FAQs

You must first prime the surface with a shellac based primer, if you intend to paint a water based paint over the oil surface. I’ve heard of people also using oil based primer over an oil based wall, then following it with an acrylic based paint, but I prefer to use shellac based primer.

What kind of primer do you use for wood furniture? And should I use acrylic paint or oil paint on the furniture?

You can use a water based primer, it is easier and less fumes because to clean your brushes, etc you use water. As opposed to using oil based primer/paint you need to use solvent to clean up with. After priming, be sure to prime enough so that it is solid, you can either use oil or acrylic based paint. Chalk paint does not require a primer, you just paint directly over the existing surface.

Then seal with a water based polyurethane, two or more coats. If painting a high traffic area, as in a bar, or exterior door, I suggest a Spar varnish, which is an oil based varnish.