Furniture painting question....?

Question

I have these two dressers and two end tables in my bedroom that are all mismatched. Is there any way that I can paint them all black to match? What type of paint can I use to paint them? Where can I get it? How do I go about doing this? They all are finished, so do I need to sand them down?

Answer 1

Is the existing finish in pretty good shape? Then, when you are ready to begin applying the black, sand the existing finish with 400 grit wet-or-dry paper. Do not use 180 or 220 grit as has been suggested. If you do use 220 grit, sand carefully. Do not use 180 grit, it's too coarse for this job. The sanding is basically to scuff up the finish to provide a little bit of "tooth" for the new coating of black finish to adhere to. If there is any question about the quality of sheen of the existing finish, you might be smart to start with a coat of primer/sealer first.

Next, I would suggest that you get real lacquer, which is available in colors and in spray cans. It doesn't sound like you have a big workshop or elaborate set up but if you did, I'd advise you buy lacquer or pigmented lacquer and apply it with your spray gun.

I would recommend that you give the pieces at least two good coats. Practice on some scrap first. Get used to laying on a nice, even coat that will flow and level itself BUT without sagging or running. Knowing how to achieve this only comes with practice. It's not hard, but you have to develop the feel for it. Do a little practicing first.

After your color coats have gone on well I would highly recommend that you finish the job with some clear lacquer. This will give the pieces some depth and they'll look even nicer than if you stopped with black only.

Once it's dry and do give it a day or two to dry well, rub the finish down to a nice satin sheen with some 0000 steel wool. Make sure it's 4/0 and not anything more coarse.

Don't use polyurethanes or alkyd enamels for this job. Krylon brand spray paint in a spray can is okay. If you're going to do the clear coat on top, spend a little more for a nice grade of lacquer and make sure you're getting lacquer. A nice black lacquer job on furniture looks really nice and if you're careful and methodical you'll see that it's not too hard to do a really good looking job!

Answer 2

Each step in what you are proposing to do is very important to the pieces ending up uniform.

1,  clean ALL surfaces, edges and any mouldings that may have been applied thoroughly with a mild detergent and a stiff brush, not a wire brush though.

2,  allow to dry at least 24 hours after cleaning, if you see a film on any surface, re-clean with clean clear water and allow to dry.

3, using a 180 or 220 grit sand paper lightly sand all surfaces to be painted

4, dust the sanded surfaces

5,  apply a sandable primer

6,  allow to dry before sanding with 220 grit paper and thoroughly clean again

7,  apply a LIGHT coat of paint, a lacquer base is best if you are looking for a high gloss ( the Japanese look ), allow to dry at least 24 hours

8,  apply a second coat and ally to dry at least 48 hours before using.

The steps above will give you a great looking job and all of the pieces should match in finish color.

Answer 3

Why do you want to paint them black? I know, I know, each to his own.

Wash them with a good detergent, sand them to rough up the old finish.

Prime them, if you don't prime they won't all come out the same. I never painted furniture black though

Get a cabinet grade enamel paint. This is important. It's a very hard finish that will not wear or rub off like regular paint. You should be able to get the paint at any good paint store, like Sherwin Williams, Sears, NOT WALMART.

But Black?

Answer 4

Painted a number of bedroom sets when I had my shop &

found auto paint to be the way to go.

It is a durable lacquer  similar to what is used on factory painted furniture.

If the original finish is intact , a cleaning & light sanding is good as mentioned.

After that .....auto sanding primer, spotting putty for dings

& color coat in multiple thin coats.

Basic auto body technique & if you have a friend in the business will  know what to do.

Prep is the key to any paintjob, & requires patience.

Relatively easy to get very good results even w/ spraycans if you take your time.

Primer,spotting  putty ( not bondo) , wet /dry sandpaper, paint, tack cloths,clearcoat if desired & what else... auto wax to finish it off.

Est about $60 for everything +your time.

Best regards