Friday, May 21, 2010

Repaint A Kitchen Table

A set of painted table legs.


Repainting a kitchen table will add new life to your surroundings. Dollar for dollar, painting a room, house or piece of furniture will give the highest return on investment, compared to other alternatives. Achieving professional results is possible with a few tips. The project takes just a couple of days to complete on average. Does this Spark an idea?


Instructions


1. Choose a spot to perform the project. Avoid dusty places and areas with falling debris such as under trees. The debris could fall on the table and contaminate the paint. It is important to choose a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling paint fumes as much as possible.


2. Prepare the work area. Spread out a dropcloth or sheet of cardboard on which to place the table. This will protect the floor while completing the project.


3. Sand the table lightly with sandpaper. The object is not to remove existing paint but to mar or rough up the surface, providing a good surface for the new paint to bond. For tables with several layers of paint, it is a good idea to remove this paint using a quality paint remover or sanding with a rotary sander and 100-grit sandpaper.


4. Patch any holes or crevices with wood putty, using a putty knife to apply the material. Allow it to dry, then sand lightly with sandpaper. Wipe the table down with a clean cotton rag to remove any dust or debris. The table is now ready to paint.


5. Apply a coat of primer to the table with the paintbrush. The primer will seal the table and provide a good surface for the paint to bond. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying the finish paint.


6. Brush on a coat of finish paint to the table, using the paintbrush or mini-roller with a sponge applicator, depending on the desired finsih. Paintbrushes leave brush marks, whereas the mini-roller and sponge applicator will provide a very smooth surface.


7. Allow the paint to dry. The drying time will vary depending on weather conditions but could take up to 24 hours. Apply a second coat of paint using the same method as before and allow it to dry.


8. Clean the paintbrushes or rollers in warm soapy water if you used latex paint. For oil-based paint, use paint thinner or mineral spirits.

Tags: finish paint, good surface, good surface paint, lightly with, lightly with sandpaper, paint bond, paint using