How to refinish furniture

Q. I’m looking at repurposing some indoor tables for use on an exterior patio. The tables are solid timber and have a dark stain on the top and legs.

I’m in need of a product that will coat and protect the tables, as they are not made from treated timber.

Would Resene Uracryl 403 or similar be suitable for this type of application?

The tables will be in direct sunlight for extended periods as well so something that will help maintain their colour/finish from fading would be nice also.

It’s possible the stain is in fact a light factory applied varnish. I can’t say with 100% surety.

A. Once removed, apply one coat of Resene Wood Primer. Allow 48 hours to dry. Apply one coat of Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat. Allow 48 hours to dry. Apply two coats of Resene Uracryl 400 series (403, 402 or 404) according to the data sheet.

If you did not want to use Resene Uracryl then, once removed, apply one coat of Resene Wood Primer. Allow 48 hours to dry. Apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel or Resene Enamacryl gloss waterborne enamel according to the data sheet.

I do not recommend choosing a dark colour for the table as this will cause stress on the timber causing cracking of the paintwork.

November 2023

Q. What Resene product do you recommend for staining/painting outdoor rosewood furniture? I would like the end result to be a semi-gloss finish that shows some woodgrain and in a darker shade?

A. To have a semi-gloss finish, the stain needs to be surface forming. We only have one product in our range similar to this – you can use Resene Timber and Furniture Gel. Otherwise, we do have our Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain that is an exterior stain that can be used on furniture, it is a semi-transparent fully penetrating coating that is designed to erode for easy reapplication. This is not designed to be surface forming and will not have a sheen to it.

We have examples of these on our Woodcare stands in all Resene ColorShops.

August 2023

Q. I have constructed on outdoor bench in lovely dry macrocarpa. I have bought Resene Woodman Wood Oil Stain to protect it. Do I need to put a cover coat on after the stain or do I leave it as a stain and redo yearly?

A. Leave the stain as is and maintain it. A yearly recoat is adequate to protect the timber from the elements and add U.V protection. Generally we recommend wood stains are restained every 2 summers. Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain cannot be overcoated.

May 2023

Q. I have painted a bench seat for our outdoor picnic table. I have been using Resene testpots to paint a beach scene and would like to protect it from water and from being rubbed off by people sitting on it. Which varnish would you recommend?

A. We recommend using Resene Clearcoat UVS.

May 2023

Q. We have used Resene Rust Arrest on the metal legs of an outdoor garden seat and are now wondering what we should be using as the topcoats. Do we use one of your enamel products or is there a special undercoat to use?

A. We recommend one coat of Resene Quick Dry directly over the Resene Rust Arrest followed by two coats of a waterborne enamel such as Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss.

March 2023

Q. What do you recommend to revitalise kwila outdoor table and chairs?

A. I would recommend washing with Resene Timber and Deck Wash to help open the grain and allow more stain to penetrate into the timber. Resene Kwila Timber Stain is our most popular option, or Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain tinted to one of the Kwila-styled colours.

March 2023

Q. How do I paint over old faded chairs, made from 100% polypropylene.

A. Polypropylene is exceptionally difficult, and even special adhesion promoted primers do not develop what could be considered good adhesion. For this reason we don't recommend painting this type of plastic.

February 2023

Q. Could you please advise the best product for a pine outside seating area and pergola? This is treated pine however I have an outdoor table from untreated pine that I would like to stain to match.

A. For both treated and untreated timber that has no current stain on it, wash thoroughly using Resene Timber and Deck Wash (if any moss or mould present, treat with Resene Moss & Mould Killer). Apply 2-3 coats of Resene Woodsman Oil Stain. This product is an oil based stain and is quite natural looking once applied. You will see a slight difference between the two timbers from a texture side. Stains require a new coat applied after the first year and then every two years to keep the colour and quality the same.

If you are choosing a darker colour, consider using Resene CoolColour technology, reflects infrared rays to assist keeping the timber cooler and help keep the timber in shape for longer. The CoolColour will not render the timber cool to touch.

January 2023

Q. What paint would I use to repaint tired and in a few places, scratched powder coated aluminium outdoor furniture. It’s approx 10 years old and has faded and got small surface nicks out of it here and there from stacking.

A. Scrub down using Resene Paint Prep and Housewash diluted and used to label instructions. Rinse clean or hose down with copious amounts of fresh water ensuring all wash solution and surface chalk residues are removed.

Using 220 wet and dry sandpaper wet sand areas showing chipping to a smooth feathered edge, wipe down to remove sanding material. Then apply a coat of Resene Vinyl Etch and finish with two coats of Resene Uracryl 402 or Resene Uracryl 403 in your topcoat colour. Allow the new paint system to cure for at least seven days to develop the full hardness of the paint. This is the best system for this application, but use may well still see impact damage occurring.

June 2022

Q. We have a good quality table and chairs which have been outdoors for around 8 years. They are well maintained and last stained about three years ago. I would like to use the correct product because it’s a big job and a good set.

A. Treat areas of moss/mould infestation with Resene Moss & Mould Killer diluted and used to label instructions. For heavy infestations more applications may be needed. Thoroughly scrub down using Timber and Deck Wash diluted and used to label instructions. Rinse clean or hose down with copious amounts of fresh water ensuring all wash solution and surface chalk residues are removed. Then sand to remove any remaining loose grey timbers. Then you can apply two coats of an exterior Resene wood stain (but not Waterborne Woodsman as this is only suitable for claddings).

June 2022

Q. What is the best paint to use on the cast iron ends of a garden seat? Can I wire brush to remove old coatings – paint with Resene Rust-Arrest then topcoat with something like Resene Lumbersider?

A. Scrub down using Resene Paint Prep and Housewash diluted and used to label instructions. Rinse clean or hose down with copious amounts of fresh water ensuring all wash solution and surface chalk residues are removed.

While you can use a wire brush to prepare the cast iron a 3M Rust and Paint Removal Disc will achieve a better standard of surface cleanliness, to leave only soundly adherent corrosion products taking care not to damage either the substrate or the surrounding areas. The disc is fitted to an electric drill.

After preparing apply a coat of Resene Rust Arrest thinned 10% with the recommended thinner and then you can topcoat with a waterborne topcoat.

June 2022

Q. I would like to put a wooden inside table and benches outside. What paint/lacquer/stain would you suggest to protect it? It’s wood and has been painted shabby chic.

A. Sand the existing paint system to achieve a smooth even finish. Dust off and wipe down with a damp cloth. Apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom topcoat colour.

June 2022

Q. I have rattan chairs that are kept outdoors and all the varnish has been worn away. What is the best finish for us to bring back the colour and shine.

A. Rattan chairs often come varnished. The varnish layer gives no UV protection and when UV passes through the clear the bond between the clear and substrate is broken with peeling/flaking occurring. You may be best to consider a paint finish instead.

June 2022

Q. We have two outdoor chairs and a coffee table made out of dressed macrocarpa. The seller said to seal these (then new) with a mix of turps and Linseed oil. I did do this but after a few short weeks they turned dirty looking and progressed to look quite filthy. Some months later I sanded them back and repeated the process thinking I had done it the wrong way; but the same thing happened. When I applied the mix I wiped all excess off so that it dried.

A. Unfortunately I am not surprised by what you report. The 'recipe' is a traditional brew for timber. The linseed oil is supposed to cross link and dry to a relatively hard clear film akin to a varnish. There were exterior stains based on linseed oil, these contained a crosslinking agent and a preservative. In your case the basic mix would take time to develop a film and would have no anti mould package or ultra violet inhibitors.

Best advice is to treat with Resene Moss & Mould Killer diluted and used to label instructions. For heavy infestations more applications may be needed. Scrub down using Resene Timber and Deck Wash diluted and used to label/data sheet. Rinse clean or hose down with copious amounts of fresh water ensuring all wash solution and surface chalk residues are removed. Thoroughly sand then apply two coats of Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain colour.

March 2022

Q. How do I repaint old fibreglass chairs? They are in good original condition, not painted.

A. The existing fibreglass will require sanding with a fine sandpaper grade to provide a key for painting. Then apply a coat of Resene Armourcote 221 and finish with two coats of Resene Uracryl 402 or Resene Uracryl 404 depending upon your gloss level requirements.

October 2021

Q. The rust on my aluminium garden chairs is ugly and I want to paint them. What preparation and paint should I use?

A. Scrub down using Resene Roof and Metal Wash diluted and used to label instructions. Do not allow the wash solution to dry out on the surface (this includes window glass and joinery). Rinse clean or hose down with copious amounts of fresh water ensuring all wash solution and surface chalk residues are removed.

Using mechanical methods (3M Rust and Paint Removal Disc), remove all areas of white corrosion material as much as possible. Apply a coat of Resene Vinyl Etch then finish with two coats of a Resene Uracryl 400 Series topcoat.

October 2021

Q. Is Resene Waterborne Woodsman penetrating oil stain a good product for use on hardwood Kwila outdoor furniture? The furniture is very weathered.

A. Treat with Resene Moss and Mould Killer diluted and used to label instructions. For heavy infestations more applications may be needed. Then thoroughly scrub down using Resene Timber and Deck Wash diluted and used to label instructions. Do not allow the wash solution to dry out on the surface (this includes window glass and joinery). Rinse clean or hose down with copious amounts of fresh water ensuring all wash solution and surface residues are removed.

I recommend you use Resene Woodsman Wood Oil. There will be a chemical odour for a few days but this dissipates after rainfall.

October 2021

Q. Can you paint over the ugly white outdoor plastic chairs?

A. PVC is the only plastic we have paints for.

I’m not sure what the plastic is that your chairs are made from. Suggest you get a Resene testpot and apply a test area to a clean section of the chair and leave for 3-4 days and the see if you can scratch the paint off, if not then the plastic is PVC and can be painted with a waterborne paint system.

October 2021

Q. What do I use to paint new treated pine outdoor chairs?

A. Apply a coat of Resene Wood Primer and finish with two coats of Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in your topcoat colour.

October 2021

Q. We have a glass table on our outside deck, under roof cover, that has been painted with a matt 'splattered' painted surface. It is wearing off and the manufacturer said they can't do anything about it. Underneath is plain black glass. Can you recommend a paint that we can paint over the glass finish as water etc. has marked it?

A. We do have a glass paint but it can only be applied to bare glass.

October 2021

Q. I want to preserve some A-Grade teak outdoor furniture. Is Resene Furniture and Decking Oil suitable for this? Or another product? The store who sold us the furniture have suggested we ask a marine store about a solvent based product suitable for Teak.

A. Resene Furniture and Decking Oil is a possibility but although clear it is not water white, the oil dries to give a yellow film. We have not tested the product for teak on exterior exposure. The other option is a marine grade varnish such as Resene Altex Timbercote. This varnish is used for teak within the marine industry. Both options are high maintenance coatings.

October 2021

Q. How can I paint polycarbonate resin outside dining chairs?

A. Polycarbonate plastic can be painted with a Resene waterborne system. However before purchasing paint, I suggest that you purchase a testpot and apply a trial area that has been wiped down using detergent and water. Allow the paint to cure for five days then check if you can scratch the paint off.

October 2021

Q. What paint do you use on outside pine chairs?

A. If new, apply a coat of Resene Wood Primer and finish with two coats of Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in your topcoat colour.

October 2021

Q. How can I avoid outdoor furniture going grey? Will Resene Timber and Furniture Gel revive the colour?

A. The greying of timber subject not exterior weathering is a UV induced breakdown. You can use Resene Timber and Furniture Gel but a thorough prep of the weathered timber before applying the stain is required. The gel is semi-transparent and the base colour of the timber to which the stain is applied will dictate the final colour.

Treat areas of moss/mould infestation with Resene Moss & Mould Killer diluted and used to label instructions. For heavy infestations more applications may be needed. Scrub down using Resene Timber and Deck Wash diluted and used to label instructions. Do not allow the wash solution to dry out on the surface (this includes window glass and joinery). Rinse clean or hose down with copious amounts of fresh water ensuring all wash solution and surface chalk residues are removed. If possible, sand areas of very great timber to restore the original timber colour. The coating is a high maintenance option and may need annual reapplication.

September 2021

Q. How to I prepare and paint a cement garden bench? I have pressure washed the unit, removed as much of the old paint I can, but notice it still has what looks like black mould in several areas.

A. If the black is mould then treat it with Resene Moss & Mould Killer. Once prepared then apply a coat of Resene Sureseal and finish with two coats of Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen.

September 2021

Q. How can I paint over a metal chair?

A. Apply a coat of Resene Vinyl Etch then a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.

August 2021

Q. How do I prime and paint sanded Cape Cod outdoor chairs?

A. Apply a primer coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl topcoat colour.

August 2021

Q. I'm building an outdoor table using marine grade ply (Gaboon, marine bonded) which I intend to paint and I would like a glass like gloss finish. The ply once filled and sanded should give me a good surface to apply paint and clear coat and allow a highly polished finish. The table will be outside and subject to all weather. I'll need to apply some sort of sealant to the ply faces and edges, then I presume primer, followed by basecoats, topcoat and clear coat. Can you recommend a paint system that can achieve this high gloss finish while remaining weatherproof (as much as possible)? I intend to spray all finishes with HVLP.

