Painting Onto A Gloss Surface?

[CezzaXV]

Perhaps a bit of a random question, which is why I've posted it in general chat. My room is in the process of being redecorated. My dad has made me a great shelf unit but it's black, which just doesn't match my new wallpaper at all.

I'm wondering if I were to paint it cream, would the paint take? The wood it's made of has some kind of gloss finish to it already, it is not porous at all. The gloss finish is how the wood is, not something that's been applied to it so it won't sand off, though I can try to sand it a bit if it would help the paint adhere. Ideally I'd paint with gloss or satin if I can get it, as I think matt tends to pick up stains.

Anyone here know more than I do?

 

[matt_storey]

Sand it down to rough it up, apply some primer then paint

 

[CezzaXV]

Bah, I don't have any primer. Is it essential or can I get away with not using it?

 

[delta]

Hello there, I'm decorating at the moment so maybe I can be of help. I've tried the 'cheat' method without primer and the primer method and getting hold of some primer (I use a primer/undercoat combination paint from my local DIY store) is definitely worth it, especially since you are painting over a very dark gloss surface. Sanding the shiny surface will give a 'key' for the new paint to stick to oher wise it'll just peel off. It sounds like a bit of a faff but believe me, in the long run it's worth it, especially for something like shelves that might get knocked around a bit when you are putting things on them or removing things from them.

Hope that's of help to you.

 

[CezzaXV]

Okay, I guess I'll have to get hold of some primer.

Thanks for your help guys, it is appreciated.

 

[CezzaXV]

Just wanted to say I'm in the process of painting (I've done 1-2 coats on most of it now, a few bits need another coat) and it's looking good!