Painting Wooden Furniture

[smurfchops]

Further to my earlier question, I have decided to try to paint some wooden furniture for the bedroom, instead of buying it. I am a complete novice so can you help me?  I need to know about undercoat, top coat (I want to paint the furniture cream with a distressed look), and how to clean brushes!  I am thinking of using matt emulsion. Thank you ! My husband thinks I will be useless so I want to prove him wrong.

[derekpara]

If you are using matt emulsion there is no need for primer or undercoat. I recommend you wipe the furniture over with white spirit to remove any polish. Rub down with wire wool ( grade 000) or glasspaper ( grade F2). then apply two or three coats of emulsion with a brush. Distressing is can be done in a number of ways and there are lots of books on the subject. My adivice is to paint a sheet of hardboard or plywood with the same colour emulsion and practice on that. Usually, a darker colour is applied quite roughly over the base coat to allow it to show through, either with a brush or rag according to the effect desired. You could also try applying a coloured wax to the base coat; (Brywax does several colours). Remember that once the wax is applied you will have to remove it with white spirit if you don't like it. Emulsion brushes should be cleaned with plenty of cold water. For brushes used in wax, use white spirit followed by warm soap and water. Try to use good quality brushes for the emulsion and scruffy old things for the wax. Good luck - I hope you prove hubby wrong ! but do some reading first to improve your chances.

[smurfchops]

Thank you!  I will give it a go when he is out at work !  Any more answers would be appreciated. Thanks again !

[jennyhicks]

I really good theme to use when painting furniture, especially for a distressed look is in a French style. If you go onto http://www.lucywillow.co.uk you will be able to see what I mean and use it as a guide.