How to Paint an Oak Table

Painting a table is a good way to give an old table a face lift or make a table match your decor. Most tables are relatively easy to paint, but oak tables need an extra step because they have such a coarse grain. You need to use a grain filler to smooth the grain of the wood so the paint goes on smoothly. Once you have finished the job, the table will look like new. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Wash the table with your usual cleaner, rinse it, and dry it thoroughly.

2

Rub the entire table with medium-coarse steel wool.

3

Sand the table with medium-fine sandpaper.

4

Wipe all the dust off the table.

5

Apply a transparent paste filler to the table according to the manufacturer's directions. Use a paint brush to apply it, and then rub it into the wood by working against the grain and then going back and working with the grain. Allow it to dry for 48 hours.

6

Apply a coat of primer to the table using a bristle paintbrush. Allow it to dry 24 hours.

7

Paint the table with the paint of your choice and a bristle brush. Allow it to dry 24 hours and then apply a second coat. Brush the paint with very fine sandpaper after each coat.

8

Apply enamel in the same color as the underlying paint. Use a bristle brush and work with the grain, against the grain and with the grain. Allow it to dry 48 hours and repeat.