How to Paint Antique White Tables

Add the shabby chic look to white tables for a primitive, rustic feel. Painted, antiqued tables add a distressed yet elegant touch to a room. From a large kitchen table to a smaller bedside table, the furniture can be painted in a variety of white shades. Don't forget to add a colorful vase of flowers, place mats or table runner for a pop of color against the linen white paint. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Prepare the surface. Lightly sand the entire piece of furniture with a medium-grit sanding block. Rub the surface in the direction of the wood grain. Use an even pressure; sanding gives the paint a surface with light grit to bond with. Sand outdoors, in a garage or area where dust can easily be vacuumed or swept up.

2

Cover flooring with a drop cloth or large piece of plastic to protect the underlying surface. Place the table onto the drop cloth. Wipe the table with a damp sponge to remove all remaining dust and debris prior to painting. Leftover dust will cause paint to not adhere, and possibly peel off.

3

Use a foam mini roller and white latex satin paint to cover all flat, smooth surfaces. Evenly and lightly roll the paint onto the table. Use a 2-inch paint brush to paint table legs and ornate wood carvings. Remember more than one coat of paint may be necessary. Allow paint to dry two to four hours between coats, and 24 hours before moving onto the next step.

4

Create a chocolate brown glaze. Mix together dark brown latex paint and glaze; use a 1 part paint to 1 part glaze ratio. Stir the ingredients in a gallon bucket. Do not mix more than half a quart of glaze mixture. More glaze can always be mixed later if an additional amount is needed. Brush on the chocolate brown glaze onto the table. Using a clean, terry cloth rag wipe the glaze from the table. A small amount of glaze residue will remain. Allow glaze to dry for 24 hours.

5

Sand the edges of the table using the sanding block. Rub all edges and corners of the table to remove the glaze and white coat of paint for an antique and aged look. The underlying surface will come through. Continue to distress the table as much or as little as desired. Remove all dust by wiping the table with a clean, damp washcloth.

6

Add a protective topcoat to the table's surface. Apply a water-based polyurethane to the table. Do not apply a thick coat, or the sealer will drip and run. Use the foam roller and brush and apply the clear sealer with the same methods as originally applying the white paint. Include additional coats for added protection. Allow the table to dry 24 hours prior to placing back into everyday use.