if they're damaged and you can't repair the finish, it's generally no harm to paint or refinish them.

depending on the age of the ladderback, and the condition, you may want to talk to an appraiser before deciding. some chairs are valuable in any condition just because of the age.

Your comment and advice is greatly appreciated!

Are these antique English black oak ladder back chairs, or reproduction yellow oak? The first, I wouldn't paint, the second, paint away.

I know that my chairs aren't old antiques, although I got them when I was married 38 years ago. They are probably reproductions, made of yellow oak. I have decided that value is all in the eye of the beholder and person using the items. I believe I will enjoy them much more and that they will be just as valuable to me painted as they are with natural finish! Thank you so much for your comments. they helped me decide what I want to do with them. Now, can someone give me an idea what kind of paint will hold up best? Should they be professionally finished at our custom cabinet shop or will the finish last if I paint myself at home?

If you have access to a professional paint job, that would probably be best, however, I painted some reproduction Windsor chairs a few years ago and they've held up well. I sanded the old finish with fine grade sandpaper to get off any sheen and then went over them with steel wool. I wiped them down really well and then sprayed them with a reddish brown primer, then a couple of top coats of black. I used a 0000 steel wool to age the finish a little so some of the red would show through. I recently had to touch up the back of the legs where my grandson's cars hit, but I just took them outside and hit them with the spray paint. They look perfect. I would use white or grey primer for white chairs. You will enjoy them with a fresh new look, good luck!