Painting a hutch

Nancy Bode
by Nancy Bode
I have an 80's vintage hutch that I want to paint. I bought bonding primer to start with, but I want to paint the piece with the interior latex satin enamel that we painted my daughter's room with. Thus, it won't have the flat-type finish you see with milk or chalk paint. Is there any way to get a flat finish with the paint I have, or should I just live with a satin surface? P.S. The picture isn't the hutch, I don't have a way to get a picture of it right now. This coffee table has the same type of wood.
wrong piece, same wood
  5 answers
  • Heather Heather on Mar 21, 2014
    I think satin surfaces look great! I used a latex flat paint on this http://blissfullychicdiy.blogspot.com/2014/03/my-new-desk.html but it still had a little shine once the poly went on. Or you could make your own chalk paint with Plaster of Paris and the paint you already have!
  • Madison McGahan Madison McGahan on Mar 22, 2014
    To use the paint you have I always mix 1/2 cup of Plaster of Paris, 1/2 cup of water and mix well then add 1 and 1/2 cups of paint. It will give you the flat finish you want. But it will need a top coat. I always use a clear wax by minwax. It dries quickly and buffs out nicely.
  • Limelight Inc. Limelight Inc. on Mar 23, 2014
    Lightly sand the gloss surface to dull. Use bonding primer (oil based recommended). Apply 2 coats of high quality finish paint product , then protect with a clear coat like Polyacrylic (could be a satin finish).Leave to cure for about 2 weeks before putting things on it.You really want to follow these steps to assure that the paint will not peel. Remember,it is a surface that will receive a lot of wear and tear, so quality products and a bit of a gloss surface is always a plus. Less chance of failure and provides durability.
    • See 1 previous
    • LB LB on Mar 24, 2014
      @Nancy Bode Hi Nancy, I mixed my DIY Chalk paint yesterday and it came out great and very flat.. Try this, 5 Tablespoons plaster of paris, 1/2 cup warm warm, mix, and add to 1 1/2 cups latex paint, I used a satin paint on mine piece and it turned out very flat looking because of the chalk paint. If it's to thick add more water. You are good to go. I will need to do two coats and then use polyurethane as a top coat or minwax paste finishing wax. Good luck.
  • Limelight Inc. Limelight Inc. on Mar 23, 2014
    I'm not familiar with those techniques. Sound interesting, but I cannot speak from experience.With furniture, our concern is with long term durability, as it typically serves a function. My concern with adding plaster of paris to the paint would be in possibly compromising lack of adhesion of the product to surface. I'm sure the plaster would make the paint flat, but it chipping it off would always be a concern.Would still recommend a furniture quality clear/protectant coat with all furniture ,but I'm not familiar with a flat version, only satin and above.
  • Limelight Inc. Limelight Inc. on Mar 23, 2014
    When in doubt, always try a test area. The only way to truly find out.