How to paint maple end tables?

Question

I would like to paint over maple end tables. I would like them to be like a mint green with a shade darker for the legs. What is a good way to do this?

Cynthia H · Answer

First, clean them really well -odds are there are layers of wax and dirt that needs to be scrubbed off. Then, after it dries check the finish. You may be dealing with an old varnish or other finish that you want to remove. Sanding and/or stripper will take care of that. I like to use steel wool (not the kitchen kind, but, the stuff you can buy in the paint aisle, and wear gloves). It really helps take the finish down so you can get a nice smooth surface. If you take it down to that level, basically the wood, you can use any good paint that is water based. That way, you can coordinate the colors you want to use. If you want to use chalk paint, you mix the shades you want using the larger paint samples that you can get at the big stores (like Lowes or Home Depot - although they will also mix you a sample of any color you show them, if you want to use that paint) and a good home recipe (search chalk paint on this forum and you will get tons of ideas). I like the chalk paint they have at Walmart and adjust the color by mixing it with a lighter or darker color of chalk paint or latex paint in another container until I get the shade I want. If you do this, make sure you have enough to do the whole area you want to paint, because if you have to mix more, it may not come out the same. Have fun, and remember it's paint and can be removed or sanded back down if you don't love it once you start. Have fun!

Shari · Answer

For paint, the easiest thing to do is pick 2 shades of mint from a single paint strip and buy a quart of each in latex (water-based) interior paint, although I would suggest buying the sample size of each color first, to make sure you like the colors before you invest money in the quart sizes. It might help you to know paint dries darker than it appears when it is wet. For instructions on prep of the tables and painting, follow the instructions the HT members suggested when you posted this question before. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/furniture/q-i-have-maple-end-tables-that-i-want-to-paint-a-kindof-mint-green-like-10312786

Nancy Pence · Answer

Read up on HEIRLOOM TRADITIONS CHALK TYPE PAINT or DIY CHALK TYPE PAINT!

Janet Pizaro · Answer

First you need to strip the existing finish.Then what kind of paint do you want to use?Only you can decide of the look you are trying to achieve.My suggestion is to go on behr .com for color inspiration. They give you alot of ideas for all projects.

Kendra Kazimir McCourt · Answer

After you paint them - make sure you seal them! Especially if they are going to be used a lot. I just chalk painted wood cabinets and sealed them with regular polycrylic - but going back over with varathena high traffic sealer.

Eileen · Answer

Try this site. http://www.hometalk.com/hashtags?filter=%23bookshelf

Linda · Answer

I recommend chalk paint. Very little sanding (if at all) and waxing them so easy,

How to paint maple end tables?

I have maple end tables that I want to paint a kind of mint green

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How to paint maple end tables?

I have maple end tables that I want to paint a kind of mint green

Suggested Project Book