Anyone here refinish furniture? I want to try to refinish our kitchen table. I think the top is wood veneer but someone on a Facebook group suggested that it is fiberboard. How do I determine what it is? And for either one, what is a good furniture paint for a kitchen table? Thanks
Do you want to REFINISH it or REPAINT it?
Do you know the age of the piece - I see some indication that it’s on the newer side?
These things would be helpful to know.
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I want it gray, that’s about all I care about. It was bought in 2005 I believe.
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There are paints made for projects such as yours.
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I’ve refinished or repainted a lot of furniture and kitchen cabinets. If all you want to do is paint it,it doesn’t matter whether its wood or fiberboard. All you need is good primer and decent paint.
I would start by lightly sanding all surfaces with 120 or 150 grit sandpaper and then clean with tack cloth or a rag dipped in mineral spirits. The primer I have had the best luck with is STIX (InSLX). Its expensive but since a good paint job is dependent on good primer I think it’s worth the cost. If you use that primer, the paint you choose is not as important.
As far as painting, give your piece a couple of light coats of paint. Some people will say you need to sand lightly between coats but i have not found that to be necessary UNLESS you wait more than 48 hours between coats. One tip: the longer you let your piece cure, the better. At the very least, let your paint cure for 4 or 5 days before using it.
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Agree with your post!
I would add…you might want to have at the ready both a smooth roller and a paint brush. Those sides with all the spindles are going to take some attention. Super easy to get dripping in those locations. Agree a good primer is necessary and then don’t glop on the paint - be willing to use less paint but more coats - especially if you’re not experienced.
When you decide on your paint color, if it’s a darker grey you might need a tinted primer than a lighter gray primer. Ask at the paint store. Don’t forget to sand well before priming!
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Adding a couple things!
A desk is not going to take a gallon of paint. You may get by with a quart. I personally think if the top is going to get good use - not just have a vase of flowers sitting on it for show - that good paint IS worthwhile. You want good durability. Get something with a little sheen not a flat paint. Some people will also add a light coat of wax after painting for a finished look. Not necessary though.
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I had a similar project done for my by a professional using Chalk Paint which needs very little prep, is quick and easy, and looks great!
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I’m going to also give a shout out to this product. I have applied it to different wood pieces that have some scratches/worn areas with great results. You simply make sure your piece is clean of dust/build up , let dry and then apply this with a rag. Rub it around and let it stay on piece. Takes away minor scratches and blemishes. Smells good too!
I used it on our very old piano, some MCM furniture etc. Also is great to apply to drawer glides (can’t come up with the right name?) so that old antique drawers glide smoothly!
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I second the recommendation of this product!
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