Should I use liquid sander before I repaint?

Question

I'm not normally a crafty person, but I have a really ugly dresser that I want to repaint. I know I need to sand it down first. Is it more or less work to use liquid sander? Also, it's medium brown and I want to paint it black. Do I need to prime it first? Thanks!!

Answer 1

Hello,

In general, it's best to stay away from liquid sanders; these products are unreliable and could damage the wood by tarnishing the grain or going too deep.

If you're going to repaint, all you need to do is lightly sand using 220-grit sandpaper. This will roughen up the surface without causing pockmarks. Take your time; there's no need to press too hard, just go until all the surfaces are slightly rough and there's no shiny gloss left.

Next, wipe down the dresser using a damp cloth, getting rid of any dust. Let it dry and then apply several light coats of your black paint. Because you're painting it black, you don't need a primer. If you were painting it a lighter colour, then you would first cover it with primer, then add top coats.

As for final finish, I would recommend three coats of paint for a smooth look.

Hope this helps.

Jay Somerset

http://blog.homerenovationguide.com/

Answer 2

Liquid sanders do not work well. You would be better off to sand it yourself. If possible use a sander with 220 grit sandpaper, use a tack cloth to wipe it down prior repainting. This will remove all the dust. Using a primer first will help the paint adhere better.