How to Paint a Wood Kitchen Table

Your kitchen table holds many memories but it may not fit with your latest decorating scheme. Whether you have your grandmother’s oak table or one you just purchased from a thrift store, giving a wood table a face-lift is as easy as applying a few coats of paint. The hardest part may be deciding on a paint color. Once you have accomplished that and purchased a few basic supplies, you are on your way.

Drop cloth
100-grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
Oil-based primer
Latex paint
Paintbrushes
Polyurethane sealer
Stencil (optional)
Stenciling sponge (optional)
Acrylic stencil paint (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Cover your work surface with a drop cloth. Sand all surfaces gently with 100-grit sandpaper to dull the finish. A light sanding to remove the shine is all that is necessary. Wipe the table completely with a tack cloth to remove any residue from the sanding. If the piece is worn or has a dull finish, this step is not essential.
- 2
  Apply a thin coat of oil-based primer to all surfaces.The primer will likely be thinner in some areas. Don't worry about complete coverage as long as you have painted all surfaces.
- 3
  Apply the first coat of latex paint with a clean paintbrush when the primer is completely dry. Cover the surface with a thin coat of paint for the best finish. Thicker coats of paint will show more brush strokes.
- 4
  Allow the paint to dry for several hours or overnight. Apply a second coat of paint with a clean paintbrush. Follow with additional coats until the table is completely covered and you are satisfied with the finish. Let the paint dry completely.
- 5
  Apply two thin coats of a clear gloss water-based polyurethane sealer over all painted areas. Allow the surface to dry thoroughly between coats. Allow the table to dry for at least 48 hours before using.

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