How to Repaint a Lacquer Table

Remove drawers and decorative hardware from the table.

Clean the table and the previously removed drawers, using a mild household cleaner. After cleaning, wipe everything down with a clean, damp cloth to remove residue left behind by the cleaner.

Sand the table using the orbital sander and medium-grade sandpaper. Rather than sanding to bare wood, sanding away just enough of the lacquer to roughen the surface is all that’s necessary here.

Wipe away all sawdust from the table using a clean, damp cloth.

Patch any holes and imperfections with paintable wood filler. Once dry (it will change color), sand lightly until smooth.

Spray the table with at least two light coats of spray-on primer. If there are any bare spots, apply a third coat. Allow the primer to dry for two to three hours.

Apply two or three light coats of interior latex paint to the table, allowing each coat to dry completely before reapplying (typically 24 hours). For the best finish, roll on the paint using smooth, even strokes and do not repeatedly roll over the same area. Be patient and resist the urge to completely cover the surface with one thick coat. Two or three light coats will produce a much better finish than one very thick coat.

Allow the table to dry for at least 36 hours, longer if conditions are cold or humid, before replacing hardware and drawers and another 36 hours before using.