small tables to paint

Debra
by Debra
I have a few small tables that I would like to paint but am not sure what I should do with them. Can someone give me some ideas? One of them can extend and I have opened one side so that you could see that. I now they are not anything very special but I am just learning to paint and want to do this. One of them is a serving cart with a glass top that I think is really nice. What would you do???
Thank you
daubin56@yahoo.com
  11 answers
  • CC CC on Oct 22, 2012
    I'd use chalk paint in fun colors, that way you don't have to sand or prime. There are some great examples on Hometalk and Pinterest. There are lots of Youtube videos on how to apply the paint. It's great paint for the beginner, so relax and have fun.
  • Debra Debra on Oct 23, 2012
    Thank you I will check that out. I would like to sell them so what would be something that someone would want to buy?
  • Paint-N-Plus Paint-N-Plus on Oct 23, 2012
    Hey Debra,Lets start here since your a beginner to do it right. You will need. Deglosser, a quart will do for now.Oil base primer,you can get a gallon if you plan on doing more projects like this.Sandpaper, nothing rough a 100 grit to start and a little smoother for later.Get a good oil base brush for the paint store.Mineral spirits to clean your brush (Mineral spirits for all oil base products) I would recommend an oil base finish.It is more durable and last longer. Dont forget some rags. You can use a latex product,it really depends on what you want. Start by sanding the entire table.Not to the raw wood just to remove any loose material and get a smooth surface.Then use your deglosser to wipe the entire table down.This cleans and gives your primer a good surface to bond to.Wait a little bit to prime, but i like to prime within an hour. Sometimes i even put 2 coats of primer, depending on how well its covered. Once its dry, lightly sand. Be sure to remove any dust or dirt afterwards.Your ready for paint.Tip,Sometimes the paint is thick,its ok to put a LITTLE mineral spirits in it to help it move better.You can use a old paint bucket or bowl to work out of w/ your primer and paint.This is better than working out of a full gallon. You will need a couple coats at least, sand between coats but just lightly. Take your time and have fun.Let us know if there is any thing else i can help you w/, plz send pics when you get done Good Luck
  • Debra Debra on Oct 23, 2012
    Thank you very much. I will post pictures when I am finished.
  • paint paint paint! I like to do the underneath a color and finish the wood tops. I painted my work room table black, but finished off the nice wood top with a stain. It looks great, if I have to say so myself. Those tables you have are treasures to be made!
  • CC CC on Oct 23, 2012
    It's really hard to predict what color will sell...paint colors you would put in your home. If you use Annie Sloan or CeCe Caldwells Chalk Paint you can skip all the deglosser, sanding and priming...it's also eco-friendly!
  • Peace Painting Co., Inc. Peace Painting Co., Inc. on Oct 23, 2012
    P-N-P, your instructions sound good. A latex or acrylic finish coat might suffice over an oil base finish if it is a high grade product like Sher-Wms. Pro-Classic, which dries almost as hard as oil and levels nicely. Best, Charles
  • Laura G Laura G on Nov 08, 2012
    Mosaic them of course!
  • Mary Insana Mary Insana on Apr 13, 2013
    What about chalk paint and a mosaic top, especially on the table in picture #6. And if it possible I'd remove the trim from around the edges of the table.It would make it easier to put mosaics or glass tiles. I do think the cart type table in picture #5 is just crying out for a top made from pennies !
  • Debra Debra on Apr 14, 2013
    Thank you all I will take everything into consideration and learn from all the advice.
  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Nov 15, 2015
    Love all the wood tables. To unify them, somehow use the same paint color on all of them whether just the legs or all the tops. You have endless choices. Stenciling is another options or mosaics with shells, sea glass, or broken tiles. Have fun.