rollers, spray and brushes, and prefer brushing with a Purdy brush the best. I have a light hand, and find that the brush works best for me. The foam rollers often left little bubbles on the surface that dried funny, and spraying was too costly for larger surfaces. A good quality brush is essential, don't scrimp on that if you chose to use a brush. And the other posters are right, for your paint and sealer finishes, don't rush drying time. The only time you need to watch the clock is between primer and paint.
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paula_pa
17 years ago
I would sand it and use a good primer if you want the paint to last. I've painted fake wood and it lasted quite a long time (all the way until my son stuck stickers on it). I think I used an oil-based paint. I never cared for latex paint on furniture.

I prefer to brush or roll on paint (using those small foam rollers). It's easier to get on evenly without drip marks but maybe I'm just not talented with a spray can.
izzie
17 years ago
My sister had a home w/ the fake wood paneling/vinyl. She cleaned it/primed it before painting. Just using paint it may peel off the vinyl. I am sure she used latex, oil is such a pain and I doubt she would have used it..99.99% sure.
lilliepad
17 years ago
OK,been there done that! Clean the surface with warm soapy water.Make sure it is completely dry before painting.Don't sand it if it has the paper stuff on it.It will mess it up and the surface will not be smooth.Ask me how I know! LOL Use an extra bonding acrylic primer.Don't know the name for it but you can get it anywhere you buy paint.Apply two coats.Be sure the primer is thoroughly dry before applying the paint.Usually takes about an hour or so.Then apply 2 coats of acrylic paint in the color of your choice.When it is dry you can apply a clear acrylic sealer if desired.The acrylic probably wouldn't be necessary on an entertainment center but I would use it on any piece that gets a lot of surface wear.I applied the base coat and finish coats of paint with a small sponge roller.Way easier and faster than a brush and there will be no brush marks.You will need a small brush for painting out the inside corners.I did the top of an old dresser about 15 years ago and it still looks great.I used it as a buffet for years then as a dresser in a teenagers room.I did finish with 2 coats of clear acrylic sealer.That way you can clean it with a damp cloth if necessary.
angelaid
Original Author
17 years ago
OK lillipad, I printed all that out to hand to the guy at Ace Hardware today! LOL

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