My girlfriend bought an antique chair that is in good shape physically (needs no repairs) but the finish on it in places is worn off all the way down to the wood.She wants it painted white. So what would I need to do to strip off the remaining finish and paint it so that it will look good for a long time?Thanks in advance!
I wish I was there, I refinish furniture. Hand rubbing and all. Make sure the top of the table is wood and not a veneer-if it is you'll have to sand carefully. The chairs, I don't know what they look like but I have never been successful at sanding them, I use stripper, put coffee cans down and put the chair legs in it, then paint the stripper on.
if you are painting it, you do not need to strip it. sand every spot that is worn, spot prime the bare wood, fill all low spots with plastic wood or ready patch, sand when dry, spot prime the patched areas, prime the whole surface of the chair, sand the whole chair with steel wool, wipe it down with a tack cloth to remove all steel hairs, then spray the last coat on with an hvlp sprayer. u may recoat, or clear coat to add protection with out further sanding... i would use an oil base primer and top coat
If the finish is not paint you need to strip it first. There are many nontoxic paint removers now but it is still a lot of work. With any fine detail which is common with antiques, paint removers are the only way to prepare the chair. You must be careful to get into all the crevices and get the paint/stain out. Then flush the remover (check the directions on the remover), allow to dry, seal the wood with the appropriate sealer for the paint you will use(see the paint can directions for the proper sealer) then paint. If it is already painted all you need to do is to sand smooth any rough spots, scuff sand the rest of the piece, making sure you do all the detail areas. Prime and paint. If there is any fabric on the chair you must remove it first, you can not paint around it.
Now he is a pro painter lol...In all actuality..if you refinsihs a antique chair like this...The value of it will decrease sometimes by 70 or 80 percent..i would take it to an antique dealer first and have it appraised..and ask them about refinishing...may I suggest also..when you ask a question here..and some of these people state they have done this or that for so many years...click on thier profile and check some other answers they have answered ..lol..I have seen some of these people a pro at things for so many years..that they would have to be 190 years old to do so...I hope I have that much energy when I am 190 years old!
