How to repaint polished furniture without removing varnish

Currently, in stores you can find an endless number of various cabinets, chests of drawers, racks, hanging shelves, multifunctional drawers for clothes and personal items. But if you decide not to plunge into a long search, but to follow the thread of your imagination, then with the help of the following master classes you will learn how to update an old cabinet with your own hands beyond recognition.

After reading the article, you should not have any questions about how to paint a varnished, chipboard or wooden cabinet , what paint to paint and make it suit your own style, and you will also learn some of the intricacies of this work.

Painting a wooden cabinet made of chipboard

Paint selection

• For processing wood and chipboard, you can use alkyd or acrylic ,
• spray or regular wood paint,
• for deeper coloring - varnishes, but most often preference is given to acrylic paints .

They are non-toxic, dry at room temperature, which in our case and when painting home furniture is very convenient, they are presented in a wide range in stores, they can be colored , i.e. dilute with white paint to achieve the desired color. In addition, there is a choice of acrylic paints with a mother-of-pearl effect or, for example, metallic.

• Varnishes are used mainly to give furniture an antique , but well-groomed, noble and rich look. In this case, the surface is painted several times after each layer has completely dried.
• Varnishes are also necessary to fix the color and protect the surface from scratches and minor damage.
• You will need varnish even if you decide to paint the chest of drawers in an antique or Provence style.

Selecting Brushes and Rollers

After choosing paint, special attention should be paid to brushes and rollers. Why shouldn't you save on painting supplies if you decide to update your chest of drawers yourself?

• With the correct technology for processing the old surface and good painting, the cabinet will retain its appearance for several years .
• If you use bad brushes, you will not protect freshly painted furniture from sticking hairs or lint, which is almost impossible to fix unnoticed.

If you have a task to paint a large smooth surface, then a roller and aerosols will .

1. a roller to take the right amount of paint and remove smudges, but if aerosols are used correctly, the surface will ultimately be smoother.
2. To paint medium and small cabinet parts, protrusions, bas-reliefs, 2 brushes will be enough - wide and narrow.

ATTENTION: During work, do not leave the brushes dry, it is better to put them in a jar of water, otherwise they will quickly become unusable

Technologies and painting methods

Don't forget about other important painting tools and materials, such as sandpaper or sander, primer, putty, solvent and varnish. All this is necessary to comply with the correct dyeing technology.

Equipment:

1. Sandpaper of different grits is needed to pre-grind the old paint layer and sand the surface.
2. A primer will be needed to seal small cracks on the surface of wood or chipboard.
3. Putty (you can use car putty) and a putty knife will come in handy if there are deep scratches or chips.
4. Solvent or white spirit is needed to degrease the surface before painting for better impregnation.
5. The varnish performs a protective function and gives the furniture shine.

In general, preparing a cabinet for painting consists of 5 short but very important steps .

1. First, carefully remove the old paint and use medium-grain sanding paper (or a machine) to level the working surface.
2. All dust must be wiped off, but without using wet rags, sponges , etc. Otherwise, the old paint will only be absorbed better, and the new paint will not adhere well.
3. After processing with the finest grains, degrease with white spirit (acetone) and apply a primer layer for better adhesion to the paint.
4. If there are large chips, then first fill them with putty and rub them until smooth. Afterwards we apply one or two layers of primer.

When you know all the stages of preparation, it’s time to move on to the main stage and figure out how to paint a wooden chest of drawers and chipboard.

Important nuances

Before you start painting any furniture at home, you need to carefully study the entire process of applying paint and varnish. We also recommend watching several videos that describe painting polished furniture, since this operation requires special skills and taking into account some of the nuances of the material.

The question of whether it is possible to paint polished furniture cannot be answered unequivocally. Painting this type of interior items requires careful preparation and experience in the restoration field. If you need to paint a large area of ​​a polished surface, we recommend that you contact a professional, otherwise you may get a poor-quality result and spend a lot of time and effort.

It is worth taking care to protect the surface to be painted (usually fittings) if it will often come into contact with hot objects. For this, special fire-retardant solutions are used, for example, Polystyl or Neomid.

