How to Redo a Kitchen Table

If you are lucky enough to own an old kitchen table or to find one at a flea market or rummage sale, you have a diamond in the rough. Old furniture is a popular trend in budget decorating. The money you will save makes it worth the time and effort to spruce up an old table with a fresh coat of paint. You can preserve its old-fashioned charm and have an updated piece of furniture that will be the focal point of the kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Use a sponge sander to rough up the surface of the table top and legs. Sand lightly -- it is not necessary to remove all of the paint or stain. Wipe the table down with a tack cloth to remove the sanding dust.

2

Turn the table upside down on the drop cloth. Use a foam paintbrush to apply an oil-based primer with a sealer to the table legs. Let the primer dry thoroughly.

3

Turn the table right side up. Apply primer to the table top with a foam paintbrush. Let the primer dry thoroughly.

4

Turn the table upside down on the drop cloth. Use a foam paintbrush to paint the table legs. Apply two or three coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely between applications.

5

Turn the table right side up. Paint the table top using either a foam paintbrush or a paint roller, for smooth surfaces. Apply two or three coats of paint. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next coat.

6

Apply water-based polyurethane to the entire table, using a foam paintbrush or synthetic bristle paintbrush. Allow the polyurethane to dry. Lightly sand the table with extra-fine sandpaper. Wipe off the sanding dust with a tack cloth. Apply a second coat of polyurethane in the same manner, letting it dry, then sanding and wiping the table with the tack cloth. Apply a third coat of polyurethane. Let the finish cure for several days before using the table.