We just finished painting an entertainment center that was originally stained. The people on the paint forum generally recommend either Cabinet Coat paint (hard to find), BM Satin Impervo, or SW All-surface enamel. We used the BM paint and it came out pretty good. I wanted a white storage system for the playroom (similar to PBK), but since they were so expensive, we decided to try to paint our oak cabinet. DH didn't spend alot of time on it either, b/c we didn't care for it to be perfect (a. since we figured we'd be replacing it next year with the new TV standards, and its not in a room that is seen by guests). He used primer (a mix of what we had in the garage, some parts were painted in Kilz and then Zinnser), and then a small roller + brush for the rest. He sanded only between primer and paint, and used approx 2 coats but didn't wait much for the coats to dry. So basically, what I'm trying to say that even though he didn't do things by the book, it still turned out pretty good, even with a tough wood to paint (oak has all that grain that shows through the paint, my original reason for wanting to replace rather than attempt to paint). We have used Satin Impervo before for trim painting and DH has prefered it over semigloss latex. I once used the All Surface Enamel for outdoor rockers. I think it was harder to use than the impervo, but still good quality paint (it was recommended for outdoor use unlike the Impervo). HTHs!

I'd paint it the red color in the bedskirt. You've got so much blue/green going on. I would definitely paint it, you're not going to get those gouges to stain evenly. Fill with putty, but do a light job, don't try to pack it in. Let dry, sand, then do another layer. Repeat a few times till you've got them done. First sand the top really, really well (use an electric sander) to try to sand out as much of the scratches as you can first. I'd go with clear glass knobs, or milk glass if you can find them. Your room has such a country look, that milk glass would be awesome on the red finish. Top it with a jadeite vase, a pretty mirror, and you're set! Oh yeah, change the knobs on the end tables to keep them tied together with the dresser.

Thanks guys :) Here's a photo of the dresser: (wi-sailorgirl, can you believe I'm doing something so vintage?!?!?!? It's so not my usual style... but this is the second bath: it's the general household-use bath but ALSO my teen daughter's bathroom. And she REALLY didn't want sleek and modern!) I don't have a photo of the sides of the drawers, but they are mostly still raw wood, except the person who painted it last slopped the maroon paint around the edge onto the dovetail joint. I guess I will try to sand that off and then just paint the fronts. sailorgirl, the lower two drawers won't have glides, they'll remain as-is, with just old-fashioned wooden guide rails. The top two drawers need to be cut back pretty severely, and their center rail removed for the sink, so those two WILL have new, undermount glides installed. I'll try to take some pics of the drawer insides and sides, too... I have a gorgeous piece of Vermont White quartzite (pretty grey, actually) that's been cut to fit the top, with the curvy front, and a white Kohler undermount sink. I'm thinking about doing faceted crystal knobs, too. it's a real departure from my normal style :) I've just laid the radiant floor heat wiring last night and will be pouring the self-levelling compound today. Can't wait to start tiling! Stacey

Way back in 1991, budget being very low, I got a horridly laminated but pleasantly simple TV cabinet and painted it white. Good quality undercoat, and two coats of good quality eggshell enamel. I still have it -- not a chip in all that time. Indeed, no guarantees, but it worked for me.