A. Envelope prime with Resene Wood Primer then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry. Allow the Resene Quick Dry to cure for at least 48 hours then apply Resene Uracryl 403 in your topcoat colour, then finish with a coat of Resene Uracryl 403 UVS Clear.

August 2021

Q. I have made a piece of outdoor furniture using H3.2 treated pine, and want to stain or oil it. The location is coastal. Can you recommend a suitable product please?

A. We recommend staining with Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain. Stains are high maintenance coatings and in a coastal location may require a maintenance coat every 1-2 years to maintain aesthetics.

April 2021

Q. What’s the hardest wearing option for picnic tables?

A. Many decorators use Resene Lumbersider. For a more durable option, you can use a two pack polyurethane, such as Resene Uracryl 802.

February 2021

Q. We have a marble top for outside. Do you recommend a sealer for this please? Not highly polished just to look after it outside as a tabletop.

A. The only possible suggestion would be Resene Concrete Wax.

February 2021

Q. I want to oil (not stain - I'd like to keep the natural colour) a macrocarpa picnic table I'm making - what product would you recommend?

A. Sorry we don’t recommend any water white finish (completely clear) for exterior timber. I recommend you choose a Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain with a stain colour close to fresh macrocarpa.

January 2021

Q. I want to paint my plastic/PVC wicker outdoor garden furniture. What should I use?

A. If the plastic is not PVC then we have no paint system, if it is PVC any Resene exterior waterborne paint can be applied direct to PVC without any primer/undercoat. From experience, plastic furniture is not made from PVC.

November 2020

Q. We have an outdoor glass top table that sits on a deck under cover. One side is black glass and, on the other side, it was treated with a ‘sand blasted spotty matt' effect. It looked great originally but after 3 years, the sun has damaged the surface and we are wondering if there is any suitable product/paint we could paint over it with.

A. Resene Imperite IF 503 would be the best product for this application.

November 2020

Q. I have a rusty wrought iron table that I would like to paint.

A. The key is removing all loose rust. Scrub down using Resene Paint Prep and Housewash diluted and used to label instructions. Thoroughly scrub the surface with a stiff nylon broom to ensure complete removal of all grease, moss and mould residue, and any other contaminants, then rinse with copious amounts of fresh water or high pressure water blast ensuring all loose paint and salts are also removed.

Note: The performance of the subsequent paint systems will be largely dependent on the thoroughness of this surface preparation stage.

Remove all areas as much red rust as is practicable using mec hanical methods, (3M Rust and Paint Removal Disc), to leave only tightly adherent corrosion.

Then apply a coat of Rust-Arrest and a coat of Resene ArmourX GP Metal Primer before topcoating with Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen.

November 2020

Q. I want to restain my Jack and Jill seats. I have cleaned and prepared the seats for restaining and I don't know what to finish them with. They are teak.

A. For exterior timber, apply Resene Woodsman Wood Oil. After staining allow the chairs to cure for 2-3 days then wash down with water.

For a few days post application there will be a noticeable odour but this soon disappears.

November 2020

Q. I hope you can give advice on a rust problem. My metal outdoor table frame had bad rust. So, I scrubbed it with a wire brush to remove the rust.

A. It is a real challenge to achieve rust control when there is heavy rusting present. Rust retains salts in the rust structure and unless they are washed out as part of the prep, rusting will reoccur. Preparing rusted steel when there is poor access to areas can also be a reason why rusting reoccurs.

This is our standard prep for rusted steel:

Scrub down using Resene Paint Prep and Housewash diluted and used to label instructions. Thoroughly scrub the surface with a stiff nylon broom to ensure complete removal of all grease, moss and mould residue, and any other contaminants, then rinse with copious amounts of fresh water or high pressure water blast ensuring all loose paint and salts are also removed.

All paint that is flaking or unsound must be removed by using mechanical methods, (3M Rust and Paint Removal Disc), chemical stripper or high pressure water-blast taking care not to damage either the substrate or the surrounding areas.

Remove all areas of white corrosion material and as much red rust as is practicable and all paint that is flaking or unsound must be removed by using mechanical methods, (3M Rust and Paint Removal Disc),to leave only tightly adherent corrosion products taking care not to damage either the substrate or the surrounding areas.

August 2020

Q. Please can you advise me how I can re-varnish/stain a bar stool? Please recommend what stain/varnish is best suited for this job and if an undercoat is required.

A. If you want to stain you will have to strip all of the varnish. Even for re-varnishing you will have to thoroughly sand which may require total removal. If you are planning to use them outside we don’t recommend clear coating for exterior timbers.

If being used inside, sand to remove the existing varnish then thoroughly sand the bare timber. Then, if you want to stain, apply Resene Colorwood stain and finish with three coats of Resene Aquaclear waterborne varnish (excluding Resene Aquaclear Natural).

May 2020

Q. We have an outdoor glass (painted) table, white metal frame. We need to redo the paint on the underside of the glass tabletop.

A. Unless the gloss used for the tabletop is low iron glass the green colour of the glass will change any colour applied to the underside of the glass will appear as a different colour when viewed from the opposite side to the painted side. So a pure white base colour will appear a green shade. There is no way that we can make any colour recommendation to avoid this from happening. Usually we recommend Resene Imperite IF 503 for painting glass like this.

May 2020

Q. My Kwila outdoor setting needs to be re-stained. The boards are all flaking and dried. What is the best way to prepare the table and the chairs for restaining? And what stain do you recommend?

A. Weathered Kwila will split. Sand thoroughly to remove splinters and achieve a smooth finish then apply two coats of Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain.

April 2020

Q. Our outdoor slatted PVC table has lost its sheen and is subject to staining. Can this be finished with Resene varnish or polyurethane, clear, as we wish to retain the existing colour which matches the chairs.

A. You will need to remove the staining and then apply two coats of Resene Concrete Clear Gloss.

April 2020

Q. I am restoring some Kwila outdoor canvas backed chairs. Do you have a system for paint/staining Kwila?

A. You can use Resene Woodsman Wood Oil to stain the Kwila and Resene Deep Clean to treat the canvas.

April 2020

Q. I want to change the colour of an outdoor teak bench. It was previously coated with an oil that dried. and is well weathered. What would you suggest ? I don't want to sand it back.

A. Treat with Resene Moss & Mould Killer diluted and used to label directions then apply two coats of Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain.

April 2020

Q. I have painted outside furniture with Resene Galvo One. Can I use Resene Sonyx 101 waterborne semi-gloss successfully for the finish coat or do I need a different type of paint?

A. Yes you can topcoat Resene Galvo One with Resene Sonyx 101, but Resene Lustacryl would be a better topcoat option as it is harder.

April 2020

Q. What paint can I use to paint PVC rattan outdoor furniture?

A. You can use Resene Lumbersider to paint exterior PVC.

December 2019

Q. I am going to do a project on picnic tables and am wondering what type of paint to use, i don't want to use a stain though. I also want to paint small designs on them, what type paint would be suitable for that too. Also what type of primer and finish do you recommend for these picnic tables?

A. If the timber has weathered sand to restore the original timber colour, dust off and apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lumbersider colour. 

For the design you can also use a Resene testpot colour if only small areas are to be painted. For increased UV protection you can apply a coat of Resene Clearcoat UVS to the base Resene Lumbersider testpot paint.

Q. I need to paint a bookshelf (MDF, primed with shellac based primer) and I am looking for a matt (or very low sheen) paint. Do you have anything suitable?

A. Ensure the surface is degreased, paying particular attention to areas of hand contact, then sand with 220 grit sandpaper to profile the shellac (you do not need to sand to remove).

Then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote waterborne enamel. There is a flat and low sheen version of the topcoat. I suggest the low sheen as this will see better wear resistance than the flat but the decision is yours as to gloss level selection.

October 2019

Q. I have been asked to paint some very weathered outdoor benches with paint in deep colour tints, with paint already purchased – Resene Sonyx 101. It has to stand up to the Hawkes Bay sun. I would not have chosen it myself – I would have chosen Resene Lumbersider or Resene Lustacryl.

A. If the existing paint system is in a very poor condition, it should be completely stripped back to bare substrate. The timber will probably need to be thoroughly sanded then primed with Resene Wood Primer, followed by a coat of Resene Quick Dry then apply the two coats of tinted topcoat.

To improve the gloss and colour retention, finish with a coat of Resene Clearcoat UVS, this will give a gloss finish as the end result. The added benefit of the Resene Clearcoat UVS is that the pigmented basecoat has protection to extend wear resistance.

October 2019

Q. We are sanding and applying a finish to five large macrocarpa tables. A year ago these were coated with a sanding sealer, which has weathered off completely, back to what looks like original timber. What Resene product would you suggest we use to enhance the look and provide protection to the timber, and to stop it turning silvery with mould appearing? We have treated the tables for mould prior to resanding them. We realise we will likely have to reapply a coat annually to keep them looking good.

A. We do not recommend water white clear finishes for exterior timber. You could look to use a stain such as Resene Woodsman Wood Oil.

October 2019

Q. I've got an old concrete outdoor seat that I need to rejuvenate. Is there a matt paint formulated for concrete furniture/statues? I don't want a shiny painted look but something that looks like it's been there for years.

A. Ensure the concrete is clean and free from bio growth, if the latter is present, treat with Resene Moss & Mould Killer diluted and used to label directions. Then apply a saturation coat of Resene Sureseal and finish with two coats of Resene Walk-on.

Q. I have a slatted wooden outdoor table which has been stained. It needs a revamp, and I was wondering what preparation is needed and what product would I use?

A. If all the existing stain can be sanded off to bare timber then I suggest Resene Timber and Furniture Gel.

Q. We are painting old seating at a bowling club.  Can we use Resene Sonyx 101 waterborne semi-gloss exterior/interior on them?

A. As a topcoat for benching/seating Resene Sonyx 101 is relatively soft, we recommend using Resene Lustacryl if you want a waterborne semi-gloss finish as Resene Lustacryl cross links to a harder film than Resene Sonyx 101.

Q. What product would I use on outdoor New Guinean Rosewood timber furniture?

A. New Guinean Rosewood bleeds plenty of tannin, so either  allow to weather or wash with Resene Timber and Deck Wash diluted and used to label directions then apply a coat of Resene Aluminium Wood Primer and then you can finish with an exterior Resene waterborne paint system such as Resene Quick Dry and two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Resene Aluminium Wood Primer is slow to reach hard dry, so do not overcoat until the primer has achieved hard dry. Hard dry can be tested by placing the thumb on the coating and twisting through 90 degrees, if there is no thumbprint or damage then hard dry has been achieved.

Q. We have 27 outdoor bench seats to paint. Some that have been under cover from the elements have sound varnished wooden seat tops and back rests.

Others are plain sound wood that has had any original coating worn off completely over the years by the elements, while others have a bit of paint and a bit of bare wood! Any residual paint is sound and oil based (after using the meths test).

They all sit on steel frames that we will paint as well, and they have sound paint and again no reaction to meths.

So the questions are: what paint system would be most suitable for this application, both steel frames and the wood? Preferably not full gloss paint. And is there a single primer/sealer that can be used over both the existing paint and the bare wood?

A. Degrease using Resene Paint Prep and Housewash diluted and used to label directions.

Sand the varnished benches to de-gloss and sand the exposed benches to remove all loose and flaking areas back to a sound edge and to profile remaining sound coatings.

Then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Assuming no corrosion of the steel supporting structure, then the same prep as above and you can use the same system. Note if there are any bare steel areas or areas of corrosion, these will need to be prepared back to a sound base and bare steel primed with Resene GP Metal Primer before applying the above paint system.

Q. I am looking to paint about 30 plastic garden chairs. What type of paint would you please suggest?

A. If the chairs are made from PVC then you can use any Resene exterior waterborne paint, however experience has shown that most exterior plastic seating is not made from PVC. You can check adhesion by applying any Resene testpot paint colour, apply two coats and leave for 3-5 days then see if the paint can be removed by scratching.

Q. I want to paint new outdoor chairs. They are made of dried pine and are very good quality. What kind of paint I need to buy?

A. Apply a primer coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Q. I have an old Namco aluminium sun lounger that the green paint has almost gone powdery after twenty years, but otherwise is still in good condition. I would like to repaint it. Can you suggest a paint that I could use and what prep I would need to do?

A. Scrub down using Resene Roof and Metal Wash diluted and used to label directions to remove surface chalk. Then apply a coat of Resene Armourcote 221 and finish with two coats of Resene Uracryl 402.

Q. We have some furniture which is MDF UV White Painted Coat. We want to paint this so that we get a gloss white finish to it. What type of paint would you recommend using? And would you recommend white gloss paint or a clear gloss (our furniture is already white)?

A. You could sand and then apply a coat of Resene Uracryl GraffitiShield Gloss Clear. Do not overly sand but enough to profile.

Q. I have some heavy macrocarpa outside furniture that I sanded and applied three coats of a film forming clear finish (non Resene). After two years it looks terrible (peeling). I need to re-sand and want to apply an oil product that will keep it looking golden, not silver - maybe with some stain. What do you recommend from your range that would do this?

A. Resene Woodsman Wood Oil would be the only exterior stain we would suggest after removal of the existing film forming stain. The Woodsman stain is non-film forming and designed to erode upon weathering, so you should consider this stain as being high maintenance (i.e. recoat every 2-3 summers).

