Good Questions: Can I Paint/Stain These Bergeres?

11.25chair.jpg Hello AT,

I could use some advice on a pair of button-tufted bergeres with caning detail on the arms...not sure when/where they were made.

I bought them for what I believed to be a bargain, but only because I had envisioned painting/pickling the frame white, reupholstering the chairs in maybe a pale bluish-gray velvet, and adding a down/feather cushion with piping in the same fabric...

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11.25chair1.jpg

I realize that this will probably require a pretty substantial additional investment, but now I'm questioning whether this is even entirely possible.

First of all, I'm unsure about the quality of the wood underneath the
present stain, so I'm unsure about whether I should paint them white
(which I fear will look too heavy-handed), or pickle them with
white-wash, or stain them with a pale wood stain (ie, Miniwax white
oak).

Has anyone witnessed the difference in the outcomes of these
three processes, and would they all require stripping the chair? And
is there a way to evaluate the type/quality of the wood without
stripping it?

I'm also wondering whether it's even possible to stain/paint/pickle the existing caning detail to match the new finish of the frame. Or does the caning need to be replaced? And if so, can anyone recommend a reliable non-bank-breaking spot to do the work?

Also: When I asked a reliable refinisher that I've used in the past to give me a quote for painting the pieces, they told me that they categorically do not paint furniture, they only stain. Is painting furniture a faux-pas...? If anyone can recommend a good, not-too-pricey place to refinish the pieces, I'd love any local suggestions, especially in Brooklyn or Manhattan.

Thanks! Marissa

Comments (6)

I don't have any answers, but wonder if one option might be to just upholster where the cane panels are, too? That way you could strip ALL of the wood and repaint/stain how you like, and upholster however you see fit. For what it's worth, I think I'd save the trouble of stripping/staining - just reupholster in a fabric you like but keep the wood brown.

Try the pickling first. If you don't like it, you still have the option for all-out white.

But I'd rent a sprayer to paint caning.

You could try Mike's Refinishing on 80th Street (just above Northern Blvd) in Jackson Heights, Queens. He is always very reasonable for refinishing (and I'd imagine painting) and reupholstering, although you have to supply the fabric. I got a chair upholstered for $200 and he did a great job.

I'm guessing these are inexpensive charis from the 70's. I'm also thinking you are overthinking it.

Do the paint...cheapest and easiest. Go light at first....build it up to see if you like it.

I got a similar chair at a yard sale, except mine (unfortunately) is not upholstered. It's cane all the way around the back, and just a cushion on the seat. I love the shape but the cane is faded and splotchy and the wood is pretty beat up. I was thinking of just painting the whole thing glossy white but I wasn't sure whether it would even be possible to paint the cane. P(too), why rent a sprayer, why not just use spray paint? Has anyone here done this? And do you think the result would be evocative of white wicker? Because I hate white wicker with a passion.

Don't mean to hijack your thread Marissa, but hopefully answers to my questions will be helpful to you too.

I don't have an answer to your question, but was wondering what the finish is on your wooden floors? Is that just a clear satin polyurethane finish?

Thanks!