7 Common Mistakes Made Painting Kitchen Tables
That old kitchen table has become an eyesore with all its dings, scuffs, and scratches. Instead of ditching it at the curb, why not paint it? Painting a kitchen table is not as difficult as you may think. Although it is a fairly straightforward process, there are some common mistakes made painting kitchen tables. Before you grab a paintbrush and dive right in, continue reading, so you will be prepared to avoid common mistakes
7 Painting Mistakes You Should Avoid
Although it may seem easy to slap some paint on a table and call it a day, there are actually some steps that need to be carried out precisely. Knowing the right finish for kitchen table and avoiding mistakes will help to ensure your table looks beautiful after it is painted.
1. One of the biggest mistakes people make when painting their kitchen table is not turning it over to paint the underside first. You may think this is unnecessary because it will be hidden, but this is not always true. From certain angles, an unpainted underside will show and could end up making the entire project look undone. Always turn the table upside down and paint the bottom first.
2. Another common mistake people make is not using the right paint for the surface they are painting. Although chalk paint is a popular choice right now in home décor, it is not always the best option for high-traffic areas, such as kitchen tables. In this instance, it would be better to use a high-quality latex or oil-based paint for the best results. These paints are more likely to stand up to daily abuse without peeling.
3. If you attempt to paint your kitchen table without using any type of primer, you will end up with a mess. Kitchen tables must be primed or they may not accept the paint properly. It is especially important to use a primer if your wood kitchen table has been stained, as it can sometimes bleed through the paint coats and look unsightly.
4. Another common mistake people make when painting their kitchen table is not preparing the piece first. You cannot expect to paint a table without doing some prep work to ensure the piece will be able to accept the paint. For the best results, the table should be cleaned and any rough spots sanded. Preparation adds time to the process but is critical for the best results.
5. The conditions you paint in can lead to major mistakes. Painting your kitchen table when it is too hot or too humid can result in poor adhesion and bubbling. Painting when the humidity levels are high will result in the table not drying for many days.
6. Yet another common mistake made when painting furniture is not using the correct sealer. There are multiple types of sealers, including paste waxes and polyacrylic. Paste wax is generally not a good choice when it comes to sealing a painted kitchen table. If you want lasting durability, you should plan to use poly for the best level of protection.
7. Although you should undoubtedly paint more than one coat on your kitchen table, you should never rush the process and not allow enough drying time between coats. Ideally, you should wait three to four hours or more before applying a second coat.
Protect Yourself While Painting
Many people make the mistake of not protecting themselves properly when they are attempting to paint. You should protect yourself according to your kitchen need. At a bare minimum, plan on the following forms of protection.
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Old clothes
Conclusion
Once you have picked out the perfect faucet, stove, and sink, it is time to consider painting your kitchen table to make it more beautiful. When painting any piece of furniture, you need to remember it takes, on average, around thirty days for a painted piece to completely cure. Even though it may be dry to the touch, this does not mean it will not become dinged and damaged if the paint is not cured.
Now, you know how to avoid common mistakes made painting kitchen tables. With the above tips, you can become a pro at painting furniture.