In this tutorial we’ll show you how to properly prep your piece to ensure your beautiful work will last for years to come.

Before you do any sanding on an old piece of furniture, please make sure your paint doesn’t contain lead. Find out more about how to deal with lead paint here.

Step 1) Inspect for Mold

Carefully clean off any dust, dirt and grime with a solution of soap and water. Make sure that your surface is completely dry.

Step 5) Sanding & priming might be best

Which type of surface are you painting? The surface will determine what other prep is required. Below are some examples with recommendations on how to prep your piece before you start painting.

If you determine that using a primer will be the way to go for your project, make sure you check out this tutorial to learn all about our Clear Bonding Primer!

Unpainted wood or MDF

If there are any rough areas, you can sand them smooth, if desired. You’ll also want to make sure that your surface is clean and dry before you start painting! Not a lot of prep work at all!

Previously painted wood

If you know the previous paint is a water-based paint (just like ours), and has a low sheen (i.e. not glossy), then you can normally paint right over the painted surface. You can always test (see step 6) a small area first to check the adhesion.

If your surface is very glossy, it might have an oil-based paint on it. You can test this by taking a q-tip with some nail polish remover (NOT the acetone-free kind) or denatured alcohol and rubbing it on a small section of the painted surface. If the paint is water-based, you’ll notice a bit of the paint color on the q-tip; however when the previous paint layer is oil-based, then nothing will come off. Since our paint is water-based, and water and oil don’t mix well, you’ll need to make sure to thoroughly sand the original paint layer with 120 grit sandpaper, and let the paint dry for 4-5 days in between coats. This gives your paint the best adhesion possible. It might be better to prime your piece first if you are dealing with a solvent-based surface.

If your piece has a glossy finish, but is water-based, then we still recommend to sand your surface with 120 grit sandpaper to dull it down, so the paint has something to grab onto.

Laminated or melamine wood / particle board

Did you score a good deal at a garage sale, or pick up a bargain at a thrift store? Chances are that it’s a laminated surface. The majority of kitchen or bathroom cabinets are also laminated. Any laminated / non-wood surface should get a very light sanding with 120/180 grit sandpaper before painting. This will ensure that your paint adheres better to this non-porous surface. After sanding, make sure to clean off any dust and ensure your surface is clean and dry. Using a primer on these types of surfaces is a good idea, especially when they will get a lot of usage, such as cabinet doors.

Mahogany, knotted or stained wood

These types of wood will very likely cause “bleeding” when you paint them with a light color. Therefore, you’ll need to apply a stain-blocking primer (such as Shellac) before painting. If you started painting already and you notice any bleeding, simply stop painting and cover with a coat of stain-blocking primer. Once it’s dried, continue on with your project.

Step 6) Testing 123!