Giving a tired old table a fresh new look can seem daunting, but with some sanding, priming, painting and finishing, you can easily refinish a tabletop yourself. Follow these steps to revitalize a tabletop through repainting and refinishing.
Preparing the Surface
Before painting, you need to thoroughly prepare the table surface to ensure the new paint adheres properly.
Remove the existing finish
Use a chemical stripper to remove any existing paint, varnish or other finish from the tabletop. Apply a thick coat of stripper and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before scraping off with a putty knife. Wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
Sand the surface
Once stripped, sand the entire tabletop using 120-150 grit sandpaper to smooth and scuff up the surface. This helps the paint adhere. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain.
Clean away dust
Use a vacuum and tack cloth to remove every speck of dust after sanding before you paint. Dust is the enemy of a smooth finish.
Fill any imperfections
Inspect for imperfections in the wood and fill with wood filler, let dry and sand smooth. Filling gaps and dents ensures a level surface.
Spot prime if needed
For surfaces with stains or wood treatments that may bleed through, spot prime just those areas with an oil-based primer before painting. This prevents discoloration.
Choosing Paint Products
Selecting the right paint and primer is key to achieving a durable and beautiful painted finish.
Pick latex or enamel paint
For most table tops, choose a high-quality latex semi-gloss paint which offers excellent coverage and a subtle sheen. For a higher-gloss look, choose oil-based enamel paint.
Get primer for bare wood
On raw bare wood, first apply a coat of quality primer specifically made for wood. Oil-based is best for bleeding woods like cedar and redwood.
Consider spray cans for efficiency
For small tabletop surfaces, apply primer and paint with spray cans to save time. Use light, even coats allowing drying in between.
Buy adequate quantities
Check the table dimensions and buy enough primer and paint to cover them adequately. Having extra is useful if you need an extra coat.
Prepping and Priming the Table
After proper prep work, use primer to seal and ready the raw wood for accepting paint smoothly.
Sand between coats
Lightly sand wood primer after drying using 220 grit paper to create a super smooth foundation.
Tack cloth before painting
Wipe the table with a sticky lint-free tack cloth after sanding primer to remove every speck of dust. This prevents particles from marring the paint.
Apply two primer coats
For best results, apply two thin coats of high-quality primer allowing proper drying time in between. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check for raised grain
When dry, inspect for any raised woodgrain and lightly sand again. The surface should be pristinely smooth before painting.
Prime table edges and undersides
Don’t forget to apply primer thoroughly on the underside surfaces and all edges of the table, not just the top.
Painting Techniques for a Flawless Finish
Applying the paint properly is essential for achieving a smooth, durable and professional painted tabletop finish.
Stir paint before starting
Always thoroughly mix paint before use and occasionally during use to evenly distribute color pigments.
Use quality applicator
Invest in good quality mini foam rollers and angled paintbrushes made for fine finish work and care for them.
Mind the edges
Use a brush to carefully paint all edges and corners first before rolling the flat surfaces for the best looking finish.
Apply thin coats
Work in thin, even coats of paint using light pressure and smooth strokes, allowing proper drying between coats.
Sand lightly between coats
For the smoothest finish, lightly sand each coat of paint flat with 220 grit once dry to eliminate any drips or debris particles.
Check for full coverage
Inspect the surface after each coat and touch up thin spots as needed to ensure full, even coverage. Better to add extra coats than miss a spot.
Allow paint to cure
Leave painted tabletops untouched for 1-2 weeks after the final coat to fully cure before use. Handle gently until then.
Finishing with Topcoats
Adding clear topcoats over painted tabletops protects the paint and creates extra durability and desired sheens.
Apply fast drying polyurethane
For the toughest protection, use 3-5 coats of a fast drying oil-modified polyurethane, sanding lightly between coats. Allow to fully cure before use.
Consider water-based polycrylic
As a greener low odor alternative, apply 3-4 coats of water-based polycrylic allowing drying time between coats. Sand lightly between coats.
Choose right sheen
Select your desired finish luster ranging from matte to high gloss. Satin or semi-gloss are popular choices for tables.
Spray apply for smoothness
Applying polyurethane with spray cans can provide the smoothest and most professional looking final finish on tabletops.
Finish table edges
Don’t neglect finishing the edges and undersides of the table too for maximum durability.
Tips for Success
Follow these tips and tricks to help your DIY tabletop refinishing project go as smoothly as possible from start to finish.
- Work in a warm, dry and dust-free area.
- Thoroughly stir paint before and during use.
- Follow drying times on product labels.
- Lightly sand between coats for best results.
- Wear gloves and ventilate when using chemicals.
- Work methodically and patiently for best outcome.
- Seal unused paint between coats.
- Finished table will show every imperfection, so take your time prepping.
- Always read and follow safety instructions for products.
- Have painters tape on hand for masking edges.
- Ensure surface is clean before applying any products.
- Use high quality applicators made for fine finish work.
- Allow 1-2 weeks curing time after final topcoat dries before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about refinishing wooden tabletops.
What types of paint work best on wooden tables?
High quality latex and oil-based enamel paints work great for refinishing and repainting wooden tabletops. Make sure to use paints formulated specifically for wood.
Do I need to use primer?
Yes, primer is essential preparation for bare wood before painting to seal the surface and allow for proper paint adhesion. Always prime bare wood.
How many coats of paint and polyurethane do I need?
For both paint and clear topcoats like polyurethane, applying multiple thin coats (3-5) provides the smoothest, most durable result.
How long does it take for paint or polyurethane to fully cure?
Most paints and polyurethanes take 1-2 weeks to fully cure and harden after the final coat is applied before being put into use. Handle gently until completely cured.
Can I use a sprayer to paint a tabletop?
Yes, you can spray paint and finish products onto tabletops using spray guns or spray cans for an efficient and smooth application. Just be sure to apply light coats.
What grit sandpaper should I use when sanding?
Use 120-150 grit sandpaper for initial raw wood preparation, then 220 grit for sanding between coats of primer and paint for a super smooth finish.
How do I get a really smooth painted finish?
Proper sanding between coats, high quality applicators, slow and even brush/roller strokes, and avoiding dust particles are key for smooth tabletop paint results.
Conclusion
Refinishing an old tabletop by repainting and applying new protective topcoats can give the table a stunning makeover while saving it from the landfill. With some careful preparation, patience and proper materials and techniques, you can achieve professional-looking painted finishes. The effort provides new life to tired old wood tables. Follow the steps here to successfully refurbish a tabletop through repainting and refinishing it yourself.