What is the best way to repaint and old bed and dresser set?

Question

The paint on it was fine. The owner who smoked owned it for about 20 years. It was white. Now is yellow and reeks of cigarettes. I want to just paint over it all, but I'm afraid the nicotine will cause the paint to mess up or something. What is the easiest and best way to repaint it?

Answer 1

Well I just happen to be a union painter. There are two thing u can do here. You can go get a tub of STP cleaner and wash it down outside..or do what I would do..go to the paint store..get a gallon of killz.I would use oil based killz paint. (Chances are it was painted with oil based paint the first time being it's wood.) Have them shake it for you.
Supplies: china bristle paint brush 6-7 dollars
1 can of sunnyside paint thinner 3-4 dollars
1 3-4 inch whiz roller with a FOAM sleeve
1 gallon of oil based killz and some rubber gloves
Do this in the garage where its well vented. Put the killz on thin. It's going to be splattering as u roll it on. DONT WEAR GOOD CLOTHES. Dont try to cover in one coat either..thin layers dry quicker. Good luck..if u have any problems contact [e-mail]
I DONT RECOMMEND COBALTS IDEA AT ALL.

Answer 2

First thing you need to do is clean it. TriSodium Phosphate (TSP) will cut through that nicotine stain like a bad habit. Wash off with water, as TSP leaves a residue. The great thing about TSP is that it also deglosses as it cleans. Try putting it on glass and see what happens!
If you need to prime, go with Kilz. Kilz oil based primer acts as a vapor barrier which will prevent those smoke smells from penetrating your new finish. You will need paint thinner for cleanup.
Next, you need to decide how you want to paint. the most inexpensive and simple way is just to brush the paint on. You can use an acrylic latex if you so desire. For your flat surfaces, you can use a HIGH DENSITY foam roller, make sure its high density. As far as your brush, use a high quality synthetic (nylon or nylon/polyester blend) brush, I recommend Purdy brand. DO NOT use natural bristles with latex paint, as the natural fiber wll soak up the water base in the paint, causing it to streak really bad.
Next, you need to put a paint additive called "Floetrol" into your latex paint. If you've ever tried painting with water based paints, especially glossy ones, you will notice how it tends to streak alittle, leaveing "ridges". Floetrol helps latex paint smooth out to a spray like finish, giving it a more professional look. You need to add about 8oz. per gallon to get the desired effect. I've painted cabinets with this, and it looks sprayed on after I was done.
Just remember, the better quality tools you use for painting, the better your results will be. Hope this helps! good luck!
By the way, you can get all these supplies at your local Home Depot.

Answer 3

After cleaning it I suggest you take sand paper and very lightly roughen up the surface a little just so whatever paint you decide on with adhere better. I recommend spray paint. There are tons of colors and it's made to stick to all surfaces well. that way you 'll avoid brush strokes and /or roller marks. I did this to my kitchen table and chairs and was very happy with the outcome. Just make sure your hand is in constant motion and at least 6-8 inches away from the surface you are painting at all times. Do many light coats so you get an even finish.

Answer 4

You'll really want to strip it first. The tars and oils from cigarettes will mean the paint doesn't stick well, and the smell might not go.

You can either use a chemical stripper, which can come as a goo or liquid and will get into the corners better, or you can rent a power sander (and a respirator!! it might be lead paint if it's from the 70s or before). If you use a chemical strip, you'll want to sand by hand to smooth it out (wear a mask again!). Only then is it ready for priming and painting, or staining.

Answer 5

The EASIEST way is to give it a good cleaning with mild detergent and water, let it dry completely (should give it at least a day in really dry weather), lightly sand it and wipe it down with a tack cloth (find that in wood working at Home Depot) and then prime it with KILZ. Give it a couple of coats of primer so you know you have it covered and that will block everything from coming through the paint and give the paint something to hold on to. You will have to prime and paint the inside as well to get rid of the smell and then paint it too.

The BEST way is to strip the paint, either chemically or by sanding it off, down to bare wood, and then stain it inside and out and seal it. That will not only get rid of the smell but give you a nice piece of furniture as well.

This page is from DIY network and will show you how to stain:

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/hk_cabinets_counters/article/0,2037,DIY_13942_3576268,00.html

Enjoy you new furniture!

Answer 6

You could also get a paint deglosser like "Wil-bond" and wipe all surfaces to be painted with that and then scuff the surface lightly with 100 grit sand paper then apply a quality 100% acrylic paint or I recommend an oil based either one you choose make sure it's an enamel paint Good luck Les the painter

Answer 7

Use Kilz paint, it's great for painting non-cleaned surfaces, although I would not paint any type of wood furniture, instead I'd clean and sand the wood, then apply a couple coats of polyurethane...