how to refinish mdf that has been lacquered?

[vouvoune]

hi, I bought this really cool desk made by a design student. The shape is really neat but they did such a sloppy job lacquering it (in black), there are bumpbs and drips ALL over. I would like to have a more even look and turn it into an antique white color but since there is MDF underneath people said I wouldn't be able to sand it...I have no idea how to proceed as I am handy but dont know much about woodworking. I would appreciate any help...Thanks, Vanessa

[masoth]

G'day Vanessa. I can't answer your query but I can welcome you to the board and assure you some one will offer a remedy. This is a beaut site for getting answers.

soth

[durwood]

You can sand the lacquer down even if you rub through to the MDF it won't hurt it. Just make the surface smooth don't use sand paper that is too coarse if you can help it. If the lacquer is rough and hard to rub start with a coarse paper to get the bumps and drips flat and then finish with fine paper

Pick the type of paint you want to use( and follow the instructions for it) to do it antique white, use a sealer and then the recommended primers for that paint, the smoother you have the surface the better the final result.

[Master Splinter]

Just keep in mind if it is an unusual shape (not the sort of shape you would associate with wood) that it may also be bogged (polyester filler) to create the shape. (design students are good at design...not necessarily at construction!)

Work from 120 grit to 300 grit, and you can use a few spray cans to refinish (remember to use undercoat to kill the absorption of the MDF if you have sanded through)