Faux Finishing - painting accent on a panel of small old finished cabinet doors

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bea.pa
06-12-08, 02:20 PM
I need help in choosing the right paint for decorating a panel on a small old cabinet. Do I need to use acrylic or oil base paint -- can I use the paints sold at craaft stores since it will only be a small area? Also what kind of prep work is needed?:confused:

marksr
06-12-08, 06:38 PM
Welcome to the forums!

What kind of finish is currently on the cabinet? condition?
What are you trying to accomplish? Do you want any of the wood grain/color to show on the panel?
bea.pa
06-13-08, 12:50 PM
Don't know what was used. It is mahogany and has the original finish - varnish or whatever they used in furniture 30 or so years ago. It has not been retouched or refinished -- I do not want to let the original woodgrain show -- I want to accent the raised panels in the center of the doors with a design and possibly around the raised panel along the perimeter of the doors. What do you suggest. Thanks.

marksr
06-13-08, 05:07 PM
Ok, the area you plan to change should be sanded lightly, wiped clean and coated with a solvent based primer. Pigmented shellac would be best but an oil base primer should be ok. Latex primers may not bond well to the original finish.

Once the primer is dry, sand lightly and you can paint it with whatever type of paint you wish - except maybe lacquer.