Q. I have a table that is epoxy polyester powder coated steel, which that I would like to use outdoors (undercover). Do you have a clear sealer I can use to protect it and avoid chalking/peeling/rusting?

A. Application of a clear coat can only protect the topcoat from chalking; no corrosion or adhesion control can come from application of a clear topcoat. Give the topcoat a light sand and then apply a full coat of Resene Uracryl 403 Clear UVS for UV control.

Q. I am making an outside table from a wood called Messmate and want a hard durable finish. It has been suggested to me by one of your staff that I use Resene Uracryl 403.

A. Messmate timber (eucalyptus species) has moderate hardness and strength, but low durability. It splits easily and is susceptible to lyctid borer attack. It will readily accept stains and paints but can be difficult to impregnate with preservatives. Messmate is mostly used for pulp production. We only have a fully pigmented system for the coating of exterior timbers.

The primer would be Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat (given the durability of the timber I suggest two coats of primer and envelope prime all faces). Allow the Resene Quick Dry to cure for at least 24 hours before applying the first coat of Resene Uracryl.

Q. I have an octagon table that is cleaned and sanded, ready for painting. Originally I was going to stain it, but I am now wondering about painting it a bright colour. How does this go for wear and is application easy?

A. Assuming the table is timber, for painting the table, apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat. Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take up to a month to fully cure. In the early stages, the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion, as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Q. I have a cream outdoor table I would like to paint a metallic grey. Would your metallic paints stick to it?

A. Apply a coat of Resene ConcreteSeal 3 in 1 then two coats of Resene Enamacryl Metallic and finish with a coat of Resene Clearcoat UVS.

Q. How do I paint plastic chairs?

A. If the chairs are made from PVC then they can be painted. The easiest way to check is to apply some Resene testpot paint to a small area on the chair and wait 48 hours and see if the paint can be scratched off using a fingernail. If not, then you can paint the chairs with any Resene exterior waterborne paint. Tower plastic type chairs such as polyethylene (black piping) or poly propylene (the same plastic used to mould paint pails) cannot be painted. I believe that most of the plastic chairs are moulded using a polypropylene precursor.

Q. I have a solid Jarrah outdoor table. I have removed all the old varnish and sanded it back. I was wondering, what is the best way to treat it or stain it?

A. Try Resene Timber and Furniture Gel Jarrah.

Q. For an indoor outdoor room's concrete seat would it be ok to use Resene Concrete Stain then Resene Concrete Wax… or would you be more inclined to use Resene Concrete Clear?

A. It’s really down to preferred gloss level. Resene Concrete Wax is a bit higher sheen than Resene Concrete Clear satin.

Q. What primer/undercoat is recommended for previously stained outdoor furniture? The stain is quite old and is kwila timber stain, not sure water based or oil based. I thought that Resene Wood Primer may be best as I intend to use Resene Lumbersider as the topcoat but would like your recommendations please.

A. Scrub down with Resene Timber and Deck Wash diluted and use to label directions. Then apply a coat of Resene Wood Primer and finish with two coats of Resene Lumbersider.

Q. I have just rendered an outside table and was wondering what would be the best product to seal it with? The render is multipurpose acrylic render so I am not sure if it is a concrete/plaster mix. Would Resene Concrete Wax be suitable?

A. Resene Concrete Wax needs to be applied to all surfaces to seal the render and is suitable and has the advantage that it is readily recoated in future as required by usage/age etc. If it is a concrete/plaster render then use Resene Concrete Clear.

Q. We are looking to coat our outdoor dining table which is made of concrete. We are unsure which product is most suitable. That is should we use the Resene Concrete Wax, or the Resene Concrete Clear? Are they the same product, or do they give a very different finish?

A. You can use either. The Resene Concrete Clear will give you a range of gloss options. In either case I would apply a coat of Resene Concrete Clear Gloss thinned 10% with water as the first coat.

Q. I have some steel table frames that I would like to use outdoors (turning them into bar leaners). They are currently powder coated, but I don't like the colour. Can I paint over the powder coat? Do I need to prime and which primer should I use? Also which topcoat (Black) should I use? This is for outdoor use.

A. Degrease using Resene Roof and Metal Wash then apply an adhesion coat of Resene Armourcote 221 and finish with two coats of Resene Uracryl 403 (gloss) or Resene Uracryl 402 (semi-gloss).

Q. I am looking for a product to use on a weathered outdoor picnic table that has previously been painted. I have scraped most of the paint off. I would prefer a clear product to highlight the weathered look. Otherwise a good sealer to repaint.

A. Sorry, we do not recommend any clear varnish type coatings for exterior timber. Our suggestion would be to use Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain. You would need to remove all paint first.

Q. I have acquired outdoor furniture made of aluminium alloy that is in bad shape - mould and flaking paint. I am in the process of cleaning and stripping it back. What is the best paint to use for repainting please?

A. A two pack finish would be more durable, but you would need to take care to apply it within the pot life. For the primer use Resene Armourcote 221 and for the topcoats Resene Uracryl 402.

Q. I am after an epoxy coating for an outdoor tabletop. Do you have a clear see through kind of epoxy based product that I could use to cover the macrocarpa slab table top? The table will be used outdoors in the sun. My main goal is to fill in the few tiny little cracks in the slab than coat the whole thing with some sort of a darker varnish. If not epoxy, would you recommend some sort of a different approach?

A. Sorry we have no epoxy clear for this application. Epoxies chalk when exposed to direct weathering and a clear will be no different from a pigmented epoxy paint. Irrespective of paint type the clear layer will have to have a high level of added ultra violet blocking as the passage of UV through the clear to the timber/clear interface will result in peeling of the clear as the timber will undergo the standard timber surface breakdown albeit at a slower rate. This is the reason Resene does not sell water white clears for application to timber that is subject to direct weathering.

You could fill the cracks using a wood filler to match the timber colour then apply multiple coats of a marine varnish such as Altex Timbercote. However this will change the colour that you see to a darker orange brown and regular maintenance will be required on an ongoing basis.

Q. I want to paint my plastic outdoor table. What paint do you recommend?

A. If it is PVC then any Resene exterior acrylic will adhere. If the plastic is not PVC then we don’t recommend you paint it.

Q. I am making a macrocarpa slab dining table which has some substantial cracking and crevices. I would like to fill them with a clear resin tinted with a fluorescent pigment. The table top will be finished with teak oil. I am having some problems finding a clear resin, as most dry to an amber colour.

A. Most 100% clear fillers are epoxy based and these are always yellow in colour.

Q. What's the best type of undercoat and finish for prior powder coated aluminum patio chairs. Wire brushed but some paint top layer is firm and feathered smooth?

A. The best system would be a two pack epoxy adhesion primer overcoated with a two pack polyurethane.

Q. I am making Cape Cod furniture chairs from bare standard pine fence palings and wish to know the best way to prepare and paint them. I would prefer to use a water based product if possible.

A. Assuming the pine is new then prime with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and topcoat with two coats of Resene Lumbersider.

Q. Please advise on stain availability for macrocarpa outdoor furniture. I've tried your kwila stain and two coats aren't dark enough. Will a third coat make any difference? Is there an alternative?

A. While the application of a third coat would likely increase the colour depth it will not be an advantage as the timber will not be able to absorb more stain. In fact the stain sitting on the surface will erode away quite quickly. You could use a darker colour in Resene Woodsman wood oil stain if you want to darken the colour of the Resene Kwila Decking Stain as these products are compatible.

Q. I would like to paint over a powdercoated outdoor setting as it is looking tired and has been affected by the weather. Could you please advise how I would do this?

A. Scrub down using Resene Paint Prep and Housewash to label directions then apply an adhesion coat of Resene Vinyl Etch and finish with two coats of Resene Uracryl 402.

Q. What products are available for repainting white aluminium? The furniture is just worn in parts but no rust.

A. The best system is to wash down with Resene Roof and Metal Wash following label/data sheet directions then apply a coat of Resene Vinyl Etch adhesion primer followed by two coats of Resene Uracryl 400 series topcoat.

Q. I want to paint my large outdoor concrete table. I understand that I have to clean it with Resene Moss & Mould Killer, then seal with Resene Sureseal, but what topcoat should I use and can I get away with just painting the top of the table?

A. You could use Resene Walk-on as the paint finish, two coats over the Resene Sureseal surface. The product is tough and robust so see no reason why you cannot just paint the top. Ensure that the concrete is dry before you apply the Resene Sureseal.

Q. I would like to repaint my cane/wicker furniture and leave it outside. What is the best outdoor paint to paint it with please? Something to protect it from the rain etc. The old paint has gone all powdery and flakes off.

A. You will need to remove all of the failed paint, then prime with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and two coats of Resene Lumbersider.

Q. I am going to paint several wooden pallets to make into outdoor furniture. I want to paint them black and I want the paint to be glossy and thick, not a stain. What do you recommend?

A. If the pallet wood is pine then it will be untreated which means priming before applying the topcoat paint. Treat with Resene Moss & Mould Killer according to label directions, allow to dry and then apply Resene TimberLock and leave to dry for at least 48 hours. Then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Hi-Glo CoolColour™ Black.

Q. I have some outdoor wooden cape cod chairs that have been oiled with a decking and furniture oil (but they haven't been oiled for two years). They are quite weathered but there may still be traces of oil on them in places. I would like to paint them a colour. Please could you recommend what I should do to prepare them and what Resene paint would I use?

A. Treat the timber with Resene Moss & Mould Killer according to directions if there are signs of mould growth then scrub down with Resene Paint Prep and Housewash according to label directions. Allow to dry. Sand back any areas of greyed timber to a sound surface, spot prime bare prepared timber areas with a coat of Resene Wood Primer and allow to dry overnight then apply a full coat of the primer. When the primer is hard dry apply two coats of Resene Lumbersider in your chosen colour. If using dark colours then we recommend using the Resene CoolColour™ version of the colour.

Q. I am building an exterior seat out of macrocarpa slab. I want to preserve its natural colour and seal the timber as well.

A. Apply a Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain colour as close as possible to the timber colour.

Q. I am looking for a paint to paint a few wooden furniture items white. What paint would you recommend? They are clean surfaces ready to be painted.

A. We recommend Resene Lumbersider low sheen.

Q. I am restoring an outdoor table. This has been made from plantation Eucalyptus which despite coating has developed black mould. This is being dealt to (successfully) but I read somewhere that soft woods have inherent mould spores and a clear sealer is recommended prior to further coating. Does Resene make a clear sealer?

A. Mould is part of nature's armory to return dead timber to a nutrient source. I have not come across any reference to softwoods having an inherent mould issue but as they are softer the rate of decomposition is likely to occur more quickly than a hardwood species in the same situation.

Resene does not recommend application of clear coating systems for exterior timbers irrespective of timber type as they do not provide sufficient protection to the timber.

Q. I have outdoor polyprop chairs that are faded and look ghastly. Could you advise how to paint these please?

A. Sorry but polypropylene is one plastic that we cannot provide a paint system for (paint does not adhere well to the plastic).

Q. Is there any clear coating to go on a Totara outside table. I was recommended Resene Uracryl 403, three coats.

A. We do not recommend any of our clear systems for the coating of exterior timber exposed to full weathering. While we can add U.V. absorbers to the clear there will be inevitably U.V. passage through the clear film and this will degrade the timber surface and result in peeling of the clear from the timber.

Q. We have some outdoor furniture which has a dark brown stain. The furniture was purchased about four years ago and the paint finish is badly weathered. We don't know whether the stain is water based or oil based. How can we determine this?

A. The test for a standard acrylic paint is to see if the paint is softened or removed with meths.

Q. How do we prepare and paint tyres to make them into an ottoman?

A. Wash down with Resene Paint Prep and Housewash to remove dirt and road grime with scrubbing and rinse off with fresh water. Allow to dry then prime with Resene Roofing Membrane Primer followed by 2-3 coats of Resene Hi-Glo gloss waterborne paint tinted to the required colour. Usually you will require two coats but some bright colours will require a third coat to achieve colour uniformity. To avoid runs care is needed to ensure that there is not an excessive build-up of wet paint in the tread detail.

Q. I have a wooden baby cot that has a dark varnish on it. I want to paint it white and just want to check what the correct process would be to achieve this? I have given the surface a good wash and believe the next step would be to start sanding, but am unsure what grit sandpaper I should use/how heavily I should sand the surface? And then which sealer/primer/paint would be best to use?

A. As you have already cleaned the surface, you can apply one coat of Resene Waterborne Sureseal. Leave for 24 hours. Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss or Resene Enamacryl gloss. No sanding is required.

Once painted, leave 28 days before use as paint will reach full cure after a month. Ensure there is plenty of ventilation for air flow to assist in curing.

November 2023

Q. I have just finished removing varnish and sanding some bedroom furniture in preparation for painting. I am intending to use Resene acrylic paint undercoat and acrylic enamel for the topcoat. I intend to use a spray gun to apply these paints. Are Resene paints compatible with airless spray guns? Is it OK to dilute the paint to the required viscosity? Can I use a tack cloth to remove the dust prior to applying paint, or will this affect the paint?

A. I am assuming the furniture is back to bare wood. I recommend you use either Resene Wood Primer (solventborne) or Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat (waterborne) followed by a waterborne enamel.

