painted finish question

[hermit]

Hi everyone, been a long time, but I knew to come here for an answer. I am helping my nephew make a piece of furniture for a school project. It is made of poplar and birch ply. The finish is going to be that black painted finish with the "antique" look of worn edges. I was planning on using something like Rustoleum's Painters Touch paint, then scuffing the edges to expose bare wood, then wiping on Minwax Early American stain to bring an amber tone to the bare parts. First, does this sound ok?, and should I prime first, and lastly do you think a poly or shellac topcoat is necessary? I would like to keep it as simple as possible since a 16 yr old doesn't have the patience for finishing like I do.

Thanks, Todd

[leehljp]

Hey Todd! Good to hear from you again! When I saw "Hermit" on the post, I wondered where you had been!.

I can't answer with authority as some can, but I am becoming more of a believer in a primer. And since this is ply, it will certainly make a difference in the end. Now mind you, some people won't notice the difference, but I believe you will be able to notice and know the difference, especially since you are going to "wear" the edges down through the black.

A poly top coat is up to you. I am to the point that in similar situations, I usually want to go the extra steps because "I" will know the difference. Every once in a while I run across people who also "know" that I went the extra step. It is times like that in which I am glad that I did go the extra mile.

[All Thumbs]

I'd look into Milk Paint with a clear top coat. You can apply a different color Milk Paint under the black (like a red) which will show through when you distress the black finish.

When you are done with the Milk Paint give it a couple coats of a wipe on poly.

[Mr__Bill]

You may also wish to test flat black paint with the poly over coat. With the flat black it is easier to lay on a nice even coat and will sand to a nicer feather edge. The poly will add the gloss. The casein paint (milk) that I have used was flat and would work well in this application, as would a flat black spray paint.

I have seen pieces that had several coats of different colors and the wear edges showed a paint history.


Bill

[hermit]

Thanks a bunch guys. I guess we'll have to go the extra with primer and poly. I don't want a heavy topcoat, just for a little durability, so a couple wipe on coats is probably a good idea.

Hank, I haven't been on the internet period much the last couple years. I seem to have too much going on around the house to take the time. I used to check in from work before also, but can't do that now! I'll still check in from time to time. Nice to know someone remembers me!! Lot of new names here now.

Thanks again,
Todd

[cabinetman]

In getting a "worn" look, what you see in the worn areas will depend on what you use. Using a primer over bare wood, may reveal both the primer and bare wood, achieving the "worn look". Using a topcoat may make it look too "new".
.

[Mr__Bill]

November's Popular Woodworking has an article, 'Aging Your Projects Gracefully' that is an interesting discourse in how and where to let the finish wear.

Rather than Poly you may wish to consider wax as a finish.


Bill