Anonymous
Post 06/29/2025 17:09     Subject: Best paint to refinish questionable wood?

Anonymous wrote:I have an old piece from Ballard Designs that has a questionable finish. It feels like wood (I bet it’s parawood or some such) but was obviously mass produced and finished with something that was shiny at some point.

The piece is black but is banged up. I’d like to repaint it in black, but I’m not sure where to start.

Fwiw, it’s an accent piece so I’m not overly concerned about use/wear and tear.

Tips on what paint to use and what process?


The glossier the paint, the more imperfections will show up in various angled lighting situations.
Anonymous
Post 06/29/2025 16:13     Subject: Best paint to refinish questionable wood?

PP. I Googled for you.

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1201491.page

Someone else says:

"I recommend General Finishes milk paint. It doesn’t look like the normal rustic milk paint but rather dries to a hard, almost enamel like finish."
Very minimal prep required.
Anonymous
Post 06/29/2025 16:09     Subject: Best paint to refinish questionable wood?

Was it an intentionally distressed black paint (exposed wood rubbed edge look) when it was new?
Anonymous
Post 06/29/2025 14:38     Subject: Best paint to refinish questionable wood?

I have an old piece from Ballard Designs that has a questionable finish. It feels like wood (I bet it’s parawood or some such) but was obviously mass produced and finished with something that was shiny at some point.

The piece is black but is banged up. I’d like to repaint it in black, but I’m not sure where to start.

Fwiw, it’s an accent piece so I’m not overly concerned about use/wear and tear.

Tips on what paint to use and what process?