Comments on: Sundeleaf’s Painting Tip: Using Black

By: Design Crush: Painted Interior Doors : A Design Story

Design Crush: Painted Interior Doors : A Design Story — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:54:39 +0000

[...] Mackenzie Horan, Exquisite Banana, Design is Mine, Hooked on Houses, Knock Knock Knocking, Painting in Portland, Design is my Muse, Home Designed, Home Go, & Time Worn [...]

By: Kim

Kim — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:33:23 +0000

It looks like this paint comes in black and flat black. Do you have a preference? Also, would it also be appropriate to use the same paint on the interior & exterior of the front/entry door as on the handrails? These photos are stunning and I can hardly wait to start! Thank you for sharing these tips.

By: Sergio Contreras

Sergio Contreras — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:53:12 +0000

I just realized that you responded to my posting! I am so excited. There are so many shades of blacks to choose from, which one do you recommend that you’ve worked with in the past?

By: Chuck

Chuck — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:56:20 +0000

Thanks Sergio. Please see my reply below.

Chuck

By: Chuck

Chuck — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:55:43 +0000

Sergio,
Thanks for writing. Choosing the right paint is critical, especially when you’re working in black. One of my favorite products is Benjamin Moore Satin Impervo – Alkyd C235. http://bit.ly/8ymZXn

This oil-based enamel brushes out beautifully and cures into a durable finish that resists chips & scratches. The sheen is a soft satin look.

This may not be your exact situation, but we’ve painted handrails in many homes where the owners wanted to switch from natural-clear or white-washed oak handrails to black. If you feel comfortable working with solvent-based primers & paints, then try the following:
- Mask the floors, steps and surrounding area.
- Using delicate-blue painters tape mask the top of each baluster.
- Sand the handrail with 180, then 220, sand paper.
- Clean with tack cloths.
- Brush one coat oil-based primer. Ask your paint store to tint the primer gray.
- Allow overnight cure.
- Lightly sand with 220 again (being careful not to “burn through” the primer) and wipe with tack cloths.
- Brush 2 coats Benjamin Moore Satin Impervo. Read the label for application tips and time between coats.

Good luck with your project,
Chuck

By: Sergio Contreras

Sergio Contreras — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:28:12 +0000

I absolutely love the idea of using black and will be definitely consider it as I prepare to paint my interior handrails. The dilemma is which black to use. Do you have one that you could recommend. I am in Connecticut and realized that you are located in Oregon.