Painting over wood

[Nylah]

I am contemplating painting my office desk, filing cabinet and credenza which are made from wood. They are a dark cherry color which I really like but I want to lighten up the feel of my office by brightening the color.

The only thing is, if I paint over the wood, I wont be able to undo it if I hate it I want to do like a creamy white color with a high gloss.

Has anyone painted done something like this? Did you regret ruining the wood finish on the item?

If you were happy with it, what type of paint did you use?

[QK13]

Re: Painting over wood

I'm big on painted furniture. Love the look and have no regrets. But that's me.

Paint is not easy to remove and it would take a LOT of work getting it back to it's original finish or even something close. So if you're not sure you may want to give it soe more thought.

I have always used latex enamel, but my brother is a painter and recently suggested using an oil based paint for durability. I have pieces done with latex that still look good and have stood up to years of use and several moves. So if it's not something that's going to get a lot of wear & tear, latex is much easier to work with than oil.

You'll want to either sand or use a "liquid" sanding compound to dull the finish, then primer & paint.

I like the mixed look as well. Painted body and stained top and/or drawers... the look may be a little dated for some people but I still like it.

[kia027]

Re: Painting over wood

i havent done it.. we have stained though

definetly would suggest oil based paint (it is a pain to clean up btw) and sanding is a must!

[H_O]

Re: Painting over wood

what kind of wood is it?

if its cherry- you should be tarred and feathered for painting that

[Nylah]

Re: Painting over wood



tarred and feathered

I dont think it is real cherry H_O, so you cant beat me up too badly for it

I bought the desk set at an auction and if I remember correctly it was another type of wood stained to look like cherry.

I'll post some pix in a bit for you guys to see.
<span style="font-weight: bold">
Q.K and Kia </span>- thank you for the advice. That is the info I wanted to know. I thought about it last night - while I couldnt sleep - and I may leave the desk alone but paint the filing cabinets and credenza only.

With oil based paint, I am kinda worried about ventilation since my office is located in the basement of my house......

I painted the office walls a couple months back with latex and the paint fumes almost killed me

[RichD]

Re: Painting over wood

what about some type of melamine paint

[Nylah]

Re: Painting over wood


not quite sure what is melamine paint need to check with Mr google for that. Can melamine paint have a high gloss finish?

[RichD]

Re: Painting over wood

yes.. melamine is like the stuff kitchen counters are made of

it is a very durable finish.

it also will adhere very well to almost any surface..im not sure if you were planing to sand and prime the desk before painting if not you might have some issues with the paint rubbing off down the road.

[Nylah]

Re: Painting over wood


oh okay. I think I know what you are referring to now.

I didnt plan on sanding the desk or priming it for that matter. Benjamin Moore has a new paint that doesnt require priming. Really amazing stuff. Plus the desks are relatively new and the surface is quite smooth, so I dont think I need to sand anything down.

I was kind of worried about paint chipping off since it is a desk that will be used a lot. The cabinets I am not so worried about.

[kia027]

Re: Painting over wood

what color scheme are you going with Miss Sunshine

[Nylah]

Re: Painting over wood


Pale green - which the walls are already - and cream, grey and pink accents.

Yes, I am going for the &quot;Alpha Kitty Glamour Puss&quot; look

My couch is off white microsuede and I want the desk set to match and then have the side chairs with darker &quot;anchor&quot; colors.

Have you seen Sarah Richardson's design office? Something similar in feel to that is what I want to achieve.

[Nylah]

Re: Painting over wood


Here is a picture of the desk.

I am starting to lean towards leaving it alone but painting the other surfaces. The walls are painted the color I want but I need to change the drapes because they no longer match and are too heavy in the winter, ie) no natural light!



The two side filing cabinets. The metal one is easy enough to paint over but the one next to it is made from the same wood as the desk.



The sofa and color scheme I want. I am looking for side tables that are mirrored art deco feel or something with slightly vintage lines so offset the contemporary couch.

[kia027]

Re: Painting over wood

where is green biscuit when you need her


I could see painting the steel cabinet and maybe put a stencil on it to look less austere

yes the curtains will change but the desk &amp; hutch are good as is

oh and I am loving the sofa ... wish I had one here but it would have to be in leather and kids &amp; dog resistant blah blah blah so better off admiring yours from afar !!

[Gen]

Re: Painting over wood

i think there is a clear someting you can put over the paint fi seal it suh it nuh chip easily. most surfaces odda dan a wall, you better off sanding lightly or it not gwine stick properly. just sand dem lightly, wipe clean with cloth to get excess dust off and then paint. yuh might not need primer but you will need fi sand.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mary_Sunshine</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
oh okay. I think I know what you are referring to now.

I didnt plan on sanding the desk or priming it for that matter. Benjamin Moore has a new paint that doesnt require priming. Really amazing stuff. Plus the desks are relatively new and the surface is quite smooth, so I dont think I need to sand anything down.

I was kind of worried about paint chipping off since it is a desk that will be used a lot. The cabinets I am not so worried about. </div></div>

[Nylah]

Re: Painting over wood


Thanks Kia. Even with treatment it is a bit hard to keep clean. The good thing with microsuede the stains come out easily though.

So Kia, you think I should just paint the steel filing cabinet but leave the desk set alone? I might try the cabinet first see how I feel about it and maybe do the wood filing cabinet next to it.

Geneva, I'm gonna ask at Home Depot about the clear coat and see what they say. If I leave the desk alone then I wont have to worry about it but I keep going back and forth on the issue.

I just want some way to lighten up the room before winter sets in again.