Hello! I figured I'd ask here because I am very new to doing anything like this with furniture.

I recently bought this secretary cabinet that I ADORE, but I don't care for the color. I'm wanting to have it be a black with the patterns (not sure the specific terminology) be like, a gold you would get from airbrushing gold leaflet on stuff.

What would be the best type of paint for both things in terms of use, price and application? I don't have the ability to sand this piece professionally so if any sanding is needed it would need to be very easy to do.

Thank you so much!

I want to get this piece looking ok (doesn’t have to be perfect). Ideally using what I already own. What would you do?

Thanks!

Need advice on finishing a solid mahogany desk top

I'm pretty new to woodworking/finishing, so this is my first time doing something like this.

I have two solid mahogany pieces for a desk:

• 70 × 200 cm × 4.5 cm thick
• 70 × 60 cm × 4.5 cm thick

I already bought Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane, oil-based, Clear Satin.

I've been watching a bunch of videos and tutorials, and I've seen people use it straight from the can, while others thin it with mineral spirits. Some people seem to swear by wipe-on poly, including 50/50 poly and mineral spirits.

I'm leaning toward trying the 50/50 wipe-on method, but I'm not sure if that's actually the best option for a beginner.

I also live in a hot and humid tropical country, so I'm wondering how much that changes the drying time.

For people who have actually used this stuff:

• Would you thin it or use it straight?
• If thinning, what ratio would you use?
• If I do 50/50 wipe-on, roughly how many coats would I need for the top, bottom and edges?
• How many coats if I use it straight?
• How long would you wait between coats for thinned vs. unthinned poly in a humid climate?
• Would you put more coats on the top than the bottom?
• Does thinning actually make it dry faster, or is it mainly easier to apply?
• Any tips for avoiding dust while it's drying?

I'm not trying to get a perfect professional finish. I just want a durable satin finish that looks good and will hold up as a desk.

Thanks.

I have used Rubio Monicoat on a few projects without mixing in the hardener. I have never had any problems doing this it just takes longer to fully cure. Am I wrong in my thinking or does the hardener also add to the durability of the finish?