How do I Paint Waxed/Varnished Pine Bedroom Furniture?

How do I Paint Waxed/Varnished Pine Bedroom Furniture?

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im

Original Poster:

34,302 posts

218 months

Monday 27th September 2010
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Hi

I've been getting conflicting advice about this from various sources so though I'd throw it open to the great & knowledgable on PH.

As per the thread title really. I've had this pine furniture for 20 years and it was quite expensive when I bought it. Over the years it has gone 'orange' and I'd like to freshen it up now. It cannot be moved from the bedroom as its very "non flat-pack" type of furniture so this job needs be addressed in-situ.

I want to give it either a dull/distressed/colour washed white look but realistically can't sand it down (well not to much anyway - perhaps lightly) as there's a lot of it and the dust would never bloody clear. The wax finish has dissipated somewhat over the years.

Would a problem solving primer do the trick? What type of paint should I use?

All comments gratefully received.

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Laurel Green

30,783 posts

233 months

Monday 27th September 2010
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Paint will not 'take' on wax I'm afraid as it will never dry. There might be such a thing as a coloured wax, which one might be able to go on top of what is already there (have a search on Internet). To paint with oil-paint the wax will first have to be striped off. Perhaps soda crystals in hot water to strip the wax but, this will be a messy process. Turpentine might also be of use with stripping off the wax too. What ever the process, I think you're in for a messy time ahead.

Simpo Two

85,590 posts

266 months

Monday 27th September 2010
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Are you sure it's a wax finish or just a satin stain?

im

Original Poster:

34,302 posts

218 months

Monday 27th September 2010
quotequote all
Simpo Two said:
Are you sure it's a wax finish or just a satin stain?
Damn...I've just been told by the wife that its NOT waxed just stained and (clear) varnished.

So, that being the case, any revised advice on the best way to proceed would be much appreciated.

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Edited by im on Tuesday 28th September 17:28

Simpo Two

85,590 posts

266 months

Monday 27th September 2010
quotequote all
Ba-dum-tush etc biggrin

Just give it a good clean with Jif etc, then paint as desired. Maybe a quick helping of very fine sandpaper first to help the paint get a grip.

Edited by Simpo Two on Monday 27th September 20:05