I want to paint my cedar chest to make it look shabby chic white.

Lin R
by Lin R
What kind of paint would you suggest and I also want to cut a round hole in it to put my cat's litter box in it. Do I need a router to do this?
  17 answers
  • Lin R Lin R on Aug 24, 2011
    I forgot to ask do I just need to sand it or do I need to put primer on it before painting. Thanks
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Aug 24, 2011
    Is it painted already?...If you are painting over a varnished surface...a light sand and oil based primer...if its got paint then a light sand should do the trick. A router or a jig saw...if you go the jig saw route drill a hole first the stick the jig saw blade in that hole then start cutting.
  • Lin R Lin R on Aug 24, 2011
    Thank you so much KMS. Yes it is varnished. I appreciate your info and also am wondering do I need to use enamel paint since my cat will be jumping up on it for her food?
  • Lin, I just learn about Annie Sloan paints from another user here on hometalk. It gives that antique French look to any furniture. I think it is awesome, you need to check it out as an option as well. The best part is it claims nosanding, no primer http://www.anniesloan.com/acatalog/Books.html I am so excited I want to use it on a project. It is also called Chalk Paint.
  • Lin R Lin R on Aug 24, 2011
    I will check it out. Thank you so much Yaminim
  • Your are welcome Lin, let me know how it goes. I can wait to try it out myself.
  • Peace Painting Co., Inc. Peace Painting Co., Inc. on Aug 24, 2011
    Before we learned about the magic of chalk paint, I would have recommended sanding, deglossing, priming with white shellac and finishing with oil base enamel (very cleanable). Paint on top of varnish (which is much harder that paint) has easily chipped off in the past' if a thorough job of preparation was not done. The cat and the cedar sound like a good combination. Best, Charles
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Aug 25, 2011
    A small "matt" that the food bowls can sit on will prevent them from sliding about a bit...and also protect from minor spills. Post some pics when you get it completed.
  • Janet metzger Janet metzger on Aug 25, 2011
    Annie Sloan's chalk paint is all the way Lin! Perfect if you trying to achieve a Shabby Chic/French Cottage look. Even better because you do not need to do any prep ...no sanding (unless you are removing texture) or priming needed...dries in minutes and distresses like a dream!
  • Lin R Lin R on Aug 25, 2011
    I just found a shopt that sells Annie Sloan's and they are having a paint workshop in September, so I am going to sign up for it. I thank all of you for your information and suggestions. I will post a pic when I get the chest completed. Ya'll are the best and so is this site! So glad I found it!
  • Janet metzger Janet metzger on Aug 25, 2011
    You will love it!!!!! But be warned...it's addictive ;->
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Aug 26, 2011
    Peace...Sanding drywall!
  • Donna McCrummen Donna McCrummen on Mar 25, 2012
    What a clever idea for your kitty. Have you finished the chest? I'd love to see a picture!
  • Lin R Lin R on Mar 26, 2012
    Hi Shabby Daze. I have not gotten it done yet. It just has turned nice enough outside to do it. I have to shellac it first before I use the ASCP because it is cedar. Will do it soon and promise to post pics.
  • Donna McCrummen Donna McCrummen on Mar 26, 2012
    You are painting the cedar? Why not leave the inside cedar it will help with the kitty piddle smell. Here's one I did - Have you tried CeCe Caldwell paint yet? It's my new love.
  • Lin R Lin R on Jan 17, 2013
    Just to add to this post. My local shoppe that has the ASCP says that cedar wood needs to be covered in Shellac first both inside and out before using the ASCP because it might bleed through. I decided not to paint the cedar chest after all. But I am so happy ya'll introduced me to ASCP. I have used it on my chest of drawers and my bed and love it! I am addicted as you said I would be!