Step 1

Clean your piece of furniture with a damp cloth. Apply paint stripper, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Do this in a well-ventilated area using an inexpensive brush and wear gloves.

Step 2

Use a scraper to remove most of the paint. Then use fine-grade steelwool to remove the rest from grooves.

Step 3

Once the surface is dry, put on a pair of safety glasses, and using a small orbital sander and fine-grade sandpaper, remove any last traces of paint and striper to create a smooth, even surface, Wipe dust away with a “tack” cloth (it’s sticky so picks up dirt easily — you can buy them from paint or hardware stores) or dry rag.

Step 4

Apply an undercoat. If any drawers or doors fit tightly, only paint the front of these to prevent further sticking.

Step 5

Once the undercoat is dry, paint two coats of colour. We’ve used a high-gloss red acrylic for easy application.

For more great ideas and practical solutions for your home see www.reallivingmag.com.au/