paint::working with your furniture
Here’s where I started with this wall.
I knew that I wanted to paint this piece to break up all of the wood tones in the room. Here’s my philosophy on painting: if it’s really old and really valuable, I usually don’t paint it. But. If it just isn’t working for me and a change in color would help me love it more, I usually go right ahead. I AM NOT an expert on painting furniture. I just kind of do what feels right.
I decided I wanted to take the scroll work off. I used a screwdriver to wiggle it until I could pull it up.
And I had to lose the pulls because several of them were broken.
Sanding. Sometimes I do. Sometimes I don’t. My basic rule is that I err on the side of sanding where I can. I use a little power hand sander that I got for $20 at Wal Mart. It doesn’t get turned legs and such very well and I just don’t worry about it. I also don’t sand down to bare wood. I just sand enough to knock the sheen off and give a texture for the paint to hang on to.
Next up is primer. I am sort of two minds on primer. Sometimes I use it. Sometimes I don’t. Generally, if a piece is very old with an oil based stain or I’m painting something that’s going to get lots of use, I use an oil based primer. I hate using it because it’s smelly and hard to clean. But. Those tricky stains will seep right up through your paint. If I can get away without a separate primer, I really like to use Behr’s paint and primer in one. But. I was lazy this time and didn’t feel like driving all the way to Home Depot when Lowe’s is closer so I bought normal paint and used my Kilz primer. I used Valspar Orange Maple for this dresser.
I like to use an angled 2 inch brush and a 6 inch foam roller. The roller has changed my life. I can cover almost everything and there are no brush strokes in the finish. And because I am so lazy, I usually just use a cheap brush and roller for the primer and throw them away (just the roller part, not the frame). Which is not very eco-friendly, I know. I’m sorry.
We don’t have a great outdoor space for painting, so once I’ve sanded I find a tucked away corner in the house to paint. I lay out an old sheet and put cardboard under the legs (the paint sticks more to the sheet).
It’s a great idea to put a topcoat of poly on anything you paint. I’m too impatient. I did sand off some of the paint and primer which I haven’t done in a long time. It’s very hard to get that worn look without it looking robotic.
I bought my new knobs at Hobby Lobby during a 50% off sale.
And here’s where I am today.
I have one more change to show you in the dining room and one more post in this little series; I’ll share both of them next week. And, then? I have no clue what I will write about. I’ve thought about pulling a Leslie Knope and making y’all all go camping with me until someone comes up with a new idea.
dude. this. is. fabulous. love that persimmon-y color. oh my word…please come paint my furniture. i'll bring you lemonade and cake and lollipops while you paint. this is way tooooo cute! xoxo.
I love it! I have loved this little series too! It's inspired me to paint an old dresser just hanging out in the garage.
I totally love, love, LOVE this! I wouldn't have expected orange, but it is delightful!! I'm ready for the campground any time you are … hope it's near a flea market!
Like. Like. Like. Like.(No, I've not started my kitchen table. I'm way too scared.)
Love the vibrant orange and the whimsical knobs. Totally transformed the peice. Thanks for the inspiration..many many wood peices around my place that don't match and could use a face lift.!
Thanks Ellen. I've stained unfinished furniture before but have never painted a stained piece. Maybe I'll be brave and give it a whirl.
We do primitive camping and love it. I don't know that it would give me any ideas but I'd be game for it!
That is just beautiful! I will go camping too, as long as I don't have to sleep outdoors. Or in a tent. Or in a smelly camper. Or on a bunk bed. Otherwise, I'm there.
oh, that turned out fabulous! and i love all the tips you gave!