| Even the designers on TV are doing it; finding | | | | cloth followed by another pass with a dusting |
| great furnishing at flea-markets, charity shops, | | | | cloth can do the job. Most importantly, dont rush |
| and yard sales. Often, a wonderful piece of | | | | your prep work. |
| furniture can be had for mere dollars, especially if | | | | 4. Taping: Carefully tape off any areas you dont |
| its finish is in desperate need of some TLC. | | | | want painted, and burnish the tape edges down |
| Unfortunately, the design shows on TV dont | | | | once, firmly, with a fingernail. If you think you |
| show you all the proper steps for refreshing your | | | | might have to leave the tape on for more than a |
| finds. Take the time to do it right, and your new | | | | day or so, use a lower adhesion tape made for |
| furniture will have friends wondering where you | | | | delicate surfaces. |
| shop! | | | | 5. Priming: If the piece is unpainted, consider a |
| 1. Safety first: Before you disturb any painted | | | | coat of primer before you paint. There are |
| surface, you should think about the possibility of | | | | excellent primers specifically made for stone and |
| lead. Lead paint additives were phased out in the | | | | metal. Tell your paint store rep what youre |
| 1970s and 80s. If you suspect lead is present in | | | | painting and follow her advice. Use a good latex or |
| any paint, you can find information about safety | | | | oil-based primer for wood surfaces. Some wood |
| precautions and testing at epa, or by calling the | | | | grains (pine or cheaper grades of oak, for |
| National Lead Information Center at | | | | example) may rise after a first coat of latex, and |
| 1-800-424-LEAD. Even with newer surfaces, I find | | | | priming improves the chances that you can avoid |
| that a dust mask is always in order when sanding. | | | | this. The raised grain will feel rough. If this |
| Your lungs will thank you. | | | | happens, youll need to sand the grain down lightly |
| 2. Sanding: Not all pieces will require sanding before | | | | and prime again. Dont worry; its not as bad as it |
| repainting. My mantra is to leave well enough alone | | | | sounds when you know what happened! |
| when dealing with old paint surfaces. If, however, | | | | 6. Painting: Finally, time to paint! Use a good quality |
| the paint is chipped, peeling, crackling, or has other | | | | paint brush. Be careful not to overload your brush |
| problems, you might not be able to avoid the | | | | with paint and put it on too thickly. This is a |
| sandpaper. A small electric hand sander is my | | | | common mistake. Painting in thick layers can lead |
| best friend for these situations. A very light | | | | to ugly drips, cracks, or drying delays. Instead, |
| sanding (really just scuffing) can help your new | | | | paint in thin coats, allowing time for each coat to |
| paint adhere to old oil paint or a glossy surface. | | | | dry completely before recoating. This will give you |
| 3. Prep, prep, prep: The number one reason for | | | | a beautiful and strong surface. |
| paint failures is incorrect preparation. Time spent | | | | 7. Curing: Follow the instructions on your paint can |
| on prep will ensure you get a good result in the | | | | to make sure your new furniture is safely cured |
| end. Make sure the surface is completely clean | | | | before you begin to use it or place objects on |
| and dust free before you ever get the paint out | | | | top of it. Paints, latex in particular, can feel dry |
| of the can. If you have sanded the surface, | | | | well before they really are. When in doubt, I like |
| remove dust with a tack cloth. This is a small | | | | to wait 24-48 hours before I place my newly |
| piece of cheesecloth soaked in wax, available at | | | | painted flea-market beauties into service. |
| your local home improvement store in the paint | | | | Now, enjoy your new furnishings. Use them well |
| section. They cost around one dollar get several | | | | and never fear; if they get chipped or you tire of |
| to keep on hand for the next project! If you cant | | | | the color, you know how to fix it! |
| find one, several thorough passes with a damp | | | | |