painting question....read on?

Question

I would like to paint a design on a already lacquered piece of wood. My question is will the paint stick since is is already lacqured and what kind of paint should I use?

Answer 1

There is a specialised primer you can use, so you would need to mask off what you do not want to be painted and paint the area left.
It could be a delicate job but you can get really narrow masking tape which is good for curves.

Go to your nearest specialist paint shop for proper advise.

I have been out of touch for too long to know if there are products I haven't heard of

Answer 2

If you are simply wanting to paint a design on an already finished piece of wood, without altering the finish of the piece itself, you will need to apply the design in a finish with the same base as is already on the piece. I.e.: If the piece is covered in oil paint, make sure the design is painted on with oil; if latex, apply latex; if lacquer, apply lacquer.

It is very important to clean the surface thoroughly, and it is a good idea to test the paint on a small portion of the piece, out of view. Allow the freshly applied paint to dry well, and then try to scratch it off. If it doesn't, then you are good to go.

Another idea is to try to closely match the painting substrates (oil for oil, lacquer for lacquer), and then when finished applying the design, cover the entire piece with a fresh coat of lacquer (or varnish, or whatever). This will give the piece a uniform look, and the new coat of lacquer or varnish (clear) will give additional protection against peeling off.

Also, here's a good rule of thumb: Never apply latex over anything other than latex. Oil will stick to latex in most cases, as will lacquer. Varnish can go over most anything, if given sufficient dry time. When I've faux painted furniture in the past, I always apply a layer of varnish. This water proof's the finish, and makes it much more durable.

Good luck! :)

PS: a small note on determining the finish already on the piece, you should be able to determine the paint's base simply by touch. Latex will almost never be applied to furniture, but if it is, it will feel like the trim surfaces in you home (in a newer home). Oil will likely be very glossy. Lacquer will be very smooth to the touch, almost like your car's finish. If you are able to see the wood grain itself, likely the piece is finished wish varnish. If the piece is very old, it could be shellac. You could take the piece to a local paint store, and they could probably tell you immediately.

Answer 3

You have to roughup the surface or the paint will dry and peel right off. If you can't sand it than tape it off ( the area you want to paint) and prime it. Take the peice or a sample of the piece to the store and have someone give some adviceon what kind of primer exactly.

Answer 4

IF YOUR JUST DOING A LITTLE DESIGN TO SPRUCE UP SOMETHING THAT WILL GET NO WEAR AND TEAR..I WOULD USE AN ACRYLIC PAINT FROM A CRAFT STORE....UNION PAINTER
DONT GO SANDING IT DOWN EITHER LIKE THE ABOVE ONE MENTIONED YOU WILL RUIN THE FINISH DUH..THE PAINT WILL STICK TO IT LONG AS IT ISNT GOING TO BE TOUCHED AND IT ONLY FOR LOOKS.
IF NOT THEN THE PAINTED DESIGN WOULD NEED TO BE UNDER THE FINISH AND THEN SEALED OVER.