Refinishing Project - Any Good Tips? (panel, paint, ceiling, grout)

[cokatie]

I was able to score a beautiful antique cabinet on CraigsList for a great price. I am going to sand (done), clean/dust (done), prime and paint it in a shabby chic style for use in my guest bathroom - and thanks to one large drawer at the bottom, use it to store bathroom essentials. The shelves, behind a single paned glass drawer, I will fill with all my girly lotions and potions!

I live in an apartment, and the bathroom is small. I was told to get 2 cans of Kilz primer, but the more I look at the small space, with no window, I think I would be better handpainting rather than spraying? Do you know of a reason I should not do that? I'm thinking that between the fumes from a spray can of paint in that small area, it's gonna get a little difficult to breath! Not to mention, I would have to pin drop cloths up on all the walls to protect them.

One issue I have noticed is that at some point, someone decided to ensure the glass stayed in place by using GROUT. It was not put on evenly or nicely. Before I start priming, I thought I would try to scrape this stuff off (any tips?) and replace it with clear silicone.

There are areas along the back panel (which will be against the wall) where the wood support beam (?) has come loose from the main back panel. Would this be fixable with a wood glue?

There are some places where a chip of the original wood is out. I am assuming that I fill these with my purchased wood filler before I prime. Is that correct?

Any tips from people who have done this sort of thing would be GREATLY appreciated from this starter gal! Thanks!

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by cokatie

I live in an apartment, and the bathroom is small. I was told to get 2 cans of Kilz primer, but the more I look at the small space, with no window, I think I would be better handpainting rather than spraying? Do you know of a reason I should not do that? I'm thinking that between the fumes from a spray can of paint in that small area, it's gonna get a little difficult to breath! Not to mention, I would have to pin drop cloths up on all the walls to protect them.

I can't see any reason you would need to paint it while it's in a small bathroom with no windows.

Spraying is always better than handpainting because handpainting doesn't go on as evenly and shows brush strokes.

Originally Posted by cokatie

There are some places where a chip of the original wood is out. I am assuming that I fill these with my purchased wood filler before I prime. Is that correct?

Correct. Fill. Sand. And fill again if necessary. Sand again. etc. (Of course, allow to dry between sanding.)

[JimRom]

I'm with Hopes on this one. Why are you painting it the bathroom? Get that thing outside, or at least into a larger area, well ventilated, to paint it. As for drop cloths, if you go into the larger area you can staple light plastic sheeting to the ceiling with a staple gun. Just go back and touch up the staple holes with some matching paint. The holes won't be large enough to worry about spackling.

Are you sure the stuff around the glass is grout? It could be glaziers putty, which is harder than caulk, but not nearly as hard as grout. If it is, it should scrape off. If it's grout, it should be flaking off already, since grout won't adhere to wood very well. You can use a thin bladed putty knife or a painter's 5-in-1 tool to scrape it off. Just be careful not to gouge the wood.

Hard to tell without seeing it, but I'm assuming the beam on the back panel is to keep the back panel itself from bowing. If so, it can be glued back on with wood glue after cleaning all surfaces.

It is possible to hand paint cabinetry like this, but it takes a delicate touch and the right equipment. Spraying is much more effective to make sure you get all the nooks and crannies of the trim. Don't try to coat it all at once, it's much better to do two or three light coats than to try to cover the whole thing with one coat and get drips and runs.

[cokatie]

Thank you for your replies. I have been neglecting CD since I was in the midst of the refinishing project, but I did see your replies and took the advice offered to go ahead and use the spray paint primer. Alas, I live in an apartment, so getting it outside was not really an option. Also, since I live alone, moving that cabinet by myself into the living/dining room would have been a MEGA challenge. I did it in the small bathroom and have survived the fumes! I had tacked up 3 rolls of plastic drop cloths so the walls, floors, sink, toilet and vanity were well protected. I am happy to report they came through unscathed.

With regard to having a delicate touch, JimRom, you are talking to a gal who puts on false eyelashes 5 days out of 7 in a snap. So keeping a steady handy and being delicate was a breeze! The Ben Moore White Dove is the white I used and I am highlighting the nooks, crannies and crevices with a very pale celery green. It really is looking lovely. I want to add a bit more of the accent paint, but wanted to give myself a day away from the project to get a better persepctive.

Thanks again for your replies and tips.

[MMichelle]

Kilz makes a latex based primer in a can - there is no reason to spray the oil based primer if all you are looking to do is seal and prime!

[cokatie]

It was Kilz I used MMichelle! I actually followed the instructions of the woman I bought the cabinet from. She recommended Kilz and the Benjamin Moore White Dove. I just didn't inspect the piece as closely at the purchase time to see the wood chips OR think to say to her that I lived in an apartment and thus would be doing it indoors. You live and learn!