How do I stir around repainting a solid wood nightstand that have be painted white? I have a pair of nightstands that are solid wood and surrounded...
I have a pair of nightstands that are solid wood and surrounded by good condition. They have be painted white. The paint is not chipping or anything but I want to change the color to black. Do I need to strip the white paint, or sand it or, can I a moment ago paint right over the white. Do I need to use a primer?
light sanding and paint right over it
Lightly sand the paint near a fine or very fine grit sand paper. Most probable the previous paint was a latex so you will be ok using a latex or acrylic paint over it. If you know it's an oil base paint then you need to strip or put a primer over the white seam. Just paint over it.
Answers: I did this very entry with a table not to long ago. I sanded it next to fine grit sandpaper using a "mouse" handheld sander. You have to wipe it down afterwards with some mild soap and dampen, Dirtex or phosphate free Tri-Sodium Phosphate. It's cheap (couple of dollars at walmart or other hardware store). It is a good cleaner and prep for paintable surfaces. I didn't prime mine but I needed three coats. I was only just using the paint I had on hand. You usually prime when you are making a drastic color coppers (which you are) or if you think the surface isn't going to take all right to painting-help the paint adhere. I was fine beside doing more coats and prepped mine well by sanding and cleaning. I used sponge brushes so I didn't draw from brush strokes on my table. You could also use a small sponge roller if your nightstands don't have alot of detail. Let them dry thoroughly between coats. I applied a polyurethane to the top of my table so that it would hold up better agains water-it's a side table and I knew someone would forget to use a coaster! When you buy one be sure to read if it's lofty gloss or not and decide if you want that. You can bring them clear and you'll hardly notice but it will be much more durable! Good Luck.