How to Make Tables Black

Table Preparation

• 1

  Place the table on a tarp to protect the work area from chemical strippers. Make sure you are also working in a dust- and hair-free environment. Particulates can ruin a new surface.

• 2

  Apply a coat of paint and varnish stripper to all surfaces to remove the current paint or glossy finish. Strippers will not remove the stain from the wood, only the surface coating. Let the stripper sit on the table for the time prescribed by the stripper manufacturer, usually 20 to 30 minutes.

• 3

  Scrape off the old finish with a metal scraper. Apply a neutralizing agent as recommended by the stripper manufacturer. You could also wash the table with an equal mixture of vinegar and water followed by washing with a mild detergent and water. Let the table dry.

• 4

  Sand the table with 120-grit sandpaper, following the wood grain. Sweep the dust off the table with a brush, or vacuum up the debris with a shop vacuum. Wipe the table down with a tack rag. Now sand the table with 220-grit sandpaper, following the wood grain. Clean up the sanding dust and wipe the table with a tack rag. Finally, sand the table with 400-grit sandpaper, following the wood grain. Sweep away sanding dust and wipe the table with a tack rag.

Black Stain

• 5

  Dip a foam applicator into an all-in-one black stain and polyurethane, and apply a coat to the table. Let the table dry for eight to 10 hours.

• 6

  Turn the table over and apply a coat of all-in-one black stain and polyurethane. Let the underside of the table dry for eight to 10 hours.

• 7

  Set the table right side up and apply a second coat of all-in-one black stain and polyurethane. Let the table dry for eight to 10 hours. Add up to four coats of all-in-one black stain and polyurethane to deepen the color.

Black Paint

• 8

  Dip a foam applicator in black tinted primer. Apply a coat of primer to the table. Let the black tinted primer dry for three to four hours. Turn the table upside down and apply a coat of primer to the underside of the table. Let the primer dry for three to four hours.

• 9

  Paint a coat of black paint to the underside of the table and let the paint dry for three to four hours.

• 10

  Place the table right side up. Lightly sand primer drips and high spots with 600-grit sandpaper. Wipe the surface with a tack rag to pick up dust.

• 11

  Dip a foam brush into black paint and apply the paint to the table. Let the paint dry for four to five hours. Lightly sand high spots and paint drips with 600-grit sandpaper. Wipe the surface with a tack rag to remove dust. Apply up to six coats of paint to darken the black color. Let each coat dry completely and sand the table if necessary between applications.