7 Steps to Beautifully Painted Flea-Market Finds by: Michel Laurine

Even the designers on TV do, find a large discount to flea markets, shops, sorting and selling. Often, a wonderful piece of furniture can be done for the simple dollars, especially if its finish is desperate for some time. Unfortunately, the design shows on television does not show you all appropriate measures to refresh your findings. Take the time to do things, and your "new" furniture have friends wonder where you shop!

1. Safety first: Before you disturb any painted surface, you must consider the possibility of lead. Lead paint additives were phased out in the 1970s and 80s. If you believe that lead is present throughout the painting, you can find information about safety precautions and testing at www.epa.gov / lead or by calling the National Lead Information Center at 1-800 -424-LEAD. Even with new surfaces, I find that a dust mask is always in order when sanding. Your lungs will thank you.

2. Sanding: Not all songs should be sanded before painting. My credo is to leave well enough alone when it comes to old paint surfaces. However, if the paint is flaking, peeling, crackling, or other problems, you may not be able to avoid the sandpaper. A small electric hand sander is my best friend for these situations. A very light sanding (really just a scratch) can help your new paint adhere to the old oil painting or a glossy surface.

3. Preparation, preparation, preparation: The number one reason for paint failure is incorrect preparation. The time spent in preparation will ensure you get a good result at the end. Make sure the surface is totally clean and dust-free before you ever get the painting of the box. If you have sanded the surface, remove dust with a rag. This is a small piece of cheese dipped in wax, available from your local home improvement store in the paint. They cost about one dollar ... get several to keep handy for the next project! If you can not find one, several thorough going with a damp cloth followed by another pass with a dusting cloth can do the job. Above all, do not rush your preparation.

4. Taping broadband carefully all the areas that you do not paint and polish the edges of the band once firmly with your fingernail. If you think you might have to leave the band more than one or two days, use a tape adhesion lower for delicate surfaces.

5. Boot: If the piece is unpainted, consider a coat of primer before painting. There are excellent primers specifically for stone and metal. Talk to your paint store representative what you're painting and follow its advice. Use a latex or oil-based primer for wood surfaces. Some grains of wood (pine or cheaper grades of oak, for example) May "place" after a first layer of latex, seed and improves the chances that you can avoid this. The increase in grain raw feel. If this happens, you'll need for a grain of sand lightly and the first again. Do not worry, it's not as bad as it sounds when we know what happened!

6. Painting: Finally, the time to paint! Use a good quality brush. Be careful not to overload your brush with paint and put it on too thick. This is a mistake. Paint in thick layers can produce ugly gouttes, cracks, drying or delays. Instead, paint in thin layers, allowing time for each layer to dry completely before covering. This will give you a beautiful and strong surface.

7. Drying: Follow the instructions on your painting to ensure that your new furniture is healed security before starting to use or place objects on top of it. Paints, latex in particular may feel dry before they really are. If in doubt, I like to wait 24-48 hours before I put my newly painted flea market beauties in service.

Now, enjoy your new furniture. Use them well and never fear, if they chipped or you tire of color, you know how to fix it!


About the author:
© 2005 Michel Laurin. Laurine Michel is a faux finisher and decorative painter who enjoys sharing his love of color and help customers to customize their homes. http://www.greatwallschicago.com