Tips on Sanding and Repainting a Kitchen Table

Cleaning

• Before you prepare to sand and paint the kitchen table, clean it with a mild dish soap and warm water. Wipe the table down with a nonabrasive sponge to remove dirt, food and debris. Failure to clean the kitchen table can result in noticeable imperfections after you paint the furniture. Rinse the table with clean water and dry it thoroughly before you prepare to sand the wood.

Paint Remover

• Sanding all the old paint off the table can take a lot of time. Use a paint remover to remove most of the old paint from the kitchen table. Apply the remover in a well-ventilated location, and wear goggles and gloves to protect your health. Paint strippers that you do not have to clean up work best when you are trying to save time. Always read the instructions on the paint remover carefully before you use it to ensure that you apply and remove it properly. Most paint thinners must remain on the surface for several minutes to remove the paint effectively.

Sanding

• The entire surface of a kitchen table needs sanded before you can add a fresh coat of paint. Sanding the kitchen table allows the paint to stick so it does not peel off the surface. Always wear a protective mask and goggles before you use a sander. Use an orbital or belt sander for best results because sanding the table by hand may take a long time. Sand the table in the direction of the grain with 100-grit sandpaper to remove the paint and then use 220-grit paper to finish smoothing the surface. Wipe the dust off the table thoroughly with a tack cloth.

Painting

• Place a drop cloth under the table before you paint, and cover any surrounding furnishings. Apply a primer to the table before you paint it to hide imperfections, and let the primer dry for at least one hour. Apply the desired paint to the wood table with a roller or paintbrush, painting in the direction of the grain. For best results, turn the table over and paint the legs first. After the legs dry, turn the table over and paint the surface. Allow each coat of paint to dry thoroughly before you add a fresh coat. You may need to apply two or more coats of paint to the table. "Real Simple" magazine suggests storing your paintbrush in a plastic bag inside the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out completely.

More Tips

• Before you select paint, choose between oil-based or water-based paints. Oil-based paints are more durable than water-based, but they are difficult to clean off paintbrushes and other surfaces. People prefer to use water-based acrylic paints because they are easier to clean. Select a paint color that matches your kitchen decor. If you cannot decide on a paint color, select a neutral black, brown or gray. Bright colors may make your kitchen table look more inviting than dark and dreary shades. Take your time when painting the kitchen table to prevent streaks, and allow the table to dry thoroughly before you use it.