Master class No. 1. Stencil painting

Everything is mixed in this closet - romanticism, Chinese motifs, and even something from Gzhel. Everyone sees something different in him. Let's learn painting techniques.

Materials and tools

• Prepared cabinet;
• white paint;
• solvent;
• blue spray paint;
• gold paint;
• stencil;
• brushes

Step by step guide

Step 1.

• We remove all fittings, locks, handles, etc. from the cabinet. Using familiar technology, we will prepare a wooden cabinet for painting.
• We spread newspapers or a large piece of polyethylene on the work surface (on the floor) so as not to damage other furniture.

Step 2.

1. We take white enamel and solvent. In a small plastic jar, dilute paint and solvent according to the instructions on the paint can.
2. The paint consumption is also written on the can; it is better to use this information and immediately dilute the required amount. If you mix too little paint, you may end up with a different color the second time.
3. We make the background of the picture - apply the first layer of paint . Leave until completely dry.

Step 3.

1. If the color turns out saturated and you like it, then take a stencil and apply it to the cabinet . Carefully glue on the front side and side walls so that there are no bubbles.
2. Shake the spray paint well and spray it over the stencil . For an even color, one layer of blue paint will be enough, so we do everything the first time.

Step 4.

While the blue paint dries, paint the hardware removed from the cabinet in gold leaf. After the parts have dried, screw them into place.

We remove the stencil from the cabinet and place it in the most visible place in the room - after all, it now deserves special attention!

You can decorate the closet with a stencil, for example, with flowers.

Main difficulties and mistakes

Common mistakes made by craftsmen during the restoration of lacquered furniture:

• Incomplete removal of the old coating is the most common mistake. It is necessary to get rid of the old varnish completely, sparing no effort or expense. Even a small part of the previous coating will appear after restoration and spoil the appearance of the product;
• Excessive haste - you must carefully study the instructions for dyes and various products that remove old varnish. Failure to comply with the timing can ruin the result;
• Inattention also often prevents craftsmen from painting furniture efficiently. Flaws and cracks noticed in time can be puttied;
• Uneven or excessive application of paint - many craftsmen try to apply paint in a thick layer, which later leads to the appearance of bumps and drips;
• Skipping an important step - grinding. Many people mistakenly believe that removing the old coating is enough; the surface of the products is already quite flat and smooth. This opinion is wrong. Sanding is an important part of the furniture restoration process. The surface becomes smooth, the paint adheres more evenly and better, and lasts longer.

Master class No. 2. Updating a chipboard cabinet

This cabinet looked very cheap since it was made from chipboard. But we updated it with a beautiful ornament for a children’s room, now it can fit into even a high-tech or modern interior.

Materials and tools

• Prepared cabinet;
• white paint;
• pencil;
• knife;
• building level;
• sponge brush;
• masking tape;
• additionally: protective paint (enamel).

Decoration process

Step 1.

1. We will prepare the furniture by cleaning the surface from roughness, chips, and cracks using putty and primer.
2. After using special products, you need to let the surface dry completely .
3. We take masking tape and stick it on the front side of the chest of drawers according to your individual idea.
4. We make combinations of triangles along the top and bottom edges, rhombuses in the middle, rectangles at the top and bottom. We cut off the strips and make shapes from them, as shown in the photo.

• We make a rhombus by cutting strips of equal length and placing them perpendicular to each other.
• To make rectangles, first apply the tape evenly, parallel to the cut of the chest of drawers, and use a building level and a pencil to mark equal intervals. Cut through one.

TIP: Watch the placement relative to the fittings (handles, locks) and the gaps between the drawers - it’s better to be symmetrical than even.

Step 2.

1. I follow the instructions on the paint can, take a sponge brush and rub in a thin layer to create an antique effect. Let the layer dry.
2. After the first layer has dried, apply the second . Then the color will be quite saturated and contrasting compared to the background.
3. When you have achieved the desired color and the paint has completely dried, carefully at an angle of 45 degrees remove the masking tape (tape).

Step 5.

The final stage is the application of protective enamel. It will extend the life of the chipboard cabinet and protect it from minor mechanical impacts such as moisture and dust.

