Painting a mahogany chest of drawers

[Cherry4169]

Hi guys,

I do lots of diy, and have painted plenty of pine and light woods, but I need some advice on painting a mahogany chest of drawers.

Its rather old and has seen better days, lots of dents and character and extremely dark. Its in a room where all the furniture is light, and I'd like to paint it white. Yes, I know people are probably screaming, but it makes more sense than buying a new one. Its an antique, but not in good condition. I'd like to paint it white and then distress it slightly, so the mahogany shows through in some areas. Any distressing I've done successfully in the past, has been done with emulsion on light woods. It doesn't work too well with eggshell as it doesn't rub off neatly it just tears off in strips.

Can any experts tell me what I should use. At the moment I have just given it a light sanding, but I'm not sure what is on there at present, as every time I clean it down, the cloth goes very brown, so I don't think its normal varnish. Could it be french polish? Any ideas please as to the next step? Before I'm attacked, the chest has too much damage to be left as it is, but its better than buying new wood, and I think everything should be recycled.

 

[LJW61]

As well as sanding down all over you could then rub down thoroughly with a coarse cloth 'soaked' in cellulose thinners , this will remove any residue of wax or polish allowing the paint coat(s) to properly adhere.. Eggshell should be fine for 'distressing' with coarse wire wool.
Slightly 'off-white' might look less harsh