Kelly's Nightstand

In a previous comment Kelly asked a couple of questions about her newly purchased IKEA nightstands. I don't know if these are it- but they are from IKEA. So it is a good visual. She was curious about how to paint them- primer/spraypaint etc. Not how they should look- Kelly is very very good at decorating. She has the cutest house. So this is more info on the essentials.
Do you have more ?? Kel? Or did I answer them all?



Wood is VERY porous, it needs to be sealed before. (sanded maybe too) You can use a couple of different primers- if you go the spraypainting way Krylon ($3-5) and Kilz ($4.50) have good primers.
IF you decide the roller/bursh way zinsser is great.

Priming is often over looked- but priming ensures a smooth finish, fewer coats of paint (it is cheaper than the paint so it saves you money), the paint will adhere better meaning less chiping and flaking.
I like the small rollers for these types of jobs. I recently did a chalk board in a weird nook- this allowed me to get everywhere, so I didn't have to use a paint brush. but you might want to pick up a brush just incase you have some hard to reach areas.

As for paint an interior paint will work well. Especially if you are spray painting. I'm always suprised though at how fast the can of paint goes. It might be more cost effective- but labor intensive, to buy the can of paint. Not by much- by the time you have your supplies it can add up. Take into consideration how big your nightstand is- does it have doors, shelves, wide etc. if it is simple like the one above spray paint is great- if it is more complicated think about the roller way.
Lastly sealing it. There are so many different ways to do this too. Like Varnish, Shelac wax etc. Each one has it's different characteristics and ingredients-some are better use for outside decks and make things shiny..other just to protect. You can also get this in both forms too. I typically have used the spray paint form for craft projects- with a light coat. But if you put two or three I'm sure it will protect against the water from a humidifier or glass of water.

Love the Wax. You apply it with a rag and if gives a soft luster to the furniture. It also protects from everyday wear and tear.