How do I paint wood chairs without having to remove existing varnish?
by
Nancylynn
+6
I have collected about 16 wood dining chairs (various styles) that I want to chalk paint. They have a light varnish and I would like to avoid having to completely strip and sand them. Is there a product or process that can easily prepare the surfaces for paint. My hands are not what they used to be but some sanding is okay...thanks Hometalk!
Suggested Project Book
If you use wire wool to "key" the varnish (rough up the surface so the paint can grip) making sure there is no loose varnish it should be fine. Wipe down with a wet wipe on completion before you paint
Some primers, and even spray primers will nicely go over varnish
be sure to sand them some to make the paint stick better
I hope to get some light sanding done on the most used areas of the chairs. Thank you!
Lowes has a "cabinet paint" you can paint over most finished wood. I painted my diningroom table and six chairs white with this paint (two coats) and the finish is smooth and lovely!! NO sanding!
I use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint for many projects and have used it on chairs with great success. If the surface is super shiny you might need to scuff it up with some 220-grit sand paper, but otherwise no sanding or priming is required. You'll need to seal the chalk paint with soft clear wax or you can use a top coat sealer. I'll add a photo of one of the chairs I painted.
This is terrific! Thank you! I'm doing these beautiful solid wood chairs in soft white and a few pastels such as blush pink. What do you think of using chalk paint over a crackle medium. I'm hoping for slightly different looks but within a set color pallet. I have eight of one style chair, four of another, and four that are each different styles. Your chair is the "feel" I want for these chairs!