apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

STOP!!! Rust-Oleum just came out with a brand new spray-on lacquer paint that comes in Chinese Red, black, or white. I just used it on a cabinet, and it goes on very easily! The can applies thin, even layers that dry really quickly, and the finish is professional-looking. Use their spray-on primer first to get the smoothest finish. No, I don't work for them, but I have a Mid Century furniture business and have started using this product to refinish "troubled" pieces that I don't want to pay a professional to redo.

I love this... how inspiring! I have a project of my own to start on, may have to do it in the spring though, as I'm not lucky enough to have basement space.

I'm no expert, but have done a few refinishing and painting projects on furiture in my home. Did you use a primer? It is my understnading that it can help going from wood to paint. On any account, good luck with the next phase. I've been following this particular project because I am painting a dresser this weekend and a desk some time in the near future.

One Shot is leaded--they only very recently changed their formula, and most retailers still carry the leaded version. Most of the unleaded ones have a sticker on them that say "New," but not all of them do, so it's almost impossible to tell if you're buying leaded paint.

I found this out yesterday at the paint store--the guy there told me that he doesn't recommend One Shot even for commercial use any more. He pointed me towards the Rust-Oleum, which I used and am superhappy with. If the chair I painted doesn't end up shiny enough, I'm just going to try varnishing--it's not worth lead poisoning!

Unless you're super committed to this project go with the Rust-Oleum. I just used some to actually paint an accent border in an all white bath and it came out great.

I failed to mention we used it directly on the ceramic tile. Primed first then sprayed. I didn't know if it would work but I see this being a nice new way to make a quick-change in a kitchen or bath redo on a tight budget.

Patrickinchicago - What primer did you use for the tile? I'm considering painting tile in my kitchen. I painted laminate cabinets with XIM primer (it was a little too thick - I ended up mixing it with Benjamin Moore primer) then used Sherwin Williams oil based paint. It's nice and shiny but the fumes were awful (windows are still open).

that is a beautiful desk. good luck!

Does it come in a can....I have a desk, a small freezer, and a utility cart that I would love to Jumpstart. Great posting on the DIY.

Janel, I totally feel for you. I have a similar nightmare "jumpstart" project that I've been documenting on my blog. I had a stripping nightmare then a sanding nightmare (you made it look so easy and clean!)....I'm hoping the staining is less of a nightmare.

http://compassandcoffeespoons.typepad.com/compassandcoffeespoons/2008/01/the-nightstand.html

Aggie927,

I'm sorry for the late reply...I need to double check with my friend on that and I'll post it later this week.

Patrick in Chicago