I bought a piece of furniture at a second hand store that is going to be absolutely perfect for my kitchen. It looks like it was originally a tv stand with doors but I’m going to use it to put a microwave in top and recycling bins underneath. It’s nothing fancy, just a top with two sides and doors, and an open back (for the tv to vent).
It has been painted with green enamel paint. I’m pretty sure it’s enamel paint - it’s like a hard shell. I can see the wood underneath, from the back. I’m also pretty sure it’s not any sort of “real wood” antique. Just some cheap wood probably with laminate over it (probably why it was painted with enamel?)
My plan was to strip the paint and then repaint it. Maybe even with enamel paint. I have no interest in having a “real wood” or “wood looking” piece. Just a different painted color. I bought all the stuff to do the stripping.
But now I’m wondering … is stripping the right move for me? Since I’m just painting it, could/should I just sand the piece to get it scuffed up and then paint over it?
Or do I have to strip it first?
I’ve never done any furniture repainting or refinishing so any advice would be appreciated!
Sand it well with 80 grit or 120 grit. Wipe off with damp rag.
It’s ready to paint.
All my college apartment furniture came from inexpensive garage sells. Most of it had damaged finishes and painting was my best option. I did a lot of sanding to prep before painting.
I’d probably give the “roughen it up with sandpaper” approach a try, if I already had the paint around. That way, it wouldn’t be a big deal if the stuff peeled off.
If I were buying paint for it, I’d go to a real paint store with a small part of the piece, such as a door or drawer, and I would ask them.
Google “chalk paint” and look on youtube for “how to chalk paint” videos. Super easy and looks great. No sanding required. Even on glossy finishes. Basically paint over the thing in your chosen color leaving brush marks and all then rub or brush on a clear or colored wax for the desired finish. Gives it a worn antiqued sort of look.
Since my wife has discovered chalk paint no piece of wooden furniture has remained the same color for more than a year in our home. No sanding, no stripping, just paint right over whatever finish is on the piece. It looks nice and with the wax finish it’s pretty durable even in the kitchen.
Endorsing all the sanding comments - paint stripping is hellish, and it’ll be almost impossible to get a great finish. Much better to sand the existing paint.
I might even consider then spraying it rather than painting, for a smoother finish. I buy spray paints in craft shops for such a purpose. The colour range is vast.
If it’s small enough, I’d probably just spray paint over it. Find the paint that you think will work the best and give it a shot. If it doesn’t work, you’re really no worse off since. If you’re concerned, test it out on a hidden part. Say, the bottom few inches on a side that’s going to be next to a wall or cabinet.
And, regarding sanding it. If you don’t have one, this would be a good time to go to Home Depot or Harbor Freight and get a cheap random orbital sander. It’ll make quick work of scuffing paint.
Thanks for the advice, all! I’m glad I asked here before I began (and glad I bought the stripping stuff locally so I can return it with ease).
I think it’s going to be too big for spray paint, but that’s a good idea. Since I have to take it apart to modify it for my use, I think I will take a door to my local Sherwin Williams to see what they suggest.
Thanks for the tip about the orbital sander, JoeyP. I do have one and I was trying to figure out if I could use it on this project (or if it would be too “strong”) but sounds like it’ll be ok.