Preparing and Priming Furniture Tips
Making Life A Little Easier
In my last post I told you about my new project. I’m turning my guest room into my office and craft room. I have some furniture that I can use, but I’m going to have some spend some time priming and painting. While I’m still deciding on colors and what style desk I’d like to find, I thought I could at least start by preparing some pieces and in the meantime share some tips for priming furniture.
We have had these components of the Pottery Barn Kids Cameron System for many years. This is the cubby and the open base. I love the Cameron System because there are several pieces to choose from and you are able to configure them to suit your needs.
I have 3 cubbies and 2 open base units. Through the years, they have been used in bedrooms, playroom and even a closet. In my guest room I used a cubby and base set on each side of the bed.
In my upcoming office/craft room I plan to use a set on each side of the window and the single cubby below the window, with a desk in front. The bookcases fit perfect on each side of the windows, especially with the slant of the ceiling. I plan to use them to store and organize my supplies.
My first step is to change the look. I want everything to be lighter and fresh! They need to be touched up and painted. My preferred primer is Zinsser Cover Stain.
I began by lightly sanding each piece, focusing on scuffs, scratches and dents. That’s a plus when using Zinsser primer…a huge amount of sanding is not necessary. One thing to remember is that this primer is oil based, so you must follow the right guidelines for clean up.
While priming these pieces, I discovered a couple of new tips! First, I definitely recommend using a small roller to apply the primer. I used both a foam roller cover and one with a nap. I like the way the nap roller applied the primer but the foam roller was better for getting the primer into the corners.
Second, the cubbies were much easier to prime when I laid them on their back. You know what a pain it is to paint bookcases and shelves because you have to practically be a contortionist to reach under the shelves and into the corners!
By laying the pieces on their back, it was super easy to reach in and roll away! Remember, when you prime or paint, you should always go “inside-out.” I laid them on their back…painted the inside…sat them upright and painted the outside. They were primed in a flash!
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Now, I’m being 100% honest when I say that I have no clue what color I want to paint them!
My first thought was white with a gorgeous color in the back. I love the bookcases at Centsational Girl! I love the pink Kate chose!
My second thought was something like these colored bookcases I found at Martha Stewart’s website. I love the green on the outside and if you notice, there’s a great tan color on the interior.
What do you think? Please give me your opinion. Any ideas on color would be greatly appreciated! If we put our heads together I know we can come up with a great color combo.
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My vote is for the white with a bold color for the backsplash. Maybe your signature color…red?
Thanks Erica! That was my first thought. I love the bold color against the white.
I like Martha’s room. It’s soothing…the teals are nice, plus I like a white desk.
Antonella @ The Comfortable Home recently posted…Berry Chocolate Fools
I love those too! I think it’s such a great look! Have a great week.
Leslie
Hi Leslie! Both of those are really cute. If you paint them white or a neutral color then you can do so much with the inside color or design. Did you see my bookshelves I just did? I used foam board and covered it with fabric then when I get tire of looking at it I just pull out the foam board and recover it. So much easier then painting.
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Yes Denyse, I did see your bookcases! That’s a great idea! You are right…if I do white I can jazz it up on the inside.
BTW…I’m featuring your Stenciled Curtains tomorrow. Stop by and grab a “featured” button too. Have a great week.
Leslie
Great tips! I’m really bad about priming and I’ve paid for it in the past!
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I have always hated the prepping! Especially sanding! I’ll do anything not to have to sand! LOL!
I would go with the white and a nice bright turquoise inside. I love Kate’s bookcase too!
Thanks Margaret! I love that color combo. I think I am definitely going to go with white and a great color on the inside. Have a great weekend!
I did my cabinets in my craft room white (called popcorn) and I painted the inside my favorite color orange, then I stenciled an awesome paisley design on the back wall. They look amazing!!! I’m catching up on this project, so I’m sure you’ve already finished and I can’t wait to see them.
That sounds awesome Kathleen! I have made some progress. I’ve stenciled a greek key design on the wall. It’s proving a lot of work! Have a great week.
Leslie
What about incorporating a little of emerald green in your project? It’s the designated color of the year by, who else, Pantone!
I love emerald, but I think I’m headed a different direction. Thanks for stopping by!