Leo Martínez
Whether to restain or paint vintage dining chairs is a highly debated topic in the vintage, antique, and handmade wood furniture communities. Some experts argue that painting vintage pieces is devastating and lowers their value. Others argue that it can improve a piece. There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to restain or paint vintage dining chairs. For example, paint is easier to remove and change, and it may be more suitable for those who are not experienced in woodworking. On the other hand, stain provides better protection against the sun and moisture, but it is harder to apply and remove.
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What You'll Learn
Pros and cons of painting vs. staining vintage dining chairs
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to paint or stain vintage dining chairs. Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice will depend on the specific circumstances and preferences of the individual.
Pros of Painting Vintage Dining Chairs:
- Painting offers more versatility in colour options, allowing for a wider range of creative choices to match the surrounding decor.
- Paint can provide a protective surface for the wood, preventing it from being exposed to dirt, grime, and sticky residue.
- Paint is easier to remove and change compared to stain, as it does not soak into the wood.
- Painting can be a simpler process than staining, as it does not always require extensive sanding or stripping of the previous finish.
Cons of Painting Vintage Dining Chairs:
- Paint may not offer long-lasting protection as it remains on the surface and can wear away over time, exposing the wood again.
- Some paints can damage the wood or should not be used on wood, and special care must be taken to choose the appropriate type of paint.
- The strong odour and difficult cleanup associated with oil-based paints can be impractical for those engaging in DIY projects.
Pros of Staining Vintage Dining Chairs:
- Stain soaks into the wood, providing deep protection against sun damage and moisture.
- Staining can enhance the natural beauty of the wood grain while also changing its colour.
- Staining may be more suitable for valuable vintage pieces as it is considered preferable by antique restoration professionals and experts.
Cons of Staining Vintage Dining Chairs:
- Staining requires different supplies, tools, and techniques compared to painting, which can add complexity to the project.
- Staining may not offer the same level of versatility in colour options as painting.
- Staining can be a more time-consuming process, especially if the previous finish needs to be stripped or sanded extensively.
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How to strip and sand dining chairs
To strip and sand dining chairs, you will need to prepare the work area, clean the chairs, strip them, and then sand them.
First, prepare your work area. It is recommended to work outside or in a well-ventilated area. Cover the table with a plastic painter's cloth and place blocks of wood underneath each chair leg to prevent the chair and cloth from sticking together. Flip the chairs upside down on the table and remove the screws above each leg to detach the seat cushion. Keep the screws and cushions in a safe place.
Next, clean the chairs. Use a TSP or deglosser product to remove any dirt, grime, sticky residue, or glossy finish. Vigorously scrub the chairs with a product such as Krud Cutter Prepaint Cleaner and a sponge.
Then, strip the chairs. Put on rubber gloves and a respirator mask before handling any chemicals. Using a cheap chip brush, paint a generous layer of paint stripper all over the entire chair. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, then use a plastic scraper to scrape away the old finish. Wipe the chairs with a stripper washer to remove any remaining residue.
Finally, sand the chairs. Use an orbital sander or 80-grit sanding sponge to sand off any remaining stain from the chairs. Wipe away any sanding dust with a damp cloth.
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How to paint dining chairs
Painting vintage dining chairs is a great way to update your space without spending a fortune. However, chairs are one of the trickiest pieces to paint due to their countless curves, edges, bends, seats, and arms, not to mention their frequent and constant use. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to paint dining chairs to achieve professional-quality results:
Prepare your workspace:
Before you start painting, it is important to set up a workspace that will make the process easier. Find a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors or in a shed, to avoid inhaling paint fumes. Set up a long table and cover it with a plastic painter's cloth. Place blocks of wood or cardboard underneath each chair leg to prevent the paint from sticking the chair to the cloth. Flip the chairs upside down on the table and remove any cushions or screws, keeping them in a safe place.
Clean and sand the chairs:
Use a TSP (trisodium phosphate) or another deglosser product to thoroughly clean the chairs and remove any dirt, grime, sticky residue, or glossy finish. You can use a product like Krud Cutter Prepaint Cleaner and a sponge for this step. While it is not necessary to sand the chairs completely down to the bare wood, it is important to "scuff sand" the surfaces to give the paint something to adhere to. Use 80-grit sandpaper to rough up the original finish, paying extra attention to the seat area. After sanding, wipe down the chairs with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any remaining dust.
Prime the chairs:
Primer is key to ensuring that your paint job holds up and does not scratch or chip. Look for a shellac-based primer, which will better cover strong colours and dark knots. Any stain-blocking primer will work, but a shellac-based primer dries quickly, usually within 30 minutes.
