Using latex paint as primer?

[stef]

A lot of projects require a base coat of primer. I have in mind repainting a piece of furniture. Would it be okay to thin down some latex paint I've got on hand and use it as the primer? This is not a piece of heirloom furniture. Just something I want to change the look of.

Stef

[Macybaby]

First question would be what are you painting over?

You may have to sand the furniture to rough up the finish before you paint. If the finish is already a latex paint with no top coating, then I would not worry about primer unless you have a deep color that you are covering up.

If the furniture is stained and finished, or top coated with some sort of finish over the paint, then I would sand it lightly and use a primer that is designed for that. In my experience, the latex paint won't stick as good as the primer for the base coat.

Cathy