1/13    I just bought an piece of unfinished wood furniture (night
        stand). It's plywood-like, and I'd like to finish it myself
        by having it painted flat black like the rest of my furniture.
        I haven't done this stuff in awhile, so what should I do to
        finish it properly? I know it'll involve sanding (multiple times?)
        and then painting it. Should I use a primer too? If anyone
        can give me details on any of these steps, I'd appreciate it.
        Thanks.
        \_ Sand it lightly just to set up the surface, then clean off any
           sawdust.  You shouldn't need primer.  You probably want 3 coats
           of paint, with a light sanding between each if you want to get
           pedantic about it.  -tom
        \_ plywood has too many holes, use a primer then paint
        \_ The paint you're going to use should have instructions for different
           types of wood.  Read them.