Category: BLOG

Hello Friends!  So nice of you to stop by and visit my blog today.  I am still up to my knees in my kitchen project.  Seems like I have been talking about this with you for ever!  It sure is hard work, but the outcome will be one that I can sit back and say “it was so worth it”.  I am almost done with the hutch just one more coat of paint and then put it all back together.  Next, will be the 6 chairs.  That looks like so much fun…..NOT!

OK, enough with the chit chat.  Back to the subject of painting furniture.  I had a friend show me her old end table after she told me that she was purchasing new ones.  When she showed me the old end table.  GOSH!  What was she thinking (LORI)?  The table was a wonderful piece that I have seen in many living room décor photos.  With the right color, it would be an awesome piece for her room.  I don’t know how sturdy they are but they look in really good shape.  I told her to paint them, she said “how”?  She asked and I will tell.  This is my version on how I paint.   I’m not a professional painter and my paint jobs aren’t perfect.  Maybe you can take my tips and put your own spin on them.  This is just my steps since it works for me.

I use to think painting meant, picking out the right color of paint, brush and just jump right in to painting.  HA!  Not knowing how to prep or paint correctly made my painted project looked terrible.  You could see every brush mark.  As I paint more, I want a more “bought” look and not so much a DIY look.  You know what I mean?  Even with all the painting I have done, I am still learning each time I paint.  But the basic steps do not change and I will not skip any of the steps.  I will share with you the basic steps that I do with any furniture or cabinets.  You know, some furniture are not 100% wood so you have to know the piece you are working with.

The biggest painting project I did, was on my daughter’s kitchen cabinets.  I had this picture in my head what painted cabinets look like with brush marks….you all have seen those painted cabinets, haven’t you?  I just didn’t want her cabinets to turn out that way.  I did a lot of reading and watching a lot of videos on how to paint cabinets.  Here are two pictures of my daughter’s kitchen cabinets.  Before and after.

Just an FYI, do not try to skip a step or rush a step.  It will show in the end.  Take each step like it’s the last step.  Take your time and you will love the results.

Here are the items you will need to paint your project:

1. rubber gloves
2. cleaning product;  I use TSP in the liquid form.  I read where people have used a degreaser or other cleaning products, but for me TSP works the best
3. cleaning cloths.  Don’t use good ones.  I throw mine away after I use them.
4. sandpaper.  150 and 220 grit  –  no certain brand.  I just buy mine at Lowe’s.
5. primer   –  I use Zinsser.  I am sure any primer would work.
6. Paint  –  I use BM-Advance
7. Tools to paint – Brush (I have a favorite paint brush that I will not lend out and it is a Purdy, for painting surfaces.  It makes a difference on your brush for sure) and foam paint rollers – make sure it is the sponge type and not a synthetic fiber type.

Here we go:

Remove all the hardware, drawers, doors are anything that can be removed.  It is best to paint each piece separately than doing it all put together.  For example, if your piece has a drawer, remove the drawer, it will allow you to get into every nook and cranny.  It also, will help you make sure there are no drips.  (my worst nightmare in painting).

After removing all the items from your piece, put on your gloves and mix the TSP as the label instructions.  Wash down every piece that you will be painting.  Making sure all the dust, dirt and grease are removed.  You want a clean surface.  THEN- finish with a clean water rinse!  You want to make sure all the TSP is removed.

This part I do just because, but I read that TSP takes place of sanding.  But I do a light hand sanding with 150 grit sand paper just to smooth the surface.  Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove all the sand dust.  Let dry

Before the next steps, I make sure that my project piece is elevated off the floor.  I like to have all areas available to paint easily.
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Now paint on your primer.   Why Prime?  Priming ensures better adhesion of paint to your project. This coat will look terrible.  You will want to stop and come back to read my directions again thinking, did I miss something or did something go wrong?  ha!  

Here is a picture of what my project looked like after priming.

I told you, it will not look pretty.

Let that dry.  Drying time will depend on the weather.  I usually let that dry for about 4 to 8 hours.
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Once the primer coat is dry, hand sand lightly with 220 grit sandpaper, make sure you go with the direction of the wood.  Do not go with a circular motion.  Wipe the dust off.

Now it is the painting part.  I will use the brush for all the areas that the roller can not get.  Crevices, corners and smaller areas.  Once you get the paint trimmed out with the brush it is time to use the roller.  Make sure you keep it in the same direction and do not repeat several times going over one place.  Once your piece is covered with paint go over to smooth any markings of too much paint.  Also, last bit of advice, look over all your project piece to make sure there are no drips.  UGH, did I mention I hate drips?  Just take your brush and lightly clean the drips.  Let that dry about 8 hours.  I try to do the first paint coat one day and the second coat another.  When starting the second coat.  First, sand that coat lightly like we did with the primer coat.  Do not sand hard, just lightly.  This coat should be your last coat.  Let that dry.  Put your hardware and drawers (if you have them) back on your project piece.  Step back and look at the masterpiece.  You did that!!!! Awesome you! 

I hope you enjoy my tips on painting.  Like I said earlier, I am not a professional.  I paint for a hobby and enjoy updating things I have around the house.  It is a cheaper way to make something you have look new again.  I am sure there are different opinions on how to paint, this is just my way.

Thanks again for stopping by.  Hope you all have a wonderful week!  Leave me a comment or a project that you have painted.  I would love to hear from you or see your work.

Stay strong and stay blessed!