How to Paint an Oak Curio Cabinet Black

Take off all doors and drawers from the oak curio cabinet. Remove the hinges, door pulls and knobs with a screwdriver. Place the curio cabinet onto a large piece of painter's tarp.

Sand the entire piece of furniture using medium grit sanding paper. Rub the sandpaper in the direction of the curio cabinet's oak wood grain. Wipe off any dust created with a damp rag.

Pour black bonding primer into a mini paint tray. Roll on the bonding primer using a foam mini roller -- again, in the direction of the oak wood grain. Do not apply pressure when rolling. Even, solid strokes are all that is necessary. Allow the bonding primer to dry.

Pour eggshell or satin black latex paint into the paint tray. Begin to roll on coats of black paint. Wait about four hours between each coat of paint. Sand between each coat of paint with extra-fine sandpaper. Use a small paintbrush to paint hard-to-reach areas.

Add a coat or two of water-based polyurethane for additional protection. The topcoat is also rolled on. Do not be alarmed if there is a cloudy look when using the polyurethane. This often disappears once the topcoat dries.

Put doors and drawers back onto the curio cabinet. Do not clean the cabinet for 30 days to allow paint to fully cure and dry.