How to Paint Furniture You Buy At Consignment Shops

I have written numerous times about keeping an open mind when shopping at Consignment Shops.  Frequently customers will pass up a table, chair, dresser, etc. because it is not the color they had in mind.  Their reasoning just blows my mind!  Ugh! Please listen to me,” lipstick and rouge” that’s all it needs to become exactly what you want!  Almost anything can be painted if you use the proper technique! 

Painted Nightstand

Painting your consignment treasures  is simple all you need is a little time and the correct tools.  The supplies you will need are as follows: very fine sandpaper, wood putty, primer (gray is great if your paint choice is dark or white primer if your paint choice is light), usually a quart of exterior paint and a small sponge roller or brush.  I like exterior paint because it tends to be more durable.  The finish of the paint is up to you.  I like satin for most projects, however you can choose from flat, satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss (high-gloss is great for contemporary pieces).  Some people like an enamel based paint because it tends to show fewer brush strokes, however I like the easy clean up of a latex.  Your first step will be to lightly sand or rough up the surface so the primer will stick.  You don’t have to go crazy with sanding unless you have some blemishes you feel may show through once it is painted.  If the item has any gouges or deep scratches you will want to fill them with wood putty let it dry completely and then sand to a smooth finish.   Once all your sanding and smoothing is complete you will want to prime it.  When priming a small piece you may choose a spray primer and for larger pieces a regular brush/roll on primer…To be continued.

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