To paint or not to paint?

[Anonymous]

I have a beautiful china cabinet that my friend gave me. It's in good shape with just a few nicks and scrapes. It's a gorgeous rich wood and isn't overly detailed (no moldings or extra details), shaker style doors and drawers.

I've seen some amazing transformations on Pinterest using regular paint and chalk paint. Part of me doesn't want to touch the wood but I would love to update the piece.

Any thoughts? I'm handy with paint but this is a definite time intensive project.

[Anonymous]

Chalk paint is super easy to use and doesn't require priming or sanding. However, if you want a smooth, less vintagey-looking surface, I'd definitely recommend sanding between coats. Also, I haven't tried this, but I am guessing if you use a primer first, you'd save on the pricey chalk paint.

I've read on the web of people getting similar results with a paint like Valspar with primer. Chalk paint sands more easily, if you are after a distressed look. It does need to be waxed afterwards (or you can do polyurethane varnish). It is not that time intensive or hard but the piece should be rewaxed periodically (you can go at least a year) and I've heard complaints of the wax attracting dust. Poly varnish takes a number of coats.

There is a product you can order called Revax that is a combination between wax and varnish and has more of a wax look but is easier care like varnish and less dust attracting. I've just used it on a piece and it was way easier than either wax or varnish. I can't vouch yet as to how it will stand up.

I just did a small wardrobe from Ikea with Duck's Egg Blue on the outside and French Linen on the inside, and it looks great. I painted before I assembled and if I were to do it again, I'd assemble then paint as the paint got dinged quite a bit as I struggled to put on the floors. I had already revaxed and had to put on a new coat after first trying to do touch ups, only to find the color didn't match. Then I had to Revax again.

If you're doing a low quality product like the Ikea piece I did, it is best to sand before hand. Not really so hard with a hand sander.

Given how quickly chalk paint dries, you could easily do a china cabinet in a day. The question you have to ask yourself is whether you want the wood look or would find the cabinet much more usable in a different color.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Chalk paint is super easy to use and doesn't require priming or sanding. However, if you want a smooth, less vintagey-looking surface, I'd definitely recommend sanding between coats. Also, I haven't tried this, but I am guessing if you use a primer first, you'd save on the pricey chalk paint.

I've read on the web of people getting similar results with a paint like Valspar with primer. Chalk paint sands more easily, if you are after a distressed look. It does need to be waxed afterwards (or you can do polyurethane varnish). It is not that time intensive or hard but the piece should be rewaxed periodically (you can go at least a year) and I've heard complaints of the wax attracting dust. Poly varnish takes a number of coats.

There is a product you can order called Revax that is a combination between wax and varnish and has more of a wax look but is easier care like varnish and less dust attracting. I've just used it on a piece and it was way easier than either wax or varnish. I can't vouch yet as to how it will stand up.

I just did a small wardrobe from Ikea with Duck's Egg Blue on the outside and French Linen on the inside, and it looks great. I painted before I assembled and if I were to do it again, I'd assemble then paint as the paint got dinged quite a bit as I struggled to put on the floors. I had already revaxed and had to put on a new coat after first trying to do touch ups, only to find the color didn't match. Then I had to Revax again.

If you're doing a low quality product like the Ikea piece I did, it is best to sand before hand. Not really so hard with a hand sander.

Given how quickly chalk paint dries, you could easily do a china cabinet in a day. The question you have to ask yourself is whether you want the wood look or would find the cabinet much more usable in a different color.

Thanks for the detailed tips!!! I think I'm going to do it!!! Now to decide on color