How can I refinish my grandmothers rocking chair?

Question

I have a dark stained rocking chair that was my grandmothers. It is wood with a dark color stain and shiny coat on top. I would like to keep the chair and redo it in white for my baby's room (due in Jan, 09!). I have started sanding it hoping to make it porus enough to take a coat of white paint, but it's very difficult to get around all the tines. Is there any type of paint that will adhear to a somewhat shiny wood surface without chiping after drying? Or should I try and continue to sand the whole thing first? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Answer 1

you should ask someone that works at Home Depot. I'm sure they'll help you. :)

Answer 2

First I would say bring your chair to us!!!

You should be able to sand it smooth (sanding helps the paint to stick too, even if you don't get all of the other coating off),  then use a primer/sealer and then a top coat. A great product is put out by Pittsburgh Paints,  called Pure Performance. It is Zero V.O.C. and teflon free. (It is the only paint to be Green Seal Class A certified by LEEDS standards)  It is absolutely safe to use on children's furniture, and there is no odor. It is a great product! I sprayed some on the floor of our facility almost 2 months ago (we walk on it everyday) and each time I wash it up, it is like new!

Answer 3

Every hardware store has a product ,possibly called Liquid Sand, or similar that is a wipe on preparation . It cleans and creates a primer - ready surface, almost as good as sanding.      let the wet cloth dry out as it will be combustible.             A small can goes a long way.

Answer 4

there are stain and varnish(the clear coat) removers available at HD, WM, etc. most are very strong chemicals so use gloves and be outdoors. they will fairly easily remove the varnish and lighten the stain a lot.

they also will rais the grain some, so you should sand after it is totally dried out.

take your time.

Answer 5

try paint removed - a strong chemical that you should use outdoor and take care not to get on your skin or inhale fumes.  brush it on, let is sit, and wipe it off with wet old cloth.  use rubber gloves to protect your hands.  get all the remover and dissolved stain off, let dry, then lightly sand and repaint.