Updating your dining room doesn’t always mean buying new furniture—sometimes, a fresh coat of paint can completely transform your wooden dining table. Whether your table is made of solid wood or MDF, painting it yourself is a cost-effective way to give your space a brand-new look. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from essential prep work to choosing the right paint and finish, helping you achieve a smooth, durable, and stylish result that will stand up to everyday use.
How to Paint a Wooden Dining Table?
Wood is one of the easiest materials to paint because it accepts many types of paint. That’s why painting a wooden dining table is actually quite simple. However, most dining tables have a glossy and smooth surface, which can make it harder for the paint to adhere.
Therefore, properly preparing the surface before painting is crucial to ensure good adhesion. Since a dining table is used daily, the tabletop is especially prone to wear and tear. For this reason, extra protection is necessary, particularly for the top surface.
Can You Just Paint over a Table?
Since the table has a flat surface, it is easy to paint. However, to ensure the paint lasts longer, we recommend sanding the table before painting or using a primer.
Can I Paint a Table Without Sanding?
Yes, you can paint a table without sanding. However, sanding is important for the paint to adhere properly. Instead of sanding, you can use a primer that matches the type of paint you plan to use before painting the table.
What Kind of Paint do You Use on a Table?
Acrylic, latex, and other water-based paints are the most suitable options for painting a wooden dining table because they are easy to apply and dry quickly. Whether you prefer a matte, semi-gloss, or glossy finish, all water-based paints work well for this project. “Related post: Oil based stain vs water based“
Is it Better to Paint a Table With a Brush or Roller?
The best choice for painting a table quickly and smoothly is to use a short-nap paint roller.
How to Paint a Dining Table?
Wooden tables come in a wide variety of types and colors. Whether your table is MDF or solid wood, you can use the same painting method. You might also want to change the color of a wooden table if you’ve grown tired of its current shade. “Related post: How to paint mdf?”
In any case, painting a large six-person dining table with two coats will require at least 1.5 liters of paint (excluding chairs). To ensure a long-lasting finish, don’t rush the process or skip the preparation stage. Since a dining table is used daily, the top surface is especially prone to wear and tear. Here’s a step-by-step guide to painting a wooden table.
1-Clean the Table
Wipe the table with a damp cloth. If there are greasy or sticky spots, make sure they are completely clean and dry, as paint and primer won’t adhere well to an oily surface. However, if you plan to sand the table, you can skip this step.
2-Sanding
Sanding is especially important for wooden dining tables with glossy or varnished surfaces. These finishes tend to repel paint, so sanding creates tiny scratches that help the paint adhere better. After sanding, wipe away the dust to prepare the table for painting. If you plan to use a primer, you can skip this step.
3-Apply Primer
Priming is an important step to help the paint adhere properly and cover the table’s original color. A water-based primer works well for this. Use a small roller to apply one coat of primer. However, if the table’s original color is light and you have already sanded it, you can skip this step. Still, priming before painting is a good precaution to ensure better adhesion. Related post: What is primer paint?
4-Wait for the Primer to Dry
Wait at least four hours for the primer to dry completely. Make sure it is fully dry before painting; otherwise, the paint won’t adhere properly and may start peeling over time.
5-Apply at Least Two Coats of Paint to the Table
Use a high-quality, short-nap roller for a smooth finish and a brush for edges and rounded areas. After the primer dries, apply at least two coats of paint, waiting at least four hours between coats. If the environment is cold, allow extra drying time for the first coat. “Related article: How long between coats of paint?
6-Apply Water-Based Varnish
One day after applying the second coat of paint, apply a layer of varnish to the tabletop. While varnish isn’t always necessary, it’s highly recommended to protect the surface from scratches and fading.
A single coat of varnish is usually enough, but for extra protection, apply a second coat after 24 hours. Water-based varnishes are available in matte, semi-gloss, and glossy finishes, so choose one that best fits your style.
When applying varnish, use a high-quality foam roller to avoid roller marks. One day after applying the varnish, your table will be ready to use!
Supplies Checklist
- Water-based paint (Acrylic paints are a great option)
- Medium-grit sandpaper (180 to 220 grit)
- A soft-bristled paintbrush
- Damp cloth
- Three short-nap roller
- Water-based primer
- Paint tray
- Water-based varnish