You can thin waterborne paint up to 5% with water to dilute to correct viscosity and yes you are able to spray through airless spray guns – see our spray tip guide for the recommended spray tip for each product. Using a tack cloth is a good idea.

November 2023

Q. I am making a coffee table from recycled kauri. What would be best to preserve and coat it in a clear finish?

A. You have a couple of options depending on what look you prefer. After a light sand, ensure surface is clean and dust free.

Option 1: Resene Aquaclear. Resene Aquaclear is available in natural, satin, semi-gloss or gloss. It is a waterborne true clear varnish that highlights the wood grain. The varnish stays clear over time.

Option 2: Resene Qristal Clear. Resene Qristal Clear is available in flat, satin and gloss. It is an oil based varnish with a golden hue that gives a rich warm finish while still showing the natural wood grain.

Both are hard wearing and suitable for a coffee table.

November 2023

Q. I have bought a little vintage table made out of beach wood. It has a water stain on the top from a plant pot. I would like to refinish it to a slightly darker colour as what it currently is but just need to sand out a few imperfections etc. Can you please let me know the best way to prep this table and what I should stain it with? It will be an indoor table.

A. The only way to remove water stains/rings is by sanding. It may take quite a lot of sanding to remove and may not ever completely disappear. Staining a darker colour will help hide the stain. Then apply a varnish such as Resene Qristal Clear or Resene Aquaclear for ongoing protection and to make the surface easy to clean. Resene Qristal Clear (oil based) will add a golden hue and give a warm look. Resene Aquaclear (water based) will stay true clear and highlight the natural wood grain.

September 2023

Q. I want to apply clear varnish to a painted wooden Chinese cabinet that we will be using as a vanity in the bathroom. Which product will give the most reliable finish that will withstand the water and toothpaste splashes that it will inevitably get? I'm thinking of a gloss finish, hubby is after a satin finish. One of us will have to compromise! Would Resene Qristal Clear varnish be tough enough, or should I use exterior varnish?

I don't know what sort of paint it is. There is a small amount of crazing on the top. It's not a precious or valuable piece of furniture, so I'm happy to take a chance - I'd test it out on the back before doing the front.

A. A test patch on the back to test for adhesion would be great, apply one coat, wait 48 hours and try to gently remove. If it has stuck, then continue on with the rest of the project. My thoughts are that it will adhere.

We have two options:

Resene Aquaclear is a water-based varnish, available in satin, semi-gloss and gloss. Being water based, it is clear and will stay clear as the coating ages. Semi-gloss and satin are the most popular options, cleanable without highlighting too many imperfections.

Or you could use Resene Qristal Clear, an oil-based polyurethane, available in flat, satin and gloss. Satin is the most popular. Oil-based products tend to have a small warm undertone to them and will yellow as the coating ages. This can be a rather nice effect though. This is also why I asked about the colour as adding this over a white colour could highlight the warm undertone.

August 2023

Q. We are having a large shelving and cupboard/drawer unit made for our living room wall. We are looking at options for finishes. The joiner is proposing to make it from MDF. I wondered what Resene product we could use that would be sufficiently robust for books, ornaments etc. The walls are in Resene Eighth Tana and we would want the shelves in the same colour.

A. Our most robust system would be to prime with one coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and leave for 48 hours. Follow this with two topcoats of Resene Waterborne Uracryl 802 semi-gloss or Resene Waterborne Uracryl 804 gloss. This is a two-pack urethane. This can be sprayed by professional spray equipment or brush/rolled.

Alternatively you can use a waterborne enamel topcoat, such as Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss. This is the standard recommendation for household doors, trim and furniture.

Or if you prefer an oil-based finish, Resene Lusta-Glo is the oil-based version of Resene Lustacryl and sits at the same level of durability. To use Resene Lusta-Glo, it would require adding an additional layer of undercoat. We don’t recommend oil-based/enamel primers directly on MDF. This will add to time and cost. The benefit of Resene Lusta-Glo is being oil-based it dries slower and can leave a really beautiful finish. That system would be one coat of Resene Quick Dry, one coat of Resene Enamel Undercoat and two topcoats of Resene Lusta-Glo.

August 2023

Q. What product would you recommend for sealing travertine stone? It’s for a small coffee table and I believe there is no coating on it it’s just raw? The coating information from the supplier says to use a water-repellent containing siloxane.

A. Our version of this is Resene Solventborne Aquapel. This can be applied via a garden sprayer and will leave not a film on the surface leaving the stone looking natural.

August 2023

Q. Should I sand my kwila table before restaining?

A. We recommend washing/scrubbing the table prior to restaining with Resene Timber and Deck Wash to help open the grain of the timber and remove any surface forming patches. Sanding is not usually needed unless there is a lot of thick areas of stain that are sitting on the surface rather than within the grain on the timber.

August 2023

Q. What paint can I use to restore my Lloyd Loom furniture? I have a small round occasional table and two chairs, purchased about 25 years ago and they were painted with car paint by the supplier.

A. I recommend trialling a small out-of-sight area before commencing with the entire project since we don’t know what car paint system has been used. We recommend cleaning, and lightly sanding/scuffing the existing paint. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow it to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating.

The sealer is not designed to be applied as a thick wet film thickness or give opacity, the thinner the coat the better. Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl (semi-gloss) in your desired colour.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until a full cure occurs. In the early stages, the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion, as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Note that the painting will not reproduce the original features or hardness properties of the original furniture and will require maintenance over time.

August 2023

Q. I would like to spray paint bedroom drawers that are dark brown, vanish. How do I get rid of the vanish and then spray paint please?

A. Coverage is generally better with a roller, Spraying tends to be applied thinner and depending on technique and skill and may need an additional coat.

We recommend the following system:

Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease.

There is no need to sand the varnish, unless there are some imperfections you re wanting to smooth out.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Sureseal and allow it to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. The sealer is not designed to be applied as a thick wet film thickness or give opacity, the thinner the coat the better.

Followed by two topcoats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss or Resene Enamacryl gloss in your desired colour. Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss is the most popular option. If rolling, we recommend using a Pal #4 Microfibre sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until a full cure occurs. In the early stages, the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion, as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

August 2023

Q. We have some tables in our office that are a dark look matte wood veneer - we are finding that any kind of fingerprint/touch on them leaves behind oily marks that are hard to clean off.

Does Resene make some kind of topcoat that could be applied that would solve this issue?

A. Adding a paint coating to a high contact area like this will add a level of maintenance and will not replicate the same hardness properties of the original laminate. The texture in the surface of the wood veneer will also have an impact on cleanability as it will be harder to remove marks and dirt etc from those crevices.

Scrub down using a cleaner such as Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner, Lightly sand. Wet sand with 400 wet and dry sandpaper taking care not to unduly scratch the laminate surface. Rinse clean and allow to dry then apply one coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer (this only needs to be a thin coat and will not achieve opacity over the laminate colour). Allow to cure for at least 48 hours then undercoat with one coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. This entire system is water-based.

For the best result, roll the topcoats using a Resene No.4 roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until a full cure occurs. In the early stages, the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion, as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

You have our full range of colours to select from.

May 2023

Q. I have a vintage kauri hall table. It's quite worn, which I like but I am going to use it as a bathroom vanity so need to seal the top. How do I best clean and then seal the top?

A. We recommend sanding the existing coating off. Sometimes sanding is difficult if there are oils or furniture polish in the coating that has been used. Another option is to use a coating stripper, we sell a very effective waterbased gel stripper called Sea to Sky.

We have a few options for a clear sealer coat I would recommend Resene Polythane as a high gloss moisture cured polyurethane or Resene Qristal ClearFloor 2K for a waterbased solution.

March 2023

Q. I would like to paint wooden chairs (interior) that currently have varnish on them. Which steps should I take to ensure the paint doesn’t chip or flake off? How do I paint them?

A. Clean and dry the chairs first. Then apply one coat of Resene Waterborne Sureseal (leave this for 48 hours to help curing, ensure water does not get on it at this time. Then apply two topcoats of Resene Lustacryl semi-goss in your desired colour. The entire paint system will take 5-7 days to reach full cure and have maximum resistance to cleaning products etc. Please be gentle with the chairs in this time.

March 2023

Q. Can you advise if Resene Waterborne Woodsman is suitable to stain an interior pine lamp base? Online it states this product is for exterior.

A. Resene Waterborne Woodsman is not suitable for the interior, and cannot be overcoated with any clear finishes. However you can use Resene Colorwood interior wood stain. Resene Colorwood can be overcoated with water or oil-based varnishes at a later date for added cleanability.

March 2023

Q. I want to stain my Hi-Fi cabinet that is covered in a teak wood laminate in a rosewood colour. What would you recommend?

A. Unfortunately, you cannot stain laminate, the surface nears to be bare timber for the stain to be able to penetrate in. However, you can paint the laminate with a solid paint colour.

March 2023

Q. I am looking for paint to make some steelwork look like gold, do you have something available? It is going to be the feet of a plinth of a retail shop, it is going to be inside and about the expected lifetime I could say as much as possible. The application is going to be in the workshop with a spray gun.

A. Can you get the steel abrasive blasted and shop primed? Assuming the plinth is not exposed to weathering, hand contact, and enclosed within the building envelope than the paint system would be a coat of Resene Armourcote 220 to achieve a dry film thickness of 75 microns then apply Resene Imperite Metallic colour (also spray applied) applied to achieve a DFT of 100 microns.

Touch up of metallic colours is difficult to achieve seamlessly, so transportation to and on site installation must be undertaken so as not to damage the paint system. On site application of the topcoat post installation is recommended.

June 2022

Q. I’m looking for the best paint for the top of my bedside table that won’t chip and that I can clean. The colour will be white.

A. There is really no paint that won’t chip if a sharp object is dropped onto the painted surface. A traditional solvent borne enamel will give the hardest wearing finish, after sanding to profile wipe down to remove any sanding dust and then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of topcoat Resene Super Gloss or Resene Lusta-Glo.

White enamels will undergo some degree of yellowing over time.

June 2022

Q. I want to refurbish a set of drawers with paint suitable for children. It looks to be factory painted white.

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner, clean down to remove grease/oil paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Sand to de gloss/profile for recoating. Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove sanding dust residues and apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry followed by two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom.

June 2022

Q. We have brought some new Indonesian wooden furniture, which is currently just very lightly oiled. The biggest risk with this timber is that it has not been dried properly, and it will grey in the sun. We want to use it under a deck that won't receive direct sunlight, but still gets to see some of the elements on occasions. I am currently allowing it to fully dry but would like to then apply a suitable clear finish, that will enhance the grain, but also provide protection from moisture and greying from sunlight. There is a table, two long trestles, and two stools. What are your recommendations for a suitable finish?

A. The greying of exterior timber results from exposure to sunlight/UV. We have no water white clear exterior product that will achieve what you are seeking. The only recommendation is to stain with a colour that matches the natural timber colour, this may not be immediately possible as the timber is already oiled.

June 2022

Q. I would like to paint a black metal bookshelf a light pink using your paints. I understand I need to lightly sand, wipe it clean and then prime the black metal. Can you recommend what I coat it with?

A. Using Interior Paintwork Cleaner clean down to remove grease/oil paying particular attention to hand contact areas.

Wet sand to degloss using 220 grit wet and dry sandpaper and wipe clean to remove sanding dusts.

Then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl or Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen topcoat colour.

June 2022

Q. We have a wooden dining room table purchased about 5 years ago. This needs resurfacing as the polyurethane (I think) surface has broken down in parts from the sun and general wear. I don't know what the original product was and as the table has a grain I would prefer to not completely remove the existing. Any suggestion as to what I can use to re-polyurethane the table?

A. Thoroughly sand to remove the existing clear coating and to achieve a smooth surface for recoating. You may need to start with 180 grit sandpaper then work down to ultimately 240 grit. Dust off and wipe with a damp cloth to remove any sanding dust residues.

Then apply three coats of Resene Aquaclear (not Resene Aquaclear Natural) or three coats of Resene Qristal Polyurethane in your selected gloss level. The Resene Qristal polyurethane may give a better finish when brushing. Use Resene Brushing Additive when applying Resene Aquaclear.

June 2022

Q. I have a table which I painted with Resene Enamacryl about 2 years ago. It's done well, apart from a few chips where my kids bang things. I had the paint out again and decided to spot cover the chips, and ended up painting the whole table again as it looked messy. problem is, the paint hasn't adhered well and the new layer has started peeling/flaking/bubbling. My daughter spilt vinegar on the table too which I suspected. The first layers are still nice and hard under the new layer.

A. When it comes to repainting, waterborne enamels paints require the same prep as a conventional solventborne enamel. The paint needs to be sanded to profile, then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry before reapplying the Resene Enamacryl topcoats. This does differ from a conventional waterborne paint which do not need sanding for recoating.

June 2022

Q. Does Resene have a product that could be applied to a tabletop to provide some protection for the surface? It’s for our motorhome table. The table gets little and careful use but the manufacturer has advised the material the table is made out of isn’t particularly hard wearing. The product itself is a thin veneer on top of plywood. It’s not Formica. I wondered about a clear polyurethane or something similar?

A. Assuming it is a timber substrate then three coats of Resene Polythane will give a very hard-wearing clear finish. Not sure if there is an existing clear coating and if the solvents in Resene Polythane will react with any existing clear. We have no waterborne clear that will give the wear properties of Resene Polythane.

