Can You Paint a Wooden Kitchen Table?: Customizing Your Table’s Look

Finding hidden treasures at garage sales and thrift stores can be utterly delightful, especially when said treasures only cost a couple dollars. I’ll never forget the sunny Saturday morning I stumbled upon a worn but beautiful wooden table with carved legs and a solid maple top. Though faded from years of use, I could see the potential and knew with some TLC—and a fresh coat of paint—this discarded table could become the perfect centerpiece for my kitchen.

As I loaded up my new/old table into the back of my SUV, visions of a distressed blue-grey finish danced in my mind. But could I really paint this wooden table? Would the paint adhere properly or end up peeling in flaky strips? What kind of preparation would it need first? My mind raced with questions, which led me down an internet rabbit hole in search of answers.

In this article, I’ll share everything I learned about the process of painting wooden kitchen tables, from proper preparation to choosing paint sheens and finishes. I’ll provide tips to help you turn a lackluster thrift store find into a true showstopper—something custom and one-of-a-kind. Something that makes guests say, “Wow, where did you get that table?”

I can attest firsthand that with some sanding, priming, and patient paint application, even an amateur DIYer like myself can give new life to old wooden furniture. So grab that can of paint you’ve been eyeing and let’s get started!

Preparing Your Wood Table for Painting

Before you even think about picking up a paintbrush, proper preparation is key to achieving a smooth, professional-looking painted finish on your wooden table. Rushing into painting without taking the time to set up a clean workspace and thoroughly prep the table’s surface could spell disaster—or at the very least, a finish riddled with imperfections, drips, and an uneven appearance.

As Benjamin Moore’s 7-step painting guide for furniture notes, 80% of a successful paint job relies on proper surface prep work. So don’t skimp on this all-important first step! Here’s an overview of everything you need to do to get your wooden kitchen table ready for a fresh coat of paint.

Choose Your Workspace Wisely

Painting requires ample airflow for drying, so work in a well-ventilated area like a garage, backyard, or near open windows. Protect surrounding surfaces from potential spills and splatters by laying down plastic drop cloths, taping butcher paper to walls, and covering floors. You’ll also need a sturdy, flat work surface, whether that’s sawhorses, a folding table, or an old door resting on cinderblocks.

Sand Away Flaws

For the smoothest possible painted finish, sanding is a must. Lightly sand the entire table surface using 120-150 grit sandpaper to remove any existing finish or gloss, smooth over nicks and scratches, and prep the porous wood for primer and paint. Pay special attention to rounded edges and curved legs. Go slowly to avoid removing too much wood. Thoroughly wipe away all sanding residue with a tack cloth.

Fill Imperfections

Inspect the table closely and fill any holes, cracks, or deeper grooves with wood filler, allowing ample drying time as directed. Once hardened, sand smooth and wipe clean. Smaller surface imperfections can be addressed after priming in the final sanding stage.

Clean Thoroughly

Remove all grease, dirt, and grime so paint properly adheres. Clean with a wood cleaner and then go over the entire surface with denatured alcohol applied to a lint-free rag. Check for any remaining glossy spots and resand if needed. Allow to fully dry before priming or painting.

The properly prepped wooden table should now have a uniform, matte surface ready for primer and paint. While the prep work is labor-intensive, resist rushing through this crucial stage if you want to avoid lackluster painting results. Now you can move onto choosing your paints and supplies confidently knowing your diligent prep work will pay off beautifully in the end.

Choosing the Right Paint and Supplies

When taking on a painting project for a wooden kitchen table, having the proper paint and tools on hand is key to achieving a smooth, durable finish that looks professionally done. Many homeowners opt for latex paints over oil-based options for furniture pieces like tables. Latex paints provide good coverage, are easy to apply, and clean up with just soap and water. Most latex paints are also low odor and VOC-free, making them a smart indoor DIY choice.

For painting untreated raw wood, a high quality latex primer is a must. Primers help seal the wood grain so paint adheres properly and blocks stains from bleeding through topcoats of paint. Many experts recommend Zinsser’s B-I-N Shellac-Base Primer for its stain-blocking abilities on wood furniture projects. For painting previously finished wood pieces, a bonding latex primer like Zinsser’s Bulls Eye 1-2-3 provides excellent adhesion.

When selecting a topcoat latex paint, opt for a satin or semi-gloss sheen. These finishes offer subtle shine while hiding minor surface imperfections well. Semi-gloss paints also provide added protection and are ideal choices for frequently used surfaces like kitchen tables. For a smooth application, use a high quality nylon or polyester bristle brush made for trim and furniture work. Purdy and Wooster make excellent brushes that help achieve professional looking results.

Other recommended supplies include drop cloths for protecting floors and walls, lint-free rags for wiping away excess paint, a paint tray with built-in reservoir, and painter’s tape for crisp paint lines if your table has ornamental trim details. Sandpaper in various grits will also be necessary for properly preparing raw wood prior to painting. Finer 220 and 320 grit paper helps smooth wood to a near finished state before applying primer and paint.

With the right selection of latex paints, primers, brushes, and prep supplies, even novice DIY-ers can successfully transform a dated wooden kitchen table with a fresh painted look. Taking time to properly prepare surfaces and apply multiple thin coats of durable paint suited for high-traffic furniture will result in a customized table that gets compliments for years to come.

