[ PAINTING FURNITURE 101]

Hanlie Bonafede is a Grade R teacher from Brackenfell in Cape Town. She has a passion for sprucing up items and does paint projects on order. She offers the following advice for beginners:

• Preparation is key. Make sure your surface is clean and free of grease stains and other dirt. Clean oil-treated furniture with lacquer thinners (wear gloves) and allow to dry properly – at least 40 minutes.

• If the surface still feels greasy after using the lacquer thinners, seal the wood with a white oil-based primer such as Excelsior Wood Primer. Allow to dry completely, then paint.

• Lightly sand very smooth or shiny surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper. The paint will then adhere better – this also applies to tiles.

• If wood filler has been used to fix scuff marks or gouges, make sure it has dried completely before you start painting.

• Always use a good quality brush, for example Hamilton’s, which won’t easily shed bristles. If any bristles do end up in the wet paint, remove them immediately, before the paint dries. • Always work in the shade.

• Not all chalk paint has the same consistency. Pour out a little and mix in a little water for a smoother finish. Don’t pour water directly into the paint tin or pot – it will contaminate the paint and make it smell bad.

• For a smooth finish, rather paint three or four thin coats than one thick coat. If you apply paint too thickly, the brush strokes will be very prominent.

• It takes a few days for chalk paint to cure properly; take care not to scratch or bump the surface during the first few hours after completing your project.

• Don’t paint the bottoms and outsides of drawers as this may cause them to jam.

• Wipe the rim of your paint pots before closing them, or you’ll battle to open the lid next time.

• Don’t leave unsealed items outdoors or in an unenclosed roofed area overnight. The moisture that accumulates will leave unsightly watermarks.

CONTACT 083 234 2058, Facebook.com/urbanchalkct/