June 2022

Q. I have a table and chairs that are stained and lacquered in a honey rimu colour, what would be the best way for me to stain them darker?

A. The existing stain/clear system will need to be stripped if you want to restain in a darker colour.

April 2022

Q. I want to repaint the top of a coffee table. The top is made of MDF. It looks as though it was painted and then had some sort of lacquer to give it a smooth hard surface. It has some small gouges and scratches which I intend to fill with wood filler.

I have some Resene Lustacryl left over from another job which I thought I might use. However I am concerned it may not be very durable and scratch resistant. Would you suggest I use a solvent based paint or could I put a clear satin type coat over the Resene Lustacryl to give it better durability?

A. I suggest that a solventborne enamel is best suited for this application. Sand back to a smooth finish, fill, then sand again. Dust off, wipe down with a damp cloth and then apply two coats of Resene Quick Dry, allow the second coat to cure for 24 hours then sand again to de nib, and finish with two coats of Resene Super Gloss or Resene Lusta-Glo.

April 2022

Q. I have a small wooden coffee table I have sanded down and want to paint white. What products should I use that will be durable since it is a high use surface? I’m fairly certain it is pine wood.

A. The easiest system would be a traditional enamel system. While there are two pack options the size of the areas to be painted would see wastage of mixed product. Apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry, and finish with two coats of Resene Super Gloss or Resene Lusta-Glo enamel. The solventborne enamel finish will be more resistant to wear than a waterborne enamel topcoat option.

April 2022

Q. I have purchased an average but very solid wooden bookcase that is varnished. I want to paint or re stain it to smarten it up. What is the best product to use please?

A. To stain you will have to strip the clear system back to bare timber. Once this is done apply a coat of Resene Colorwood stain then apply three coats of Resene Aquaclear varnish (excluding Resene Aquaclear Natural). For painting thoroughly sand to profile for recoating then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl.

April 2022

Q. I have some bedroom drawers that I want to paint scruffy chic. I have the Karen Walker Chalk Colour paint. Will I need an undercoat and is there something I need to put as a protection coat on top after painting and sanding? The drawers aren’t high gloss but do have a smooth finish on them.

A. It sounds like there is some sort of varnish on them. Either sand the surface to de-gloss (scuff it) and wipe clean or if sanding is not practical apply one coat of Resene Waterborne Sureseal. Please allow 48 hours before applying two coats of Karen Walker Chalk Colour paint.

You can leave this as is if you like the matt finish otherwise we do have two furniture waxes available one is a clear finish, and the other is slightly tinted to give an aged look.

April 2022

Q. I have wooden shelves, that look like a type of particle board, which are in my home office. I use them for folders, books etc that are taken in and out a fair bit so the paint needs to be durable and scratch resistant. Could you please advise what type of paint I should use for this? They are painted already.

A. Ensure the surfaces are grease free than apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. For a lower gloss finish you can use SpaceCote Low Sheen but the higher gloss level of Resene Lustacryl gives better wear resistance.

October 2021

Q. How do I repaint a veneer coffee table?

A. Wipe down using a cloth and Resene Thinner No.12, change the cloth often. Then thoroughly sand to profile, taking care not to sand through the veneer layer, dust off and wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove residual sanding dusts. Then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl or Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.

October 2021

Q. I sanded my chair down to bare wood, and used Resene Colorwood Mid Greywash. But sadly it's gone all blotchy. If I sand it down lightly again, can I put on another coat?

A. There are two possible causes, the sanding did not remove all of the existing coating from some areas, or there may be remnants of polish. You can resand and reapply but if furniture polish is the cause after sanding wipe down with Resene Thinner No.12 and a cloth, do this in a well-ventilated area as the thinner is a strong solvent mix.

Apply an even coat of the wash colour, brush out any overlaps as there will dry darker than the surrounding areas.

October 2021

Q. I have a set of drawers that have been sanded back, uncoated and painted with Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel. Is it possible/advisable to now varnish over the top to get a shiny clear finish and if so what product should we use?

A. You can apply Resene Aquaclear Gloss but this will give a light yellow colour to the base tinted colour.

October 2021

Q. What can we use to coat our restored rimu table? We want something that is water resistant so won't get marks from wet cups etc. We want a coating that will bring out the colour of the wood but not too shiny and not too flat. It is only being used inside.

A. For interior table like this you could use Resene Danska Teak Oil.

Apart from this option the only other clear system we have are polyurethane clears.

October 2021

Q. I'm looking to stain and varnish the coffee table I have just finished sanding and I'm wondering if you can help me narrow down which stain/varnish I need and what brush.

A. Stain with Resene Colorwood overcoated with three coats of Resene Aquaclear – satin, semi-gloss or gloss (not natural). For the stain apply with a Legend brush and leave until the wet look starts to dry off then wipe down using a lint free cloth to remove excess stain. Then apply three coats of your selected Resene Aquaclear gloss level using a Legend brush.

October 2021

Q. I make dollhouses and miniature furniture. Do you have a white gloss paint that hardens really hard to paint 12th scale refrigerators and other whiteware?

A. The best paint would be Resene Super Gloss White.

October 2021

Q. What should I use to revarnish restaurant tables?

A. The best clear for this application is Resene Polythane.

If you need to stain, then use Resene Colorwood Stain. The stain will need to be applied to bare timber. Brush on the stain then leave until the wet look starts to disappear then wipe off the excess stain and leave to dry for 48 hours before applying the first coat of Resene Polythane. Apply a minimum of three coats of Resene Polythane. This will put the tables out of service for at least five days.

October 2021

Q. What should I use to paint a wooden bedframe, bedside tables and dressers?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas. Sand to degloss with 220 grit sandpaper, dust off and wipe clean. Apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

October 2021

Q. What should I used to paint a brand new unpainted MDF bookcase?

A. Apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl.

September 2021

Q. Is there any way I can mitigate getting brushstrokes on the finished look of furniture? I want a nice clean aesthetic as if it came from the factory.

A. The best finish is always when sprayed, rolling is the second best but there will be a degree of orange peel. All factory applied paint systems are spray applied. Apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and two coats of Resene Lustacryl or Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, the lower gloss level will assist but not completely hide application markings.

You can add Resene Hot Weather Additive at the recommended addition rate to extend the open time of the wet paint and this will give better flow and levelling. If you apply two full coats of Resene Quick Dry you can sand after the second coat is hard dry, suggest 220 or 240 grit sandpaper to improve the level of finish but don’t sand through the primer coats.

September 2021

Q. What is the best way to apply Resene Colorwood Whitewash on a timber dining room table?

A. The key to achieving a uniform whitewash look is to ensure that an even wet film is applied, overlaps will show as a whiter area. You can roll the product using a No.4 sleeve. If the degree of white wash is less than what you want then apply a second coat of Resene Colorwood Whitewash or a coat of Resene Aquaclear (not Resene Aquaclear Natural) with added Resene Colorwood Enhance White.

August 2021

Q. What paint can I use to paint new pine bedside cabinets?

A. Use a primer coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl.

August 2021

Q. I would like to paint my dining table and chairs white. I would like to know the best primer/paint to use and which finish coat I should use, especially as I will be having kids around the table.

A. Based on the assumption that the table and chairs are currently varnished, using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Sand to profile/degloss with 220 grit sandpaper. Apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lusta-Glo topcoat.

August 2021

Q. I have used Resene FX Crackle on a couple of wooden chairs. I would like to finish with a clear gloss finish - what would be the best product to do this?

A. You can use any Resene Qristal Clear polyurethane.

August 2021

Q. What product is best to clean furniture polish (Pledge) off a cabinet prior to repainting?

A. Wiping with mineral turps should remove most of the polish, change the cloth often to avoid spreading the polish around on the surface. Then repeat using Resene Thinner No.12. Make sure you work in a well ventilated or wear a face mask fitted with an organic cartridge.

August 2021

Q. I have painted two wooden (pine) bedside tables using Resene Zylone Sheen waterborne low sheen interior paint. Do I need to seal the paint with anything after painting with the Resene Zylone Sheen or is that sufficient?

A. Resene Zylone Sheen is formulated as a wall paint. When used for your application it may well be prone to scratching or damage if items are dragged across it or hot coffee cups are placed on the painted surface. To improve this, apply a coat of Resene SpaceCote Clear.

August 2021

Q. I’m looking for a matte clear varnish to finish a plywood desk top. Do you have something that would suit?

A. Try Resene Qristal Poly Flat.

July 2021

Q. I have a wooden top table that has been painted in the past with a high gloss marine lacquer in black. I would really like to be able to paint over this with a bright, lighter colour. Is this possible?

A. We have not evaluated adhesion to a high gloss marine enamel. Has the table top been polished with a silicone based polish? If not then in this case using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, sand to de gloss (don’t need to sand off all the existing paint). Wipe down to remove sanding dust then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl or Resene Enamacryl, the latter will not achieve the high gloss of a solvent borne enamel finish.

July 2021

Q. How do I paint over a black lacquer cabinet to get a gloss white finish?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Thoroughly sand then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Super Gloss.

June 2021

Q. Our existing oak table is clear and natural looking. It doesn't seem like there's any type of coating on it at all unless it’s a matt wax? It looks flat and natural. We don't have to get the corner rimu wall unit matching exactly... just as similar as we can.

A. It would be difficult to change the darker rimu timber to a paler oak colour. My suggestion would be to apply Resene Aquaclear with Resene Colorwood Enhance White to give a blonded look. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Sand to profile using 220 grit sandpaper. Add 1 or 2 Resene Colorwood Enhance colour pottles to a litre of Resene Aquaclear. Brush out to achieve an even wet film. Areas of overlap will show up as a whiter line. If a single coat gives the colour you are happy with then leave, if not apply a second coat of Resene Colorwood Enhance modified Resene Aquaclear. Note that Resene Aquaclear Natural cannot have the Resene Colorwood Enhance modification.

June 2021

Q. I am restoring an oak cabinet, and I plan to use it as a vanity in our remodelled bathroom. What would be the best varnish to use in this wet area?

A. Use Resene Qristal Polyurethane clear, available in a range of gloss levels – flat, satin and gloss.

May 2021

Q. What do I use to remove varnish from an old dressing table?

A. If it is a flat surface, you can use a heat gun and a tungsten blade scraper. Alternatively, use a paint stripper such as Sea2Sky to manufacturer's instructions, but this may involve multiple applications to remove all of the varnish. After removing the varnish sand smooth for recoating.

May 2021

Q. Which low sheen waterborne product would be best for applying to shelving, mostly for books?

A. Use Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen for this application.

May 2021

Q. I want advice repainting indoor furniture to give a durable painted surface as I have young children in the house. Planning sanding, sealing/priming, topcoat then a clear topcoat of some type? The furniture I have to paint is an oak dining table - currently waxed, a pine coffee table and a painted pine bed – the timber appears to be unsealed as the white paint has become stained at the position of knots in the wood.

A. A traditional solventborne topcoat system will give the hardest wearing finish. There are two gloss options, Resene Super Gloss (gloss) and Resene Lusta-Glo (semi-gloss). These finishes when cured do not normally require a clear coat to give wear resistance. Suggest that you prime with Resene Wood Primer as this will assist with resin bleed blocking.

March 2021

Q. I am looking at buying an antique dining table (at a good price) because it has a large old oil stain on the top. I am happy to paint the top but will the oil stain come through.

A. The oil stain may migrate through a solventborne primer; adhesion is likely to be compromised if a waterborne primer is used.

You will need to try to remove as much of the oil as possible by wiping the area with a cloth and Resene Thinner No.12. Change the cloth often and work in a well-ventilated area. Then thoroughly sand. Residual oil may clog the sandpaper. If this occurs, then repeat the solvent wiping. Then apply a coat of Resene Wood Primer and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl or Resene Lusta-Glo. The primer should hard dry within 24 hours unless contaminated by residual oil.

February 2021

Q. I have two large solid mahogany chests of drawers plus bedside tables that were originally stained dark and then varnished (approx. 25 years ago). I would like to paint them an off white colour. What procedure and products do you recommend?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Then sand to degloss and apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl or Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.

December 2020

Q. Do you sell chalk paint for painting furniture?

A. Yes, we sell Karen Walker Chalk Colour paint.

November 2020

Q. I have a wooden bed frame that I'd like to paint white. What paints/primers etc are recommended for this? It’s been varnished.

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas. Lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper then wipe clean with a moist cloth.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before over coating. The sealer is not designed to be applied as a thick wet film thickness or give opacity, the thinner the coat the better. Then apply two coats of Resene Enamacryl (gloss) or Resene Lustacryl (semi-gloss).

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

November 2020

Q. I have just sanded down an old wooden table. I think the wood is mahogany. I want to paint it shiny black. What should I use?

A. Apply a coat of Resene Wood Primer and finish with two coats of Resene Super Gloss enamel Black.

November 2020

Q. I have bought a retro piece of furniture, it’s a sideboard. I painted over it but it marks. Can you recommend a low sheen lacquer or varnish that I could paint over it to harden the surface and prevent marking?