And now the stylish wardrobe is ready for active use!

Color options can also be the same as in the photo below.

Paint selection

Paints and varnishes vary in composition and such important parameters as transparency and gloss level. When looking for a suitable option, you should avoid oil paint with its heavy smell and long drying period. Toxic and flammable solvent-based materials are of little use.

In order to repaint a cabinet in a different color, water-based paints that are marked “furniture” are optimal. A common feature of such compositions is environmental friendliness, which is important in the case of repainting objects located in a residential area. They practically do not emit volatile organic matter and therefore do not have a pungent odor. The compositions are fireproof and do not cause allergic reactions.

Paint color is only one of the selection criteria Source kraskidlyamebeli.ru

Acrylic

These compositions are the most affordable and therefore widespread among water-based analogues. The lack of toxicity is combined with wear resistance and the ability to pass air. The latter quality helps the wood regulate moisture (breathe), thereby minimizing the appearance of mold and mildew.

It must be taken into account that acrylic compounds do not always cope with repainting. The main disadvantage of acrylic is that it does not adhere to the surface of furniture made from chipboard. It also makes no sense to buy acrylic paint for glossy (varnished) facades or products previously painted with an adhesive-based composition.

Acrylic dyes dry fairly quickly, but the polymerization process (especially if primer was used) can take more than a month. And, although after repainting the item is almost immediately ready for use, the coating requires careful handling; it can be easily scratched or damaged by accidental force.

Repainting drawers is a quick way to refresh the design Source livejournal.com

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in paints and varnishes and related work

Acrylic is easy to work with. To achieve the desired color saturation, just dilute the paint with water. It is easy to wash off if you are wrong with the shade and decide to repaint the fragment again.

Acrylic dyes are also sold in aerosol form, which is quite convenient for repainting large surfaces if you know how to use them. When choosing a suitable shade, you can paint over a small area of ​​the surface. This will help you evaluate which color looks best on a given basis.

Alkyd

The basis of alkyd paints is an organic solvent; the compositions resist moisture well, which makes them convenient to use for painting furniture in the kitchen and bathroom. The peculiarity of the dye is that it creates a film coating with a thickness of no more than 0.1 mm. The service life of such coating will be short.

Color completely changes perception Source homeproved.com

Eco-paints

Chalk, milk or mineral paint can be a worthy alternative to acrylic compositions. Eco-paints are made from natural materials, therefore they do not have a strong odor, are hypoallergenic, and do not harm people and pets.

Thanks to their composition, they lie smoothly not only on wood, but also on complex surfaces of laminated chipboard, chipboard, and MDF.

Eco-paint can also be used to paint lacquered furniture, and in most cases the surface does not have to be specially prepared (for example, primed). The composition will adhere well, forming a durable layer, if you sand the furniture a little with sandpaper to slightly reduce the shine.

Other

You can also paint your favorite cabinet with silicone or latex-based water-based paint. The silicone layer is not afraid of moisture, lasts a long time and is interesting because it can fill and mask small cracks.

The latex composition is viscous and resembles oil paint. But at the same time, it does not have a pungent odor, and it lasts much longer. The only limitation of latex coating is that it can crack at low temperatures, but this is not important for home use.

Using chalk paint Source blog.postel-deluxe.ru

Varnishes and tinting impregnations

They change the appearance of furniture, so they can be classified as coloring compounds. This group of paints and varnishes performs not only a decorative, but also a protective function. Penetrating into the structure of wooden furniture, impregnations and varnishes prevent the appearance of mold and pests.

Priming

Experts advise purchasing paint at the same time as the primer, from the same manufacturer and on the same base. This will significantly improve the adhesion of the dye to the furniture surface.

The best results are achieved with a water-based adhesive primer. It is especially helpful in the case of difficult surfaces (for example, chipboard), where the dye does not adhere well and does not adhere well. If you plan to repaint a dark cabinet light, use a white primer; If you want to turn a light chest of drawers into a dark one, you will need a dark primer.

A light primer was used here Source pinimg.com

Master class No. 3. Painting a polished cabinet

Some people can’t believe that you can make such a piece of vintage-style candy out of an old polished cabinet, without losing functionality. And then we'll tell you how to do it.

