What type of sandpaper and paint should I use to paint over pre-painted finished wood?

Question

I bought a file cabinet from ikea, and I want to paint over the front of the drawers as they are ugly white. How should I go about this?

Answer 1

All you have to do is get some 120 grit sandpaper and scuff the area you want to paint. You don't have to go down to the wood. Then put a coat of primer on, and then two coats of the paint you are using. Done deal. If you do not sand the area first, then the primer will not penetrate the finish, and your paint will chip. Good luck, and have fun! Mark McKelvey

Answer 2

Your best bet would be to use a deglosser, and then go ahead and paint over it. You don't really have to sand it....unless you want the bare wood surface.
A deglosser takes any extra finish, like polyurethane, etc...off of the surface and makes it tacky, sort of....it basically prepares it for new paint.

Answer 3

i wud not suggest u to use sand paper on it. because professional hands can do wonders we cannot. though we can follow instruction and do the work but the outcome wont be good. so just go for a paint instead of sand paper. because i spoilt one of my study table.