A. You could apply a coat of Resene SpaceCote Clear.

August 2020

Q. Do you have a paint suitable to roll onto an old Customwood office bench?

A. Sand to profile for recoating, apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

August 2020

Q. I want to start refurbishing wooden furniture. This is not something that I have done before so I am unsure what paint types and range I should be using to get my desired look. I am not a fan of high gloss. I prefer satin and matte or possibly a semi-gloss. I am also looking at repainting a leather couch.

A. For varnished surfaces the following applies; Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before over coating. The sealer is not designed to be applied as a thick wet film thickness or give opacity, the thinner the coat the better. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

For painted surfaces degrease as above then sand to profile for recoating, dust off and apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of either of the above topcoats.

It’s best to remove handles etc prior to painting.

June 2020

Q. I would like to put a clear coat of varnish on a black steel frame which is the base for a dining table, and I prefer oil based, any suggestions?

A. We do not have a clear varnish for painting over black steel. The only suggestion would be 2-3 coats of Resene Uracryl 403 Clear. Black steel retains a surface layer of mill scale and this can see the clear film peel off the steel surface. It’s less of a gamble for interior but still possible.

June 2020

Q. I am upcycling an old piano stool. I have sanded it back and want to paint the wooden legs black. Which is the best paint for this and do I need a primer?

A. Apply a prime coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl.

May 2020

Q. I work at a bar and we have sanded back the tables and leaners to raw wood. I’d like to get some advice and recommendation for the best products to re-cover the tables - such as stain/varnish/epoxy or polyurethane type layer. As we are a bar and drinks get spilled on the tables, we would ideally like to use products to suit regular use and frequent spills.

A. We recommend that Resene Polythane in four coats would be the best option for this application.

May 2020

Q. I'm renovating my pine coffee table. I've sanded the original varnish down to the raw pine using a grit 80 and then 120. I would like to stain it to a walnut colour but I've heard pine is notoriously difficulty to stain because it's so prone to blotching. Should I use a wood conditioner before applying the Resene Colorwood stain? Alternatively, I've thought I could add the Resene Colorwood Enhance Walnut in the Resene Aquaclear and avoid having the stain seep inside the wood. Would that work? I'm also worried I won't like the colour and stain is hard to get rid of.

A. The issue with staining pine is the early and late wood bands which have different stain up take. If you use Resene Colorwood this will still apply.

May 2020

Q. I have a swamp kauri hall table that I wish to sand and the coat on the top. I want something semi-gloss and clear. What would you recommend that is hard wearing?

A. Apply a coat of Resene Qristal Clear Gloss and finish with two coats of Resene Qristal Semi-gloss. Note that swamp kauri will powder off if left uncoated so a thorough sand to achieve a smooth sound surface is required.

May 2020

Q. I’m upcycling a dining table and the top is a very light pine. I'm looking for a varnish/polyurethane that won’t yellow the wood and is as matte as possible - is there anything you can recommend?

A. Resene Aquaclear will be the best for this application – try the satin version. The Resene Aquaclear Natural is not suitable for this project.

May 2020

Q. I am looking at painting an MDF entertainment unit and I would like to achieve a smooth high gloss finish. I have experimented with waterborne enamels and the wet sanding and polishing and have had some success and I was wondering what product you would suggest?

A. Apply two coats of Resene Quick Dry, allow to dry for at least 24 hours then sand to de nib. Then use Resene Super Gloss to achieve a high gloss finish. The Quick Dry will have a degree of porosity which will dull the finish, so suggest applying one coat then leaving to cure overnight than apply a second coat to achieve maximum gloss.

May 2020

Q. I am varnishing the top of some side tables used for hot and cold drinks - is Resene Aquaclear waterborne urethane varnish a suitable surface. This is the varnish I have used to put two coats on the tabletops. Does a third coat of this give a good enough protection?

A. Three coats should allow for hot cups of coffee/tea to be placed on the surface, however with all clear coated surfaces it is best to use a mat/coaster under very hot drinks.

May 2020

Q. I have a Kauri desk that I am looking at renovating. What product would you recommend I use? It currently has no stain or varnish on it.

A. Traditional solventborne clear varnishes highlight the natural colour in the timber. If clear coating sand well to achieve a smooth finish, dust off and then apply a seal coat of Resene Qristal Clear Poly-Gloss followed by two additional coats of your preferred gloss level of Resene Qristal Clear polyurethane.

April 2020

Q. I would like to repaint some large black lacquer Chinese furniture to white including side tables and dining room table. Please advise how I would go about this.

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Thoroughly sand to degloss, dust off than apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

April 2020

Q. I have a set of 6 Mid-century Cassala chairs that I believe are fibreglass. They are in really good structural condition and won't need fixing or filling. I would like to know how to repaint them.

A. The existing fibreglass will require sanding with a fine sandpaper grade to provide a key for painting. Then apply a coat of Resene Armourcote 221 and finish with 2 coats of Resene Uracryl 402 or Resene Uracryl 404 depending upon your gloss level requirements.

April 2020

Q. I have some wooden cross back chairs. I'm pretty sure they are stained. I wanted to do spot fixing rather than having to redo the whole chair. What would you recommend?

A. Touch up will be difficult to do to get a seamless colour and gloss match. The chairs are more than likely to have originally been stained then over coated with a clear polyurethane topcoat all spray applied in a factory.

Only suggestion is to see if any of our Resene Colorwood stains match the existing stain colour, lightly sand the damaged areas then apply the stain and overcoat with a Resene Qristal Polyurethane varnish of a matching gloss level to the existing clear. It may be best to try one chair to see if you can achieve what you are seeking.

April 2020

Q. I am looking to paint two metal stools. It has lost the paint on top and has some rust on it. Can you please suggest the right paint for it? I don't mind experimenting with colour. It's just the top that needs to be painted not the legs.

They will be placed in my balcony but it's an apartment building so shouldn't be so affected with the sun or wind.

A. Wet sand using 220 grit sandpaper to remove as much rust as possible. Apply two coats of Resene GP Metal Primer and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

March 2020

Q. I wish to clean body sweat/oils/dirt off my rimu table and chairs ready for refinishing. What do I need to use to remove this?

A. Our best suggestion would be Resene Heavy Duty Paint Prep and Oil Remover.

December 2019

Q. Which product would you recommend for restoring a two square metre rimu dining table? I want a clear hard finish that I can wipe down spills. I have damaged the existing top surface coating with diffuser oil. I am quite happy to sand back to bare timber.

A. You will definitely need to remove the diffuser oil which may have penetrated into the base wood. Then undertake sanding to remove the existing coating.

For the hardest wearing finish apply 3-4 coats of Resene Polythane.

December 2019

Q. We have a solid Rimu tabletop at present coated with Danish oil. What is a good varnish type coating that will wear hard and bring out the best in the Rimu top?

A. As long as the oil has hard dried, clean down and light sand to profile for recoating with the Qristal clear varnish.

December 2019

Q. I have rimu bedroom furniture and wish to modernise it with whitewash.  What is the process?

A. If your furniture has a polyurethane finish on it, you could use Resene Colorwood Whitewash to change the appearance. You can get a Resene testpot from one of our Resene ColorShops to test it out first before undertaken the whole project. (Trial an area out of the way first to make sure it's the look you're after).

Q. I want to polyurethane plywood furniture; what do you recommend? I understand waterbased stuff is available now, only ever used the smelly solvent stuff in the past.

A. Our waterborne polyurethane clear is Resene Aquaclear.

It is based on a self-cross linking resin system, cures to be a hard wearing finish, not as hard as a solventborne clear but certainly suitable as an alternative clear system.

Q. I want to re-purpose a stained, solid wood set of drawers to go into a bathroom. What prep and undercoat do I use to waterproof them before I paint and, what topcoat would be best?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner, ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, and pay particular attention to hand contact areas and then thoroughly sand to profile for painting. Dust off and apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

We cannot guarantee that there will be no colour bleed from the existing stain, if you see bleed after applying the Resene Quick Dry; apply a seal coat of Resene StainLock before topcoating.

Q. A friend has asked if I can help repaint a dresser.  Have you any advice on what products to use as I assume the biggest challenge is to stop the 'wood' bleeding through to the colour? She is looking at a cream colour finish.

A. Degrease using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner then sand to profile for painting. Then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl tinted to the required topcoat colour.

Not sure of the potential for colour (tannin) bleed to occur from the base timber but if you apply the Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer and there is no discolouration of the primer then you can proceed with topcoating.

If there is tannin bleed apply a coat of Resene StainLock then follow with the two coats of topcoat.

Q. I need a clear coating for an interior timber dining table that I can preferably spray on as I have spray equipment. It needs to be clear with no amber effect.

A. We recommend the Resene Uracryl 400 Clear system. Apply a seal coat of Resene Uracryl 403 UVS Clear then finish with any of the Resene Uracryl 400 Series UVS Clears.

Q. I have a teak dining table (indoor) and I have sanded this right back to its natural colour and grain. I want to keep this a matte finish but also require it to withstand normal dining table duties.  Will Resene Qristal Poly-Flat work?

A. Wipe the bare teak down using a cloth and Resene Thinner No.12. Do this a couple of times using a new cloth each time and leave for 48 hours in a well-ventilated area. This is required as teak is an oil timber.

We recommend applying a seal coat of Resene Qristal Poly-Gloss first to bring out the timber colouring, and then finish with at least two coats of Resene Qristal Poly-Flat varnish.

Q. I have a piece of old furniture I want to paint, and I have a testpot of the colour I want to use. Just wondering if an all-over coat of the testpot of Resene Lumbersider is sufficient to use as a primer/undercoat, or would I still need to buy something like the Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer before applying Resene Lustacryl? It is old mahogany, not much varnish still on it, and clear coated. And I don't know if polishes have ever been used.

A.. Clean down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner then sand to profile for recoating, you don't need to sand all the varnish back to bare timber. Dust off and apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer would only be used if there was a good thickness of existing clear varnish.

Q. I want to know what paint to use on a drawer set I would like to paint. The set of drawers are old varnished wood. I'm not sure what to use for the topcoat. Should I use enamel or water based undercoat?

A. A solventborne enamel such as Resene Lusta-Glo will give you the hardest wearing topcoat, however if you do not want to use a solventborne topcoat then you can use Resene Lustacryl, the latter is a waterborne enamel and does not cure to be a hard as a traditional enamel paint but does have good wear characteristics and is low volatile organic content. After a degrease and a thorough sand, apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry then you can apply two coats of either of the topcoat options.

Q. I have wooden slatted bunks which I am considering using as bridges over a stream. Is there a product which can be used to weatherproof the wood?

A. Timber exposed to exterior weathering needs to have a high level of timber preservative treatment to stop timber decay. There is no paint system that can be applied that will replicate the level required for exterior timber treatment. 

Q. I would like to paint a mahogany table white.  Could I please get advice on how to prepare the table?

A. Thoroughly degrease using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner then sand (220 grit sandpaper) to profile. Apply a full coat of Resene Wood Primer, followed by a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Q. I'd like to paint a MDF desk top, what preparation and paint system should I use? Do I need to finish it off with a clear coat in the end?

A. If new, apply a primer coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Q. I have sanded back two lounge chairs in a very light colour wood. I want to retain the light colour. What should I seal the timber with? I do not want any yellowing.

A. We recommend Resene Aquaclear.  The waterborne clear film does not yellow upon ageing.

Q. We have a light coloured rimu dining table and chairs, which has had a high gloss ‘gold’ looking finish. We want to achieve a matt or low sheen hard wearing finish, a little darker than it is now. Looking at your site it appears we should use Resene Qristal Clearfloor 1K and tint it to get the slight darkening we want. Please confirm this is our best option or suggest an alternative.

A. Addition of Resene Colorwood Enhance to Resene Aquaclear is the only way we have to tint a varnish.

The existing surface will need to be degreased and sanded to profile for application of the Resene Aquaclear system (three coats). You can add the Resene Colorwood Enhance to the first or subsequent coats, to achieve the desired colour.

Q. Please confirm it is ok to use Resene Uracryl clear over a rimu table and what primer is required. The table will be sanded back to remove coatings.

A. Resene Uracryl 403 Clear is self-priming onto timber, apply the first coat and leave to cure overnight then lightly sand to de nib then continue with the next coats. The Resene Uracryl 403 Clear system cannot be used for exterior timbers

Q. I have a tallboy I wish to paint. It is pine and stained yellowish. Would I need to sand it right back or is there another way to deal with it?

A. Degrease using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner paying particular attention to areas of hand contact. Sand to degloss/profile using 220 grit sandpaper dust off and apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat. Then finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Q. I am building a bunk set for a bedroom in our new house and want to paint it the same colour as the internal walls which is Resene Quarter Rice Cake. The bunks will be made with ply. Can you recommend the best undercoat and topcoat (for a matt or semi-gloss finish)?

A. Prime with Resene Quick Dry and then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel.

Q. I’ve just bought a step stool for my 2-year-old to use, climbing on and off the bed etc. It’s made of solid aspen wood with no coating. I would like to paint it, but would need to use non-slip paint - does Resene have a product that could help with this?

A. Assuming the timber is uncoated apply a primer coat of Resene Quick Dry then two coats of Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path.

Q. Which product would you recommend to clear cover hardwood breakfast bar stools?

A. We recommend Resene Polythane.

Q. I have just had a kitchen table made. The legs are rimu and totara. What do I use to seal them or undercoat them with? I want to paint the topcoats in Resene Lustacryl.