Materials and tools.

• Old polished cabinet;
• vintage paint (regular acrylic matte);
• white spirit or acetone;
• brushes;
• sandpaper or sanding machine;
• gold handles for drawers.

Painting process

Step 1.

Despite the fact that we are creating a vintage effect, there is no real need for the dresser to look shabby. Therefore, we carefully prepare it for painting.

1. To do this, we remove all the old fittings and sand the entire surface of the chest of drawers. First we use coarse sandpaper, then fine-grained sandpaper.
2. It is not necessary to putty and prime, except for serious chips on the surface. Degrease the surface with white spirit or acetone and let it dry.

TIP: Since the paint will be applied in several layers, it is very important that it is well absorbed into the wood.

Step 2.

1. Cover with the first layer of paint. Very thin, you don’t have to try too hard and leave unpainted areas.
2. Sand the first layer with fine-grained sandpaper. We clean off dust, but do not use wet rags, sponges, etc. in the process. Wash only with a dry cotton lint-free cloth.
3. Next, apply a second layer of paint, also rubbing it in. Let it dry and rub it in a little again.
4. We repeat this until the color becomes even, but a little rough. For this we used matte paint with a vintage effect. After a few days, it will be completely absorbed and dry and begin to turn yellow (pay attention to the instructions on the can so that you don’t have to repaint everything again later). To avoid this, you can try this coloring method on a small and inconspicuous area. Proceed with full coloring when you are satisfied with the result.

If you bought new handles, check if they match your color and screw them into place. Golden brass carved handles with patterns match the white aged chest of drawers.

Check the chest of drawers to see if it meets your requirements - it is still comfortable, beautiful, and, paradoxically, modern. Vintage is in fashion now!

How to prepare the surface?

First, the surface is prepared for applying paint. The instructions involve the following steps:

1. We remove all the contents of old furniture, eliminate doors and drawers, as well as all fittings.
2. We clean the fastening parts with a soap solution, after which we should degrease the entire surface of the structure and wait until it dries completely.
3. We remove the old polish and varnish layer using a wire brush, scraper or solvent (it is recommended to carry out this procedure at least three times to achieve the best effect).
4. In industrial conditions, at this stage the surface of the painted piece of furniture is sanded and minor defects are removed. At home, you can use sandpaper and apply an antiseptic.
5. Next, we proceed to the primer; when it is completely dry, the surface should be sanded again until rough.

This is the main thing you need to know about the preparatory stage of painting lacquered furniture. Next we will talk about the process of painting this kind of surfaces.

Wallpaper or film

When using film or any other paper covering to update your cabinet, you should remember that we use the cabinet every day. And usually such a coating does not last long, but it is very simple to implement.

We recommend using this method in conjunction with painting: look at the beautiful ideas for decorating a cabinet using film and painting.

Coloring

The surface is covered with paint in 2-3 layers. If the first layer turns out to be uneven, with bald spots, the defects are corrected during the second painting. After drying, the first layer can be lightly sanded with fine sandpaper. This grinding has two purposes. It removes sagging and grooves of paint, and makes the surface matte, so that the next layer will adhere better.

After the first coloring Source mebelnada.com.ua

Spot painting for polished cafe

Spot painting is perfect for a polished cabinet. In this case, there is no need to remove the varnish and sand the surface. The technique is simple:

• Drawing using a marker
• The marker is painted with paint using dots. Learn more about the technique of dot painting of plates here.

Is it possible not to remove the old varnish?

If you start reading recommendations from professional builders, they all agree: old varnish must be removed before new painting. This is what building canons recommend. But in real life, you can try to move away from them - and get excellent results. Thousands of examples prove this! So the answer to the question: is it possible not to remove the old varnish? Yes, you can.

Often a chance to repaint is given to furniture that has only two options: to the landfill or to a new life, if the experiment is successful. If what you have in front of you is not the most valuable piece of furniture, then you can take a risk. Because no one can give a 100% guarantee of a successful result. If it is almost an antique, then you can work on restoration only after removing the layer of old varnish.

Closet Update Ideas