Photography by Justine HandCover photo by Matthew Williams
Come learn with us as resident DIY expert Justine Hand repaints a set of six midcentury chairs, scoured from a thrift shop, from a sickly green to white.
Materials:-Latex paint-Primer-Water-based polycrylic or finishing wax-Paintbrush-Foam paint roller and pan-Fine and medium sandpaper-Tack cloth-Protective floor cover-Tape (if needed)\
Step 1: Get Your Inner Zen On
The key to a smooth, durable paint job is to slow down. So download those TED talks you’ve been meaning to listen to, or the audio-book version of War and Peace, and settle in.
Step 2: Sand, Sand, Sand
To achieve an even finish, you’ll need to do a thorough sanding job. Use a medium grit to remove old paint, stains, and debris.
Step 3: Clean and Tape
Once you’ve sanded your piece of furniture, you’ll need to thoroughly clean off all the sawdust. Hands down, a tack cloth is best for removing particles that can negatively effect your paint job. If necessary, tape off any areas you will not be painting.
Step 4: Prime
Using a brush or a roller, apply a thin coat of primer to the entire surface of your piece. Let it dry overnight. Then, lightly sand and clean again.
Step 5: Paint
Using a brush or a roller, apply a thin coat of paint in the direction of the grain. Allow this coat to dry overnight.
Step 6: Repeat
Once your first coat is dry, sand, wipe, and paint it again with another thin coat. Repeat: paint, dry, sand, clean. To paint furniture correctly, it can take up to four or five coats.
Step 7: Seal and Protect
Once you’ve achieved full coverage, you’ll need to protect the finish with a top coat. Using a brush, apply one or two layers of polycrylic–again, always sanding and cleaning in between.