A. Resene Quick Dry must be used for priming totara; you could use the same primer for rimu or for rimu, use Resene Wood Primer.

Q. I want to shabby chic a dining table and have put an oil based undercoat on it. Now I'm wondering if I can use waterbased paint on top of that and whether that would be serviceable enough for the wear and tear it's going to get. Do I have to use an oil based topcoat and then would I have to use some sort of finish to make it easy to wipe?

A. Resene Lustacryl would be my suggestion for a waterborne topcoat.

The fully cured paint film is harder than a conventional waterborne paint but not as hard as traditional solventborne enamel. Full cure will take up to a month to occur, but after two weeks most of the cross linking will have occurred.

Q. I have an old sideboard that has a dark stain on it. Do I need to strip it back to wood before using your furniture stains? I am thinking a white stain. It is rimu apparently.

A. Yes, as stains are semi-transparent and the base colour will change the colour of the over stain.

Q. Do you have a product similar to chalk paint that I can paint furniture in a low sheen finish?

A. Yes Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene SpaceCote Flat.

Q. I am looking for a suitable primer/sealer and topcoat for a MDF bookcase that is expected to see a lot of use. The topcoat needs to be resistant to scuffing/scratching from books being dragged across the shelves when being removed/replaced. I want a semi-gloss finish, and I have no objection to solvent based paints. The MDF edges are exposed. I need a primer/sealer that will be readily absorbed to toughen the edges.

A. Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat is the only sealer we recommend for MDF. If the edges are very porous apply two coats of Resene Quick Dry then apply two coats of Resene Lusta-Glo solventborne enamel.

Q. I'd like to repaint a piece of furniture ending up with a soft chalky finish, black on the outside and white on the inside. Could you suggest a paint that would give me that result?

A. We recommend Resene SpaceCote Flat.

Q. I want to paint some newly made raw pine furniture, white. What type of finish do you recommend? I don't want it to feel chalky to touch afterwards, but don't want a super shine to it either. It is to match a bed I have previously purchased, that was already painted.

A. Prime using Resene Quick Dry then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Q. What is the best paint for painting cane furniture? The clear finish is flaking off.

A. Sorry but a very difficult ask re painting as the existing varnish will need to be completely stripped to apply a paint system. The stripping of the cane may be achievable by using a paint stripper.

If this can be achieved then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat and then finish with two coats of Resene Lumbersider. The paints can be brushed onto the cane sections working the paint into the surface to achieve a uniform look.

Q. I am after furniture paint that would be good for repainting laminate as well as wooden furniture (tables, cupboards etc.)

A. There is a specific adhesion primer (Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer) required for a laminates such as Melteca® or Formica®. Other timbers can be primed with Resene Quick Dry.

After priming you can then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel.

Q. Can I paint over a powder coated cabinet?

A. Yes. Clean down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner and then apply a coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer, leave to dry for 48 hours then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Q. I want to paint some metal kitchen chairs metallic. What should I use?

A. Lightly sand the legs then apply a brush coat of Resene Armourcote 221 and then spray Resene Imperite IF 503 Metallic tinted to your chosen colour.

Q. I have purchased some flat pack furniture and it is giving off some rather strong odours (formaldehyde possibly) and was wondering whether Resene offers a suitable low odour/VOC sealer that could help. I was thinking to use a clear sealer to seal the exposed partible board edges. The closest item I could find was the Resene Aquaclear.

A. You could use at least three coats of clear Resene Polythane. Single coats and waterborne clears do not cross link to hold back formaldehyde emissions.

Q. Do you have a flat, matt, eggshell or low sheen finish for wooden furniture?

A. We do make two products that can be used for this – Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen and Resene SpaceCote Flat. Both have been used by many customers to finish wooden furniture. Resene ColorShops stock both products and they are available in thousands of colours.

Q. I have just sanded back our coffee table made from recycled timber. It had polyurethane on it but I would like a more matte oil base look. What would I use?

A. The only suggestion would be to use Resene Qristal Clear Poly-Flat varnish. Complete removal of the varnish would be required before you could oil the surface, and this is not easy to achieve.

Q. I have a coffee table that I thought was timber but it turns out to be a composite material. It has a glass top. I now need a paint finish that resembles either copper or a similar metal finish. I have sanded it and also want to confirm that I need to undercoat it first. I am a distance to my nearest store so would appreciate some advice before I head off.

A. After sanding you will need to apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat then two coats of the Resene Enamacryl Metallic paint and finish with a coat of Resene Aquaclear.

Q. I am looking to restain an older wooden bed and am planning on using Resene Colourwash Whitewash. I read on another question, that it can be applied over existing polyurethane? Do I need to lightly sand the original polyurethane first?

A. You can apply Resene Colorwood Whitewash to a cleaned (Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner) clear coated surface as long as the clear is well sanded to provide a mechanical key for the new paint system (there is no requirement to completely sand off the entire clear thickness).

Q. I would like to paint a very old extendable table. I do not know if it is varnished or not. Can it be done, and what preparation, must I do, and what sealer and topcoat should I use? If I splash water on the table, the water beads up.

A. There are two main possibilities - varnish or the table has been waxed with a furniture polish. Using Resene Automotive and Light Industrial Wax and Grease Remover, wipe down and change rags often.

Then thoroughly sand and dust off and apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Q. Which paint do I use for a metal bed; I want to paint my bed gold. What steps and paint would I need?

A. Apply an adhesion coat of Resene Vinyl Etch then a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of either Resene Super Gloss or Resene Lusta-Glo enamel.

Q. I want to paint an old Formica table. Can you please tell me what product I need to do this?

A. Clean down using a cleaner such as Jif®; ensure all residues are removed.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl or Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate.

Q. I want to paint the top of a cabinet. It was covered with wood grain paper which has been pulled off. What prep do I need to do before I paint?

A. The wood grain paper will need to be removed back to bare timber then finer grades to end up with a smooth timber finish, then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Q. What’s the best paint to use on a set of drawers? They are laminated.

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate.

Q. I've got a set of pine drawers that I am wanting to restore with a whitewashed type effect. I need to strip them back first, but how do you recommend painting them to get that grey/blonded whitewash effect?

A. We recommend Resene Colorwood Whitewash, which will allow the timber grain to show through also. Alternatively for a more painted whitewash effect you can achieve a whitewashed effect using Resene Paint Effects Medium mixed with white.

Q. I am thinking of putting my antique pine unit/dresser into our conservatory when it is finished. Will it be ok in there with changing temperatures? Does it need special varnish/treatment?

A. Temperature changes only affect the moisture content of timber due to humidity changes. The only issue will be U.V. exposure; while glass can absorb a portion of U.V. it is far from 100%.

Q. I have a hallway cabinet - it is 350mm wide, 1140 high and 2370mm in length. It is absolutely plain with 6 doors, all the same size.

It is a dusky dull pink and in excellent condition. The entire exterior of the cabinet is shiny, very smooth but not wooden, nor metal but it must be a once-pliable material as the edges of the cupboards are 'rolled over' so they finish tidily on the inside. The top of the whole length of the cabinet (2370mm) also has a rolled over edge along the front. It looks like it is painted with a type of baked-on paint. I want to paint it a different colour but do not know where to start. It is in excellent condition because of its exterior being so hard. I wonder if you can assist me with what preparation, undercoat and topcoat I need.

A. The only suggestion would be to try a test patch of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer. Clean down first using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner then apply a thin coat of the Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer, leave for 48 hours and see if the sealer has adhered. If adhesion is achieved then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl (add Resene Hot Weather Additive at the recommended addition rate).

Q. I want to paint my wood sewing cabinet black. It was originally covered with a wood effect contact paper which started peeling off after a number of years. I have now peeled it all off and have sanded the cabinet ready to paint. Can you please recommend the best hard wearing paint to use that would withstand my sewing machine being placed on the top of the cabinet during use?

A. Prime the bare custom wood with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat. Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel. This paint will develop most of its durability in 5-7 days but will continue to harden over several weeks. It is important to note that this will not have the characteristics of the contact paper. It is a paint system and would likely still scratch if objects are pulled or dragged across the surface.

Q. I have a home-made wooden bookcase I would like to paint. It is not stained, but has been oiled (linseed oil, applied a long time ago). What do I need to do and what kind of paint should I use?

A. Lightly sand and apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Q. I have a pine bookcase I stained some years ago. I now want to paint it white. What can I use to paint over the stain and which system is best for a bookcase?

A. Clean down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner to label directions, lightly sand, dust off and apply a coat of Resene StainLock then finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Add Resene Hot Weather Additive to the Resene Lustacryl.

Q. I want to paint my customwood sewing cabinet black. It was originally covered with a wood effect contact paper which started peeling off after a number of years. I have now peeled it all off and have sanded the cabinet ready to paint. Can you please recommend the best hardwearing paint to use that would withstand my sewing machine being placed on the top of the cabinet during use?

A. Apply a primer coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat then finish with two coats of Resene Lusta-Glo.

Q. I have a 'gold' anodised coffee table frame that I would like to paint black - is this possible?

A. Yes it should be – we recommend Resene Vinyl Etch Black or an equivalent product.
Etch primers can be applied over a clean grease free surface. A wet sand with fine wet and dry sandpaper will assist with adhesion but do not sand heavily as this will leave scratch marks which will be seen after application of the etch primer.

Q. I recently purchased Resene Uracryl 2 pot paint and undercoat to renovate some MDF bedroom furniture. While it has applied went well and I am happy with the finish, I find that four days after the painting, that the strong solvent smell is still present and shows little sign of abating. We cannot use the room with the furniture in it. Is this normal and, if so, how long on average should it take to clear?

A. Suggest that you remove the furniture to an area which has good ventilation. Under well ventilated conditions I would not expect any significant solvent odour to be present after seven days.

Q. I'd like to repaint a cheap table with a solid colour in the pastel range. I am looking for a semi-gloss and hard wearing finish. I have a hand held sprayer for the final coat. I would prefer to work with water based paint, but am happy to use oils based if I have to. I don't know what the factory paint is, so I suspect I may need to use a primer.

A. Based on what you have advised, sand the existing paint, dust off and then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat then finish with Resene Lustacryl.

Q. How do you paint the cork on a cork topped bathroom stool?

A. Sand using 220 grit sandpaper, dust off and apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of any Kitchen & Bathroom paint.

Q. I have several drawers to paint. They are varnished and in good nick. I have Resene Waterborne Smooth surface Sealer and was planning on letting that cure and then painting. Will this work ok?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow curing without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl. The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Q. How do I prepare varnished pine kitchen chairs for painting?

A. Clean down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner then apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and leave to cure for 48 hours before applying two coats of Resene Lustacryl. The paint system will take 7-14 days to harden.

Q. I have a small rimu coffee table which was polyurethane/varnished. I have sanded it back to bare timber using 80 and 180 grit sandpaper. What sealer and topcoat should I use?

A. We now have either waterborne or solvent borne clear systems for interior timbers. In general solvent borne clear systems (Resene Qristal Clear) are harder but do yellow with age. Waterborne systems (Resene Aquaclear) are not as hard but are based on a clear crosslinking resin system but are not prone to yellowing as the films age.

Q. I would like to update the pedestal base of a mahogany dining table that is presently stained with a satin sheen, by painting it gloss white. What prep is recommended prior to painting? I would like to use either Resene Lusta-Glo semi-gloss enamel or Resene Super Gloss enamel for hard wearing properties. Would you recommend one over the other?

A. Clean down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner then thoroughly sand and dust off. Apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry Waterborne Primer Undercoat and finish with two coats of enamel topcoat. There is no technical reason to use gloss over the semi-gloss, it comes down to personal choice.

Q. I have a black particle board coffee table which I would like to repaint black as the colour is wearing off. It gets wet wiped several times a day and of course has coffee spills etc. What primer and paint type should I use?

A. Sand and spot prime any bare substrate with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat then apply a full coat of the primer and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.

Q. We've painted a MDF wooden bookshelf for a client and we've used a Resene acrylic wall paint. Obviously the paint isn't handling this very well and we were wondering if we could put some sort of clear coat on it to protect it and make it a bit hardier.

A. Assume that the wall paint was Resene Zylone Low Sheen? You can overcoat with Resene Aquaclear.

Q. I would like to renew a wooden coffee table. The top is faded and dry.

A. Thoroughly sand and apply a Resene Colorwood stain colour and finish with three coats of Resene Aquaclear waterborne varnish.

Q. I have some varnished cane chairs which I would like to restore by painting them. They have a lot of woven and latticed cane which would be difficult to sand the varnish from properly. The varnish is still in good condition and has not flaked. What do you suggest I do to restore them and what are suitable products to use?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl waterborne enamel. The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. This system is suitable for interior only.

Q. Can I use Resene Super Gloss enamel over Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer/undercoat on a wooden bookshelf?

A. You can overcoat Resene Quick Dry with both solvent and waterborne topcoat paints. This includes Resene Super Gloss.

Q. We are having old wrought iron chairs dry ice and vapour blasted clean (to bare metal). Could you please advise on correct primer to use and topcoat?

A. Apply 3 coats of Resene Armourcote 221 epoxy primer and finish with two coats of a Resene Uracryl 400 Series tinted topcoat.

Q. I have old varnished cane furniture. Can I use Resene Walk-on flooring and paving paint to paint it or should I use something different?

