Painting Over Limed Oak?

[jeannamacs]

I have some limed oak living room furniture, I want to paint over it in a mocha /taupe colour. Any tips on what type of paint to use as I don't know whether it's real or veneer. I was wondering if an eggshell might be ok? The display cabinet cost £600+ new about 15 years ago so I think it might be wood.

[The Builder]

Liming is simply having a white (lime) residue left in the grain after the outer layer of paint is removed.

This can be by one of two usual methods. It may be just a white paint, in which case, is can be easily over-painted. If it has been sealed with some sort of varnish or lacquer, then it's just a good rub-down followed by oil paint such as oil-based eggshell.

If it's unsealed, bare wood, then just about any paint will do the job.

The problem comes with the other method where liming wax has been used. Wax will act as a release agent, and throw off any subsequent coats.

In that case, it's a bit of trial & error. Chemical stripping would be ideal, but impracticable. Maybe ....... severe sanding might take enough of the wax off to let paint hold properly.

You can never tell with wax, I'm afraid.

[melv16]

Meths applied with very fine steel wool should get rid of any wax. If it's varnish or lacquer you should give it a coat of Zinzeer meths based primer, then paint ot as normal.

[jeannamacs]

Thanks for the replies. I've now bought some furniture paint , so I'm going to have a try of that .