I am getting ready to finish a carved rocking horse (from plans from http://www.rockinghorse.co.uk/). It is bass wood with poplar legs on a walnut swing stand. <!—-><!—->
I want a good durable painted finish. <!—->
To seal the wood I am using Bin Shellac white primer. Works well on the bare wood, but is not really easy to sand. Here is the question – could I use automotive primer on top if it (i.e. the grey stuff that is so nice to sand)?<!—->
What would you recommend for a (painted) topcoat? Oil based? Lacquer based? The paint need to be durable, and yet somewhat soft since the wood is so soft.<!—->
I have spray equipment, brushes, etc.<!—->
Replies
If you are concerned about safety, I assume you know any readily available paint these days is "child safe."
Personally, for something like this I would prefer an alkyd (oil) paint -- because I think it is more durable, I like the resultant surface finish, and if you chose, there are some very vivid colors available.
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"I tend to live in the past because most of my life is there."
-- Herb Caen (1916-1997)
HI,
Painted mine with bog standard oil-based interior gloss paint. I never got around to a saddle, so it has bee ridden bareback for about 6 years and has stood up well. There are some knock on some of the corners, but the best paint in the world won't stop a sword stike scratching the finish. Undercoat was a 'gesso' made with PVA and plaster of paris (done on a local recommendation - I would not recommend this to anyone) followed by primer, undercoat ant top coats to manufacturers spec.
I used Latex Enamel paint on the one I made for the grandbabies... VERY thin multiple coats.. Very light sanding between coats.. Each coat was left to dry about a week.. Then onto more coats... All I got is time!
All hardwood... They are pretty rough for girls but has held up really well...
I used Rust Oleum American Accents.. Limited colors but worked out well....
EDIT:: I forgot.. On the can said safe for children's toys and furniture...
Edited 6/29/2005 3:28 pm ET by Will George
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