A. You will need to apply a coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer first then you can apply a Resene waterborne topcoat to suit the end use.

Q. Is the Resene Colorwood Whitewash suitable for new timber furniture?

A. Yes it can be used on interior timber. We do not recommend this product for exterior timber that is subject to weathering or U.V. We do have Resene Woodsman Whitewash for exterior timber.

Q. We would like to paint our dark stained/unvarnished bedroom furniture. What product would you recommend to put on before we paint as we would love not to sand the whole set down?

A. We recommend Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer. Best left to cure for at least 48 hours before overcoating. For a topcoat we would normally recommend Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel; when brushing make sure you have added the Resene Hot Weather Additive to reduce brush marking.

Q. I am wanting to get chairs reupholstered. I have sanded the timber that will be seen once covered, and am wanting to do a clear coat over the timber to avoid oils etc getting into the timber and so that they will last longer. The chairs will be kept inside. I like the wood as is, and would like to keep it as close to this as possible. Would you please recommend a system for me to use?

A. You can use Resene Aquaclear for this application, three coats.

Q. What paint can be used to paint a dining table? I would like it to be white, glossy, durable and heat resistant (if possible)?

A. Resene Super Gloss (single pack conversional solventborne enamel) or Resene Uracryl 403 (two pack solventborne enamel). Neither topcoat will give heat resistance to very hot pans with the maximum heat resistance being around 80°C.

Q. I am looking for a non-toxic varnish for kids' furniture. It is made of MDF. Which product is suitable?

A. We recommend Resene Aquaclear.

Q. I am building a coffee table out of pine and painting the surface to give a distressed driftwood look with stain and patches of colour. The surface needs to be durable against the usual knocks and bumps of hot coffee cups and plates etc. Does Resene have a suitable water-based stain and paint that's up to the job or do I need to go to an oil based system? Can you also recommend a clear matt (preferably water based) finish?

A. Polyurethaning over old paint etc is the easy part here, the old stain/oil on the timber may present an issue as it's unknown. Waterborne polyurethanes (Resene Aquaclear) are the safest to use as they generally don't have an adverse effect on the old paint coatings. The old stain/oil will need to be 'hard dry' and not oily to touch. I'd recommend trialling an area first to ensure there isn't a reaction with the old stain/oil. If there is you may need to wipe the surface down with Resene Thinner No.2 (allow to dry).

If you are wanting to add stain etc our interior penetrating stain - Resene Colorwood - can be overcoated with polyurethanes no problem and you could use any of a number of our products if you wish to paint the surface then rub off to achieve that distressed look - (Resene Lustacryl may be a good option - waterbased enamel). Prime bare areas first with Resene Quick Dry.

As for the hot coffee mug issue it's always best to use coasters and place mats to avoid marks from hot cups or marks from plates.

Q. I bought secondhand a large set of plan drawers to store my embroidery threads, fabrics and art papers. The outer surfaces of the drawers are coated with a melamine type surface. The inside surfaces of the drawers are bare MDF. I was considering getting the insides of the drawers coated with a similar product to the outside surfaces, but wondered whether Resene has an inert type paint I could use which wouldn't cause any long term damage to the fabrics, threads and paper.

A. You can paint the inside of the drawers. Prime the bare MDF with a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and then finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl tinted to your selected colour. Leave to cure in a well ventilated area for two weeks before replacing into the cabinet.

Q. I have a Mountain Ash coffee table which has been stained and varnished. I would like to update its look. I was thinking of stripping it and staining it with a limed mid to dark grey.

A. Stain with Resene Colorwood then apply three coats of a Resene clear.

Q. Which clear finish can I use to prevent yellowing on cubes being used to make a plywood bookcase? Can you 'stain' it with a light white colour and then put a clear finish over it? Most clear finishes on plywood seem to go yellow with age.

A. Solventborne varnishes do yellow with age. Waterborne varnishes such as Resene Aquaclear are not prone to this.

Q. I'm currently sanding back the panels on the front of my bedroom drawers. They are made of pine, previously varnished. I'm wanting to have a whitewashed look painted on them. Would the Resene Colorwood Whitewash be ok to use in this instance?

A. Yes but you will need to apply an additional two coats of Resene Aquaclear.

Q. I want to paint new Ikea laminate (a book shelf) and according to your Paint Systems brochure I need no primer. However, I have just begun rolling and am finding that the paint is spreading, and not absorbing at all. Do I need to sand back the surface, or could a primer fix my problem?

A. If the Ikea indeed does have a laminate surface as opposed to bare wood then it will need to be primed using Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and leave to cure for 48 hours with good ventilation. The Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer is an adhesion primer and not designed to achieve film build or opacity. After curing apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat sand then finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Q. I am thinking of using Resene Qristal Clear polyurethane on a new coffee table top. Will this mark with a hot coffee cup placed on it? I want to produce a surface that will be extremely hard wearing and won't leave a ring from a cup of coffee on it.

A. If you are happy with a full gloss, we recommend Resene Polythane.

Q. How do I go about lime washing a wooden bookcase that has previously been varnished?

A. Clean down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner, sand with 220 grit sandpaper to provide a mechanical key, dust off and apply Resene Colorwood Whitewash following the label instructions.

Q. I want to update an old metal chair frame by painting it white. It is black at the moment. What primer and paint should I use?

A. Wet sand with 400 grit wet and dry paper, wipe down and dust off then apply a coat of Resene GP Metal Primer. You can then apply a water or solventborne topcoat.

Q. We have a dining table from a furniture store that we would like to improve and change. It is wood and has a dark stain on it, the shop said it is an import from Vietnam. I have read the dining table makeover on the Resene website and have a couple of questions. The two products Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and Resene Enamacryl waterborne gloss enamel are described in the dining table makeover. My question is, are these products good, safe ones to use on a surface a family will be using for food? Do they have a strong smell? What are they like when they have sun on them? Do they emit a chemical smell when they get hot? How do they cope with water and heat on them?

A. Both products are Environmental Choice Approved. This means that they would be suitable for the purpose you want provided they are well cured and wiped down with water prior to first use. There will be a low odour level for about a week post application, but provided there is good ventilation the odour will disappear.

Q. I have a rimu bedroom suite that had an oiled finish (possibly linseed) that I would like to paint cream. What do I need to do?

A. Assuming that the surface is hard dry, sand using 220 grit sandpaper, dust off and apply a coat of Resene Wood Primer. Allow to dry for 24 hours then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat followed by two coats of Resene Lustacryl tinted to your chosen colour. Will take a minimum of 5 days for the system to achieve reasonable hardness and adhesion.

Q. I am looking at whitewashing some old wood furniture. I require white latex paint. Mixed with water it will give me the effect I am looking for.

A. Latex is an older term for waterborne paint. However I suggest that you may want to look at using Resene Colorwood Whitewash for this. There is a sample board at Resene ColorShops that you can view.

If you are looking to whitewash existing varnished timbers then sand with 180 or 220 grit sandpaper to provide a mechanical key for the new coatings then brush apply a coat of Resene Colorwood Whitewash to achieve an even as possible lay down of the product (remember to stir the can contents well before using). Apply a second coat if you require a more intense white look. Finish with 1 or 2 coats of Resene Aquaclear varnish in your selected gloss level. The total number of coats including the Resene Colorwood Whitewash layers should be a minimum of 3.

Q. I have varnished my computer table with Resene Aquaclear Satin and have found it is quite abrasive to my mouse and has smoothed the bottom of it. What can I do to reduce the abrasive properties of my finish, preferably without polishing it to a gloss or varnishing it all again?

A. You would need to increase the gloss level. We add flatting agents to reduce the gloss of Resene Aquaclear for the lower gloss versions and this is what is causing the abrasion. You could also use a computer mousepad.

Q. I plan to restain my bedroom furniture. I have tested various Resene Colorwood and Resene Woodsman sample pots on some scrap Victorian ash and pine but it seems I need to apply at least five coats in order to obtain a dark colour. I suspect I am using too fine a sand paper. I am using a 120 and then 240. Could you please tell me what grit you recommend? My bedroom furniture has a clear varnish that seems to be a semi-gloss on top and a satin on the drawer.

A. The only stain we recommend for interior staining is Resene Colorwood, not Resene Woodsman. For Resene Colorwood to stain the timber you have to have bare timber, that is no varnish layer. Complete removal of the varnish may well be difficult unless you look to use a paint and varnish stripper first, then sand after removal of the varnish layers.

Q. I have two Kwila Butler's tables. They have never been oiled by us and are about 15 years old but still quite dark in colour. I want to paint them a chocolate gloss that is nearly black in colour. Can this be done?

A. Wipe down using a cloth wet with Resene Thinner No.2, replacing the cloth often. Allow the solvent to evaporate (otherwise the sandpaper will clog) then sand with 220 grit sandpaper. Hopefully the sandpaper will not clog up which is what we need to see. Allow to dry then apply a coat of Resene Enamel Undercoat followed by two coats of Resene Super Gloss Enamel in your chosen colour.

Q. I would like to repaint my dining table. I have kids so will have food and spilt drinks. Is there a specific paint I should use? The table is wooden and I think painted with an exterior dark green paint. It is a little bumpy in places from long term moisture of mugs but other than that it is in great condition.

A. Thoroughly sand using a range of papers starting with 180 grit and then finishing with 220 grit. Apply a coat of Resene Enamel Undercoat followed by two coats of Resene Lusta-Glo. Traditional enamels will give you the hardest wearing finish.

Q. What can I use as an undercoat on varnished furniture so I don't need to sand?

A. Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer.

Q. I'd like to get a chalk paint finish on furniture. What should I use?

A. We recommend Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, which is a waterborne enamel. This will generally perform better than more basic chalk paints.

Q. I am in the process of repairing a dining room table that has a dark veneer colour. I would like to use a stain to complete this, would you have any advice regarding the stain to be used and the process i.e, sanding, primer etc.? Does your company make stain and would you have a testpot that you could supply me with?

A. Assuming the table has a varnish layer - to restain it, the varnish layer must be removed by sanding, care is needed when sanding veneer as the sanding may cut through the veneer. You can then restain to match and reapply three coats of a clear varnish. Use Resene Colorwood wood stain which is available in Resene testpots.

Q. I have an old mahogany sideboard I have stripped back (it had been painted). Unfortunately most of it is veneer and is past its best. I will need to paint most of it apart from the top and legs. Can you recommend undercoat to use? And because some of the areas to be painted may be small e.g. drawer fronts, would a testpot be suitable for the colour coat.

A. We would recommend using a waterborne enamel finish for furniture. Resene testpots are made using a conventional acrylic resin system and hence the paint is not as resistant to wear as a waterborne enamel finish. You can use testpots for small areas as long as you accept the limitations of the paint being used.

Q. I'd like to spray Resene Aquaclear waterborne urethane varnish on new furniture I make. I have a LVLP Star SLV 4000F series spray gun with an EVO-T nozzle - air inlet 15-19psi which currently has a 1.4mm nozzle. Can you please recommend the ideal nozzle/tip size for this product? Also, please advise on the ideal tip size for your turps based Resene Qristal clear polyurethane.

A. Best tip would be a 1.8 tip for both products.

Q. I want to spray Resene Uracryl 402 on custom wood furniture. What primer and undercoat is recommended? I am told the primer needs to be a cross linking acrylic primer - which of your products is that?

A. In this case you can spray apply Resene Armourcote 220 as the basecoat. While it is a metal primer it can be used for your application.

Q. I want to paint a reproduction Queen Anne table with 4 chairs and 2 carver seats. How do I strip the varnish off this old mahogany furniture? Dip stripping is not an option... too expensive.

A.You can strip the existing coating with Sea to Sky paint stripper which is available from Resene ColorShops.

Q. I have a dresser that I stripped and oiled with linseed oil about 8 years ago; I'd now like to paint it. Could you please recommend primer/paint, and should I sand it first?

A. Assuming that the oil used previously has dried to a hard finish the following applies: degrease using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner and then lightly sand to provide a mechanical key for the new paint. Prime with Resene Enamel Undercoat then apply two coats of either a solvent or waterborne enamel topcoat, such as Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel.

Q. Can I paint the canvas seat and back cover on my director’s chair? I presume a particular paint is required? Is it easier to spray paint or hand paint the wooden part of the directors chair - do I need a special sort of paint?

A. We do not have a dedicated paint for this purpose but you could try a thinned down version of a Resene Lumbersider colour, the potential issue will be cracking of the applied paint film onto the flexible canvas. We suggest brush painting of the wooden sections. If there is moss and mould that will need to be treated prior to painting.

Q. We have a dining table which is chipboard wood veneer dark brown. We're wanting to paint it a charcoal or black. I was just hoping you could assist in giving a guideline in how to best prepare and paint the table (lightly sand, prime, etc.)?

A. If the table has been polished you will need to remove any polish residues by wiping with RALI Wax and Grease Remover, changing cloths at least every three wipes. Sand with 220 grit sandpaper but avoid heavy sanding as this may cut through the veneer layer and then apply two coats of Resene Lusta-Glo (semi-gloss) tinted to your required colour. Leave the table in an area with good ventilation to allow the solvents to be released. The Resene Lusta-Glo may appear glossy when first applied but the gloss settles down to a semi-gloss finish over 7 days.