Which type of paint do I use to re-paint furniture originally painted with oil-based paint?

Question

I had an unfinished bookcase/cabinet that I originally painted white with an oil-based paint (no primer) about ten years ago. It has never looked that good and I would like to paint it a dark brown or even black. Do I have to use oil-based again- it's a pain to work with, or can I use a latex based primer and paint? I would like to get a more professional appearence this time. Any other tips while I'm at it? Thanks!

Answer 1

You can use latex paint on the bookcase if you want to. you would need to give the entire surface a LIGHT sanding, just to rough the paint up a little. then clean up all the dust. then prime it with a latex Primer/sealer designed for glossy surfaces. it will stick to the oil just fine. unlike the other answers, there IS NO "REACTION" between oil and latex. the latex doesn't BOND very well to glossy oil based paints, thus the sanding and priming. the only concern i would have is that latex paint is a little softer than oil, so it will scratch easier than the oil. if this bookcase gets a lot of abuse, it will not hold up as long as the oil.
As far as the appearance, roll it with a smooth finish roller, or spend a little more money and buy a professional paint brush. they will give you a better finish. buy Purdy or Wooster brushes whenever possible. you can expect to pay between $12-18 for a good brush.
as far as paint: use Benjamin Moore Fresh start Latex primer 023-00
finish: Benjamin Moore Ironclad Latex Metal & Wood Enamel
just as a side note: oil based paint is being SLOWLY eliminated by the EPA. paint manufacturers are having to reformulate oils to meet newer VOC regs, so you will have to switch to latex in the next 5 or so years.

Answer 2

You can repaint your bookcase but since you originally used oil paint, you have no choice but to use an oil-based PRIMER first. Once you've applied that, you can then use any latex paint. Oil-based primer covers anything and you can paint any kind of paint on top. And you don't have to strip the old paint if it's not peeling and is in good shape (ugly but not peeling is considered good shape)

As for making the bookcase look better, first wash it with TSP, which removes all grease, grime and dirt. Use the liquid kind as opposed to powder as it's not toxic, is easier to mix and you won't have to rinse it like you would the powder.

Apply your primer. If you want a professional look, use a spray paint primer applied in a couple of thin coats. I suggest Bull's Eye 1-2-3 or Kilz but any will do. It's easier and less messy to use.... You won't hate it like you did the first time.

Once the primer is dry (2 hours or so) you can apply your favorite latex paint! Hurrah....easy wash up!

The only thing left to do is enjoy your new bookcase.

Oh.... really dark chocolate brown looks much nicer and richer than black....

Answer 3

I agree with forjj, no need in stripping the piece before painting. If their are a lot of brush makes from the last application you may want to sand with a orditable sander which would make your job easier. A latex prime/sealer formulated to bond to a glossy surface as he indicated will work great. Now, depending how you would use the piece of furniture will depend on your finish coat. Books and other heavy objects can leave marks and also stick to a latex finish which is called (blocking) as these finishes are soft and made to expand and contract with the surface. Some companies do have a latex coating with harder resins that will reduce this problem. Oil base will give you a harder finish for your items to display and clean. A very good brush as he mentioned is worth the price. Check with your local paint store that deals with just paint (not a hardware store) as their staff would be better trained for choosing the right product and brushes for your project.

Answer 4

Whatever that you do, just strip the bookcase/cabinet first. And yes, you can use a latex paint. The only thing is is that if you don't strip it instead of just scrapping, then you will have to repaint it about every 2-3 years. The oil that is used in the paints is not set into your wood. Stripping it will take the most of the oil out of it and will allow the latex paint to hold better. Just make sure that you go to your local hradware store and tell that you are wanting to strip oil based paint and have them get you the proper stripper for it.

Answer 5

It is not necessary to strip the old paint. Since you did not use a primer/sealer the existing paint has penetrated the wood. Personally I would sand it first with a medium sandpaper and then finish it with a fine paper. If you want a professional appearance, apply a primer first and then apply the finish coat. I would stick with an enamel. The new ones are much esier to work with and have good coverage.

Answer 6

Not an expert but I thought Enamel and Oil Based was same thing. Enamel is the best for wood furniture, it can be sanded and recoated and only gets better looking. Latex paints tend to tear and peel and in my opinion don't cover as well as enamel. If the wood is an open pore wood like Oak you may want to prime it or seal the grain first for a smoother finish.

Answer 7

If possible try to strip the old paint that is on the book case, and sand back to a timber surface and start again.
If there is residue of old oil paint on the book case you will probably have to use oil based paints again as it will react with the new paint you intend to use.

Answer 8

if you use anything other than oil based paint to repaint it will peel off. if you want to use something other than an oil base paint you must first sand or strip all the oil base paint off. there is no fast way to do this and any short cuts will result in peeling paint. and the paint peels almost immeadiately. any bump or hit will nick the new paint and it will peel. use oil base it is the best way to go.

Answer 9

First you need to strip it then you could use whatever you wanted but personally I would use a wood stain. There are many variations to choose from and it will give that "professional" look.

Answer 10

u would be best to go down to your local hardware/paint store and ask them. Goodluck