Painting help!

caroline1207

My parents have an old bookcase that I want to paint for Lucie's room now. I have lots of green and pink paint left over from the shelves and dresser so I plan to paint it one or the other. The bookcase is white and has that sort of shiny surface to it, not sure how to describe, but hopefully someone knows what I'm talking about. Do you think I need to sand it down first or do you think it'll be fine? I have lots of the cream tinted primer left too that we used for the dresser. I'm so clueless with these things!

Gina1221

Sounds like there is a glossy paint on there already.. Is that what you meant?  If so, you will def. have to prepare the surface or the new paint will not stick.  You can sandpaper it which is kind of a PITA and messy or you can use a product called liquid sandpaper.  You just rub the liquid into the surface you are going to paint and it strips the shine off.  It doesn't work as good as actually sandpapering but it will get the job done.  Just make sure you do it outside and wear a mask and gloves to be on the safe side because of all the chemicals.  Good luck!!

thebevmeister

Yep, if it has a glossy finish, it needs to be sanded. :-(

melimelg

ditto pp. sanding sucks.

caroline1207

Thought so! That's why I've got Arek and his sanding machine! He'll sand then I'll paint!