Preparation

• Before beginning your work, remove any hardware from the piece of furniture you're going to paint. If you plan to create an opaque white finish, you can paint directly over the original surface after sanding it lightly. The purpose of the sanding is to rough up the surface so that the paint will adhere better; there's no need to sand off all the previous stain or paint unless it is marred by pits or other imperfections that would show through the new finish. Use any sandpaper that you have on hand; for this job, the grit isn't important. After sanding, wipe the piece down with a clean tack cloth to remove any dust left behind.
  
  If you prefer a lighter white finish that allows the wood grain to show through, you need to start with bare wood by removing all the previous finish. Chemical strippers can help you take off either paint or stain. Sanding is likely to be needed after the stripper is used. Use 120-grit sandpaper to remove any remaining traces of the old finish, then follow with 220-grit to smooth the wood surface. Sand with the grain and take care not to leave uneven spots or swirl marks, which will show up through a light coating of paint.
  
  

Painting

• Use latex interior paint for your furniture; it has less odor and dries faster than exterior paint. The sheen you choose will depend on the look you want. Gloss paint is dramatic and can be cleaned easily, but it also highlights surface flaws. Semi-gloss offers less shine but is more forgiving when the surface isn't perfect. It also cleans well. Satin has a medium sheen and is cleanable. Lowes.com recommends either semi-gloss or satin for painting furniture.
  
  For an opaque white surface, first apply a water-based enamel primer, followed by two coats of paint. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. To keep drips to a minimum, don't allow paint to collect on your brush. The finished product will look better if the paint is applied in thin coats rather than heavy glops. If you want to protect your newly painted surface, apply two coats of polyurethane, sanding lightly between coats.
  
  For a transparent coating of white, thin your paint with water before applying it. Brush the paint onto a small area and consider the effect. If the paint is still too thick, wipe some of it off with an old cloth until you get the look you want. Continue working this way, one small area at a time, making sure that your finish is uniform. Allow to dry and apply polyurethane if desired for more protection.