Chip and Chic

Via Real Simple, you no longer have to strip the paint off your chipping furniture to refurbish it. Confused?

Essentially, it's the recipe to keep the original color of paint on a stool, chair or accent piece you adore with a little sandpaper and primer.

Ingredients:

• One gallon Ace Royal Touch Interior Alkyd Enamel Undercoater (about $40, acehardware.com for store locations)
• One gallon Behr High-Gloss latex (shown in Citrus Blast; $24, homedepot.com for store locations)
• Regular or foam paintbrush (prices vary, at hardware stores)
• One pack 100-grit or 220-grit sandpaper (about $4 each at hardware stores)

How To:

1. If the paint is peeling or uneven as a result of multiple coats, give the entire surface a light once-over with 100-grit sandpaper to smooth rough edges and create a uniform surface. If the old paint is in good condition, with no flaking or bumps, use 220-grit sandpaper to rough up the smooth finish a bit so the new paint will stick. Vacuum up all the residual grit, or wipe it off with a clean cloth.
2. Apply a single, uniform coat of primer with either a regular or foam paintbrush and let dry. Many brands recommend waiting up to 24 hours before painting.
3. When the primer is dry, use a clean brush to apply the first coat of paint. Let it dry for at least two hours, then apply a second coat and let it dry (two coats are generally the minimum needed for a nice, even finish)
4. For furniture with intricate carving or thin spindles, consider using a spray primer and a high-gloss spray paint after sanding.