How To Repaint A Wood Table
Repainting can be a fun and easy way to bring new life to just about any wood furniture you wish to refresh and brighten up. When it comes to wood tables, the process of repainting is even easier as opposed to repainting a drawer, for example.
While a drawer or a dresser will require extra preparation (removing knobs and/or other ornaments before painting over), working with the smooth, less intricate design of a wood table makes your mission as a DIYer far more enjoyable.
But how to paint a wood table in the easiest, most well-looking, and least time and energy-consuming way? Personally, I hate sanding. I do have a sander, which is extremely helpful but I can’t stand the dust.
On the other hand, liquid sanders work quickly and efficiently, stripping off any existing finish in a breeze. But even though there is no dust involved, the liquid sanders literally stink (and this gives me a headache).
So we wanted to get you acquainted with a non-toxic, no-sanding or liquid sander method for repainting a wood table.
Did we manage to grab your attention? Great, because it’s time to jump straight to the tutorial below.
What You Will Need To Follow This Tutorial
- Bonding primer
- Milk paint/ Chalk paint
- Paintbrush (it’s best to use 2 different sizes of paint brushes – a larger for the major surface of the wood table and a smaller one for the edges, corners, and curves)
- Drop cloth
- Sealer (such as water-based or oil-based polyurethane)
Pro Tips
1 – You can create a homemade milk paint solution
If you’re that much into all things environmental-friendly and DIY related (just like me!), then you might love making your very own milk paint solution at home. Not only is this method easy but you also get to see exactly what gets in the paint. The materials you need are pretty straightforward and affordable, too. These include lemon, skim milk, a sieve, cheesecloth, and dry color pigments (or crafts’ acrylic paint).
2 – Always double-check the compatibility of the bonding primer
It’s crucial to check the compatibility of the bonding agent with the type of paint you choose. For example, a bonding agent made for latex paint will not work well with milk paint, and vice versa.
What’s more, don’t pinch pennies when it comes to opting for a high-quality bonding agent. Highest grade bonding agents dry faster, provide an even and reliable coverage, a strong bond, increased durability, and nonetheless – they are pretty versatile.
That means once you are done repainting your table, you can reuse the bonding agent left behind to get paint to adhere to glass, metal, or vinyl surfaces.
Step by Step Instructions for Repainting a Wood Table
Step 1 – Prep your work area to avoid paint stains and prep the surface of the wood
Image Credit: houselogic.com
A drop cloth works best for preventing nasty paint stains getting in touch with the surroundings at your work area. However, old newspapers or cheap plastic drop cloths also make a good alternative.
Before you get to repainting the wood table, apply a suitable bonding agent. Always make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and allow the bonding agent time to dry out thoroughly.
Step 2 – Apply a good layer of paint making even, controlled strokes
Image Credit: woodenhomefurniture.com
Once the bonding agent has dried out completely, you can get straight to the fun part. It’s high time to give that wood table a colorful boost. Chalk paint and milk paint require a different method of application for best results.
Thus, you want to follow the instructions on the label of the product you are working with to get the effect you wish. Homemade milk paint should be applied with even strokes, waiting for each coat of paint to dry before applying another one.
Finally, you can seal the paint with a sealer of your choice. Both polyurethane, as well as Polycrylic finishes, are fully compatible with milk paint, as well as chalk paint. What’s best, you can choose the type of finish which matches your taste best: fully matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss.
What a wonderful ride, don’t you agree? We hope you enjoyed reading this tutorial just as much as we did enjoy compiling it. Your questions, tips, and suggestions are more than welcome in the comment section below. Don’t forget to show us your support by hitting the Like and Share button.
