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fiona_blessed

First time painting: tips on repainiting an old table

12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Hello Houzz members
It is my first time painting. Since I am in a rental, I can not change much in my place via room colours. I have decided to paint an old BROWN table that was meant for a sewing machine to WHITE vanity table.
The challenge I have is that I have painted 3 coatings emptying the little tin so far and the white is still faint (i can still see the previous brown colour)
The tin mentioned the white would be glossy and sparkly but that has not yet happened. Any tips please? Should I buy another tin of paint or am I doing something wrong in repainting. I am using the roller brush
Thank you for the help.
Fifi

Comments (11)

  • 12 years ago
    I am not a professional. However, I believe you will need to use sandpaper to remove the paint you have applied. Then you need to use a fine grit sandpaper (higher number = finer grit) on the table. You might need to use BIN primer before painting. BIN is a shellac-based primer that encapsulates oil-based and water-based finishes and stains. Then try again with the paint. Use a good quality brush for wood projects, and paint "with the grain" of the wood = same direction as the "natural stripes" in the wood.
    Other Houzzers will most likely add other tips. Take from this what is helpful.
    Fiona Blessed thanked nasmijati
  • 12 years ago
    A picture would be helpful, do you have one you can post? Without seeing the table my thought is that an initial coat of primer would have helped, and you should be using a brush rather than a roller.
    Fiona Blessed thanked ispoildogs
  • 12 years ago
    Here are the pics
  • 12 years ago
    Oh thanks for the advice. At this moment I don't know what i can do.
  • 12 years ago
    It can take several coats of paint to get something like that looking good.
    Fiona Blessed thanked hayleydaniels
  • 12 years ago
    Don't panic, it can still be saved. For the record I'm not a professional either but I know a bit about painting stuff. Nasmijati is correct that you need to use sandpaper to roughen the surface a bit so the paint will stick. If you want the metal hinges and handle to be white too you'll need a spray can of Rustoleum paint. Metal takes a different kind of paint than wood. You can get it at a hardware or big box store.

    Start by using a screwdriver to take the doors off at the hinges, then remove the hinges and handle completely. As noted above, you will spray them with Rustoleum paint. Read and follow the directions on the spray can.

    All surfaces of the wood need to be lightly sanded then painted, being sure to get into all the crevices of your design. A brush is better suited to getting into the crevices. You should sand lightly between each coat of paint, and repeat until you have a finish you like.

    The link below is to instructions on painting kitchen cabinets but the concept is the same, and there are how to videos that will give you visual assistance. You can do it, good luck!

    http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/repainting-kitchen-cabinets/index.html
    Fiona Blessed thanked ispoildogs
  • 12 years ago
    Thank you everyone.
    I have followed all your advice and nasmijati I did the sand before adding another paint of coat. I have bought a small angled brush. Oh and thanks for another tip Ispoildogs I want the hinges to maintain their origin colour. I will henceforth cover them.

    I am just wondering if I should add primer now (since I did not use it before) Again thx if it turns out right I will upload foto
  • 12 years ago
    Thank you DIAspoton, the worker at the paint shop in Antwerp has not heard of chalk paint or did not understand my direct translation of "krijt verf"! The videos make painting look so easy.

    Next time I will for sure remember the primer because when the white paint dried it looks Yellowish or a dirty white. I have decided to call in professional help before i ruin it any further.
    Next project I will use all the advice from this forum
  • 12 years ago
    Please post a photo when your table is finished. :)
    Fiona Blessed thanked nasmijati
  • 12 years ago
    did you google 'chalk paint recipes' ? many mix plaster of paris with water til smooth, then add latex paint. some add a little vodka or denatured alcohol to help smooth it.
    also google :annie sloan for painting videos. it really is so easy to do
    Fiona Blessed thanked DIAspoton
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