Painting An Oak Chair

[smurfchops]

I have an old fairly dark oak chair that is upholstered . I want to paint (colour wash) the legs to make it lighter. How do I go about this, what paint should amuse, and do I paint directly into the oak? I am thinking Of sandpapering it down first.

[Old_Geezer]

You can get bleach-like solutions from DIY sheds for lightening wood.

[The Builder]

Unless you really want a colour, then OG's idea is a good one.

For colourwash, even ordinary water-based emulsion can be used.
The real essential is the primer.
Your oak chair will most likely be finished with some kind of stain or varnish. Over-painting varnished timber is fine with a good isolating primer (eg Zinssner Bullseye or Zinssner B-I-N.)

Definitely rub down for two reasons.
1 Removes the shine that could prevent the paint from adhering properly
2 Removes grease and dirt that could also affect adhesion.

[smurfchops]

Thank you both :)