Style Doctor: Painting fine wood surfaces and garden furniture

Published on 21/05/2012 04:51

Q: I have a number of fitted wardrobes and drawers in my bedroom and they are in a dark rosewood shade. I would like to brighten the room up, by painting them. Is there a specialist paint that I should use or is there a company in my area that could do it?

E Kane

A: Interior designer Pat Elliott says, Although it is always a shame to paint fine wood pieces, it should be possible to achieve a good DIY result as long as you prepare the surfaces thoroughly. First clean all the areas to be painted by washing down with soap and water. If the surfaces have a high-gloss finish, you may need to sand lightly to provide a key then wipe down again to remove residual loose or flaking material. When absolutely dry, use a primer as a basecoat; depending on the finished colour you want you may have to apply two coats of primer. Allow the paint to dry (around four to six hours, but check instructions on the tin) then finish in your chosen colour.

Pat Elliott, The Borders Design House (07765 057 409, www.thebordersdesignhouse.co.uk)

Q: I would like to find garden furniture that won’t weather and will look good even in the winter? Have you come across anything?

P Harper

A: Oka’s Melrose range features curvaceous pieces inspired by classic 1950s garden furniture. The rust-proof metal frames are available in turquoise and off-white, and are weatherproof. The collection includes a footstool, coffee table, armchair and a two-seater sofa.

Melrose Range, Oka (0844 815 7380, www.okadirect.com), from £235 for the footstool