My father died in 1997. He was an antique dealer in the Maryland/DC area for years, and upon his death I inherited a collection of antique furniture, mostly 150 - 200 years old, all in the "original painted finish". Most of the furniture is colorful, and it all looks well-used, but from what I'm told, that fact simply makes this type of furntirue more desireable to collectors. I'm currently in the midst of what's going to be an ugly divorce, and I'm having to use all available sources of funds, so it's time to sell Dad's stuff. Any advice on how to go about doing that? What's the best way to proceed? Anybody know any contacts in Mississippi?

We got a few hand me down furniture, but we want to change the colors. I know spray paint will be easier, but will it be better to paint it with a brush? We dont plan on having these items for a long period, just untill we save for new ones, so life time quality is not an issue. These items are not of a solid wood or any other good quality material that would be ruined by repainting, so this is not an issue either.

I've been planning on putting some personality into my father's plain beige and white kitchen. He has wall to wall white appliances and assorted cupboards that could really use some color. I was thinking about hand-painting and sealing the furniture, but I'm not sure what I can do with the appliances. Contact paper and stickers are not on my list of things to use. I'd like to give the appliances new faces and paint all visible sides. Some appliances get quite warm, especially when the kitchen is warmed in general from cooking. What kind of paint could I use to fully paint all visible outside parts of appliances (refridgerator, microwave, toaster, possibly the washer's front and top, thinking about the metal ceiling lamp as well) and still have them safe to use? I need a paint that will resist getting marked up or dulling, something that can withstand some heat and a good surface-cleaner wipe down. Any ideas? I would really appreciate any advice or experiences you have about this! - Sam

I have just brought a second hand chair Louis XVI style chair, it was recovered about 15 years ago and is good condition but needs painting. I have no idea how to hand paint furniture, a few people have told me to put a good quality paint like Farrel and Ball or Laura Ashley paint to paint with (just a normal matt emulsion) and then to use some kind of a wax afterwards. What does the wax do? Maybe to stop that ‘raw’ paint feel? Or preserve it ?If anyone has any ideas or suggestions I’d be very grateful. I am going to paint it a white or cream colour. Sorry I meant to type Farrow and Ball paint. Sorry I should have added that the chair has actually got fabric on it (the seat part) so spray painting might not work? What type of paint should I buy?