Does anybody know how to paint furniture?

[tomato]

I have this cheapo fake-wood (?) microwave cart type of thing. It's *very sturdy* I used it for my spare computer for a while, but I've decided I need to bring it in the living room now. Problem is that thing is a real eye sore, and I mean it is truly butt-ugly :thumbsdown:

I decided that maybe I should paint it a nice color that matches the rest of the room. Dark espresso, or a dark red that matches the rug? Something to make it look a little more contemporary and less utilitarian. Problem is I don't know what to use or how to get started.

Any pointers? (I'm afraid spray paint will just go all over the place, so regular paint?) Do I absolutely have to sand it down before I paint?

OK, thanks for any pointers. :smile:

[SilverBack]

Since you're going for a dark reddish color, you could just stain it instead. No sanding needed.

[CTScott]

If it's fake wood (i.e. laminated particle board), then you are painting the vinyl laminate, as opposed to wood, so in that case you'd want to use primer/paint intended for plastics, rather than those intended for wood.

[tomato]

Ah, ok, thanks! Do I need to sand it a little?

[CTScott]

Ah, ok, thanks! Do I need to sand it a little?

Hopefully not. The laminates on cheap stuff are usually thinner than a sheet of paper.

[tomato]

Thanks, Scott! :bow:

I'll visit home depot and hopefully complete my project soon :D

[severous01]

krylon fusion...works on everything. light sanding required, and buy more than you need to get the job done...just for touchups and second/third coatings.

be patient, remove everything you can (hardware, hinges) and spray it all...tape off what you dont want sprayed.

2 light coats is way better than one thick one...just let the first coat flash or haze over before applying second coat.

smooth even strokes, start before you hit the table and dont stop till you're off the table.

[Altitude]

If you decide against spray paint. Get yourself some of those small sponge rollers to get a smooth finish. If you use a brush you'll end up with brush strokes that don't look good on furniture.