Painting

Before you start applying your chosen color you will find you first need to apply a primer to the surface of your furniture. This will save on the coats you will have to use of your color. Apply the primer using any paintbrush to the surface covering all areas that will be seen. After the first coat dries it is important to apply a second coat. Make sure you give each coat plenty of time to dry.

The picture to the left shows one of my pieces primed with one coat. As you can see, I will need another coat or two with the primer to get full coverage.

Once you have primed the piece, you will then want to go over the surface with a fine sandpaper (180 grit). This will smooth out the primer and get ride of any brush marks by the paintbrush.

You can then apply the color you choose for your furniture. I found using a foam brush helps with the elimination of brush marks. The smoother the paint goes on the less sanding you will have to do afterwards. Apply the color very carefully and in one direction, preferably with the grain of the wood. After one coat dries you can then apply another. Number of coats will vary, but it is good practice to at least apply three for brilliant show of color. After the paint dries, if needed, go over the surface with the fine sandpaper.

An important tip when painting is to always work on a horizontal surface. If you are trying to work vertically the paint can run and it will just be more difficult to apply the finish evenly. So if you have to lay down the piece so that it will be flat against the ground it will make it easier for you to paint.

Also, remember if you are spreading your painting out over a period of time, take care of your tools that you are using. Always wash out your brushes witha mild cleanser and remove any excess water. Allow the brush to dry before using again. Preserving the life of your tools will save you time and money. Remember to close your lides tight on your paint containers to keep them fresh. Banging on them slightly with a hammer will help tighten the hold. The picture on the right, as you can see, has been painted with the colored paint. It will still need a few more coats, but you can see how well the paints covers.