How do I paint an oak dining table?
Question:I have an oak dining table. It is relatively new and the finish is in great condition. I just don't like the color; it is very light. I looked into refinishing, but that sounds rather difficult. Would painting it be easier? Would I still have to completely remove the finish?
I really like the look of dark furniture, and I think I would like it painted black. Would I regret painting a nice solid oak table?
Thanks!
Answers:
they both take about the same amount of work..just practice staining first if your going to do that instead of paint
to paint-sand down the finish..it doesnt have to be all gone just get rid of the top clear coat layer-put on a primer (since your going dark i want to say use a tinted one)-use some sand parer and lightly sand this so that there arent any brush strakes for the top coat-put on one or two coats of your chosen colour-put on a finsih sealing coat
staining/refinishing-sand it down until all the finish is gone-make sure you wipe the tabel down so their is no dust or dirt on it-aplly the stain using a brush following the grain-put on another coat, maybe even more if needed-put on a finish coat
* if you dont know how to stain just ask on here again:P
**personalyl i would regret painting the table..but whatever makes you happiest you should do:P plus if you paint it and regret it you can always and it down and refinish it
If you put a good primer on it first you might get away with black. The primer will keep the black paint from getting too deeply into the wood. Oak is such a beautiful wood though. Why would you want to paint it? Better to just sand and varnish it with tung oil to its natural beauty. Buy a pine or some other soft wood if you are wanting a black piece of furniture. JMHO
The color is oak. That is what it is naturally. Before you paint it black, why not try and sell it and buy a cheaper table(made out of pine or manufactured board) if you are going to paint it. You don't care what it looks like underneath.
Painting a solid oak table lessens its value considerably. Just price out an oak table like yours.
No you must not paint it i am sure it is beautiful - rather scour the table and just use a good sealer not varnish
With a can or a brush!
To answer you last question first:
Yes,you will regret painting it.
I cringe at the thought of painting a beautiful oak table black.
The beauty lies in the texture and grain of the natural wood.
Paint it and you've lost that beauty.
You may as well use a piece of MDF or any lowest priced wood if you want black funiture.
Painting furniture grade hardwoods amounts to sacrilege
in my view,but there's no accounting for taste.:)
BTW,I have nothing against black furniture.
Actually,I like it too in the right setting,it's just that I would not
sacrifice a beautiful oak table to get the effect.
Also.over time the natural wood will darken by itself,
although you could hasten the effect by staining it a darker color.
A previous answer mentioned using a primer and then
the black finish coat(s).
That solution is recommended if you insist on doing this.
That way you can strip it back to almost the same condition
in case you regret your decision.
However,the present finish will be somewhat damaged in the process,so it will require a new (possibly clear) finish only.
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