A Big Tip Before Painting Any Antique WHITE!
Through pain and suffering I finally accepted the need to prime old wood, especially dark stained antiques. I wanted to paint one white making it doubly important to get the prep right. Here my experience using different products to prepare furniture before painting it white.
I’ve used water based primers on the market labeled as stain blocking but became super disappointed when, after getting two coats of paint applied, then the first top coat, the wood stain came up.
Oil Based Primer & Shellac Work Nicely But . . .
Both are stinky smelly and both require clean up using Mineral Spirits. So for the past year or so, every piece I painted got a prime job with either one of these products.
I enjoy the confidence of painting without stain bleed through and the low cost, but I hate cleaning out brushes with mineral spirits. As a work-around I buy cheap throw away brushes. I get them at the dollar store or Walmart.
Check out my latest blog for details about the different kinds and brands of primer. Find out which one is my favorite to date!
My Favorite Combination for Painting Any Antique White
Start with . . . General Finishes Water Based Stain Blocker
I hesitated to use this product when I first learned about it earlier this year. The price is a killer but it IS the product to use when painting antique furniture white or very light color. You will great stain blocking capability, when used as directed. It’s dense white pigment produces a solid white base for taking white paint. In Jackson, find it at Windy Hill Market (217 N. Jackson Street) DOWNTOWN Jackson MI.
Pro’s:
- I love that it is water based and I need not buy and use cheap brushes any more!
- The pigment and coverage is awesome.
- It goes on so smooth, no tugging or dragging.
- Dry time is only a couple hours! yay!
- Brush cleaning is super easy with soap and water.
- It’s not stinky!
Con’s:
- It’s expensive $45 per quart but should get me through 4 or 5 pieces of furniture depending on size. For now I reserve it for use under white or very light paint colors.
- Requires 2 coats
Followed by . . .General Finishes Waster-Based Brushable White Enamel
It’s about the same price and the Milk Paint Product and it is a bright white. The best thing about it is that top coat is not required nor is it recommended. Therefore, a solid white no stain durable bright white makeover in 4 coats (2 stain blocker and 2 brushable white enamel).
Pro’s
- Water based
- Awesome white pigment
- Goes on smooth and even, no tugging
- Dries level few brush stroke marks
- Dry time is short, only a couple hours
- Not expensive
- No Top coating
- Durable enamel
Con’s
Can’t think of any!