Paint the chairs:
Choose a durable paint suitable for furniture, such as Behr Urethane Alkyd Enamel Paint or Benjamin Moore Advance Interior Waterborne Alkyd in Semi-Gloss. Oil-based paints provide the most durable finish, but they may not be practical for DIYers due to their strong odour and difficult clean-up. Consider using a paint sprayer instead of a brush to achieve an even coat and a smoother finish. Let the chairs dry for at least 24 hours before applying additional coats or using them.
Protect your paint job:
After the paint has dried, apply a protective top coat, such as Minwax Polycrylic in Satin, to seal and protect your paint job. This will help prevent scratches and chips and ensure that your chairs withstand regular use.
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How to stain dining chairs
Staining and painting dining chairs is a great way to give them a makeover. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to stain dining chairs:
Preparation
First, decide if you want to stain or paint your chairs. Painting offers an even coat of colour, while staining will result in different shades of the chosen stain colour, depending on the lightness or darkness of the wood and its texture. If you are staining, choose a stain colour that complements the existing colour of the chairs. If you plan to paint, select a paint colour that will suit the style of your dining room.
Set-up
Set up your workspace by laying down cardboard or paper to avoid making a mess. Work in a well-ventilated area, and consider using a makeshift painting studio, such as an open-sided shed, to avoid wind and dust. Place a long table in your workspace and cover it with a plastic painter's cloth. Set the chairs upside down on the table and remove any screws and seat cushions, keeping the screws in a safe place.
Cleaning and Sanding
Clean the chairs thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, sticky residue, or glossy finish. Use a TSP/deglosser product and a sponge to scrub the chairs vigorously. While it is not necessary to sand the chairs completely down to the bare wood, use 80-grit sandpaper to "scuff sand" all surfaces to give the stain something to adhere to. Wipe the chairs clean with water and a microfiber cloth after sanding.
Staining
Apply two thin coats of stain, following the direction of the wood grain, and let it dry. If staining a lighter colour over a dark wood, use a shellac primer first to avoid bleed-through.
Finishing
Once the stain is completely dry, apply a clear topcoat to protect the finish. You can use a thin coat of clear wax and apply it with a lint-free cloth.
Additional Customisation
You can further customise your chairs by adding stencils or using chalk paint for a distressed, worn look. For a professional finish, consider reupholstering the seat cushions with a fabric of your choice.
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Upholstering dining chairs
Reupholstering dining chairs is a simple and effective way to give your furniture a fresh look. It is a beginner-friendly project and can be completed with a few simple tools and materials.
To begin, you will need to gather your supplies. These include fabric, fabric scissors, an upholstery staple remover, a flathead screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, and a new piece of plywood, foam, and batting if your chair needs it. You can source fabric from traditional stores or use non-traditional materials such as shower curtains, tablecloths, or window curtains. Thicker fabrics are recommended for their durability and stain resistance.
Once you have your materials, you can start by removing the old fabric and any staples or residue. If your chair has a slip seat, you can detach the seat cushion and work on the cushion and chair frame separately. If your chair does not have a removable seat, you will need to work on the upholstery directly on the chair frame. After removing the old fabric, you can reuse the foam and batting if they are still in good condition. Otherwise, replace them with new ones.
Now, you are ready to attach the new fabric. Start by placing your chair upside down on a plastic tarp to protect the surrounding area. Cut your fabric to size, ensuring it is large enough to wrap around your chair seat with enough material to staple underneath. Pull the fabric taut and secure it with staples. If your chair has a slip seat, you can now reattach the seat cushion to the chair frame. Finally, add an optional piece of cording to the bottom of the chair and a dust cover, starting with the back of the chair.
And that's it! You have successfully reupholstered your dining chair.
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Frequently asked questions
Staining vintage dining chairs can protect the wood from sun damage and moisture. Stains also sink into the wood, changing its natural colour, whereas paint only coats the surface.
Painting vintage dining chairs can be a quicker process, as paint only needs to dry on the surface, whereas stain needs to soak into the wood. Paint is also easier to remove and change, and there are more colour options available.
First, clean the chair with a product like TSP or Krud Cutter Prepaint Cleaner to remove any residue or flaking paint. Then, use a gel stain that matches the existing finish and apply it with a brush or spray. Finally, lock in the stain with a topcoat.
First, clean the chair with a product like TSP or Krud Cutter Prepaint Cleaner to remove any residue or flaking paint. Then, use sandpaper to rough up the original finish so that the paint has something to adhere to. Finally, apply a coat of primer and then paint using a brush or spray.