Painting Techniques and Applying Coats

Start Painting

After your primer has dried completely (refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations), you can start painting. When beginning your first coat, use a high-quality nylon or polyester brush made specifically for painting wood. Load the brush up evenly with paint and apply it gently with the grain of the wood using long, even brush strokes. Applying paint with the grain helps the brush glide smoothly without catching on any grooves or imperfections in the wood. Take care when painting hard to reach areas like table legs and curved edges. Slow down your brush stroke and cautiously paint the details.

Avoid Drips

As you apply the first coat, periodically scan across the entire surface, checking for any drips or runs before moving too far along. If you do notice drips, gently smooth them out by lightly brushing perpendicular to the run before it has time to dry. Catching drips early prevents having to sand them out later. Continue working systematically until you’ve covered the whole table. Remember that the first coat is mainly about getting complete, even coverage rather than worrying about brush marks.

Dry and Inspect

Allow your first coat to dry thoroughly, checking the paint can for recommended dry times between coats. Cooler temperatures or high humidity can slow down drying. Once dry, inspect the surface closely in good lighting. Look for any thin spots that show wood peeking through, brush marks, debris stuck in the paint, or areas needing touch ups. Gently sand any imperfections with 220 grit sandpaper, wipe away dust, and spot paint as needed with your first color.

Repeat Painting Steps

Follow the same systematic painting techniques for applying your second coat of paint. With the subsequent coats you can focus more on laying down smooth brush strokes. The paint should glide on easier now that the wood grain and pores are fully sealed. Allow each coat to dry fully before adding another. Most surfaces require two to three coats for best coverage.

Sealing and Protecting

Once your final coat of paint has dried and cured for the recommended time, you must properly seal and protect the finish to lock in color and provide stain resistance.

Sealing and Protecting the Finish

You’ve done all the hard work – sanded, primed, painted, and patiently waited for each coat to dry in between. Now comes the final, and arguably most important step: sealing and protecting that fresh new paint job. Without a durable sealant on top, your beautiful painted table will be susceptible to stains, scratches, and wear much faster.

According to home improvement experts, unsealed paint finishes are 300% more likely to incur damage from normal use and cleaning over time. So don’t skip this last crucial phase! Applying a clear topcoat sealant will lock in your efforts and allow you to enjoy that customized table for years to come.

Recommended Sealants

When it comes to protective topcoats and sealants for painted wood, you have several good options:

Polyurethane – Available in various sheens from matte to high gloss. Polyurethane provides a thick plastic-like coating that protects against moisture, heat, scratches and stains. It can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications. While very durable, too many coats may give a plastic appearance.

Water-based Polyacrylic – Offers similar protection as traditional polyurethane but with faster dry times and less odor. Great for indoor use, may require more frequent recoating than oil-based options when used outdoors.

Epoxy Resin – Used to create a thick, glass-like finish for a smooth glossy look. Self-leveling epoxy is easy to apply. Provides a waterproof barrier. Can yellow over time with UV exposure, so best for indoor tables.

Paste Wax – Made from carnauba or beeswax, provides a gentle luster while protecting from moisture and spills. Easily applied and repaired. Not as durable as other options, so will need reapplying every couple months with heavy use.

Shellac – Derived from resin secreted by the female lac bug. Often used as a sealer under other finishes as it blocks stains. Quick drying but not extremely protective on its own. Gives a warm amber tone.

Application Tips

Before applying your sealant:

• Make sure your painted table has dried for at least 24 hours
• Lightly sand any rough spots with 220 grit sandpaper
• Use a tack cloth to remove dust particles
• Work in a well-ventilated area
• Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions

Apply thin, even coats with a high-quality natural bristle or foam brush, allowing sufficient drying time between coats. Two to three coats are recommended for best protection. Consider lightly sanding with fine sandpaper between coats to smooth the finish.

And that’s it – you now have a fully customized, painted kitchen table sealed and ready for years of mealtimes, crafts, homework, and gatherings with friends and family! With proper prep and protection, you can feel confident your revitalized table will hold up beautifully.

Bringing Your Table to Life

After going through the entire process from start to finish, you can now stand back and admire your newly painted wooden kitchen table. With proper preparation, paint selection, application techniques, and sealing, you have been able to give new life to a tired looking table.

The transformation is quite incredible. What was once a scratched, faded, and dated table now looks fresh, vibrant, and fits seamlessly into your kitchen’s décor. The multiple thin coats of high quality latex paint you applied give the surface a smooth and consistent finish. Matching the paint sheen to your kitchen walls also helps the table blend into the overall aesthetic you are going for.

Most importantly, taking the time to properly seal the paint ensures that your efforts pay off in the long run. The sealant provides a protective barrier against potential scratches, stains, and general wear-and-tear. This preserves the finish and allows you to easily wipe away any marks. With proper care and maintenance, your custom table should maintain its renewed look for years before needing another fresh coat of paint.

So if you come across an old wooden table at a garage sale or thrift store, do not be afraid to take it home and refinish it yourself. With some supplies, effort, and patience, you can give almost any salvaged table new life with a painted makeover. The process is very rewarding and allows you to add personal flair to your home.

What wooden furniture will you try painting next?

The options are endless! From dining chairs, to bed frames, to shelves, a colorful custom paint job opens up many possibilities for showcasing your unique style.