If you’re looking for a quick kitchen or dining room update that won’t break the bank, look to your furniture! Instead of buying new kitchen furniture, you can refresh the look with a DIY paint project.

Painting your kitchen table and chairs is a great way to spruce them up in no time at all. It’s also a great way to redecorate on a budget. With a few days, you can have a kitchen set you love. Here’s how.

Paint For Table & Chairs

When it comes to painting your kitchen table and chairs, choosing the best paint can be tricky. Right now, many homeowners are leaning toward chalk paint. This type of paint is unique because not only is it non-toxic, but it's also easy to apply to any surface, giving it a unique vintage look. Chalk paint is a great option for furniture if your style matches.

However, using regular paint is an option as well. There are many kinds to choose from and many colors to work with. The best paint for furniture, especially in the kitchen, is non-toxic acrylic. You’ll also want to choose a satin or semi-gloss finish. Applying this may take a little extra work to prep, but you’re guaranteed to have a beautiful finished product.

Materials Needed For Painting Kitchen Tables & Chairs

Having the right materials for any DIY project is a must. When painting furniture, make sure you go with good quality tools such as paintbrushes and rollers. Believe it or not, this will impact the final look of your project.

For the context of this article, we’ll be talking about wood or laminate tables and chairs. Here’s what you’ll need to paint your kitchen table and chairs:

• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Paint Roller
• Tarp
• Course Grit Sandpaper
• Painters Tape
• Primer
• Polyurethane Gloss Finish (optional)
• Polyurethane Brush (optional)

Step 1: Sand The Surfaces

Start by preparing your paint area. It’s a good idea to lay some tarp down so your DIY mess stays in one place and paint does not get on your floor. Use painter’s tape to mark off any areas on the table or chairs where you don’t want to paint, such as any legs or spindles. You may not need to do this if you’re painting the entire set.

Once you have your area set up, you’ll want to sand the surfaces you’ll be painting. Now you don’t necessarily need to sand the finish or laminate completely off, but you’ll want to rough it up enough, so the paint can adhere correctly. This includes the ridges and details of spindles and legs as well.

Step 2: Prime The Table & Chairs

Once you’ve finished sanding your table and chairs, it’s time for your first coat. Primer is an important part of any DIY paint project to help the paint bond to the furniture correctly. When applying the primer, make sure your coats are even and include all the details as well. If your detail work is too small for your brush, consider getting spray paint primer, to ensure every area is covered. Let the primer dry before continuing.

Step 3: Paint The Table & Chairs

Once the primer has dried, you can now add your color. It’s likely you’ll need to apply at least two coats of color paint to make sure you have a seamless look. Make sure your brushstrokes are even and you’re eliminating any drips that may occur.

Step 4: Add A Gloss Finish

If you’re happy with your paint job, you could stop here. Adding a layer of polyurethane gloss finish is completely optional. It’s helpful to protect your paint job against spills and chips, adding a finished look to your DIY project. It’s best to use a brush specifically for polyurethane or varnish to avoid unsightly brushstrokes. Dust off the table and chairs once the paint is dry to remove any debris such as dust, pet hair or dirt. This will show through very clearly once the polyurethane is applied. Next, paint on the finish evenly and let sit.

Step 5: Let Dry & Enjoy

Let the table and chairs dry completely for approximately 48 to 72 hours before using. Clean up your paint project and make sure it’s dry before placing back in your kitchen. Now, you have beautiful table and chairs for you and your family to enjoy!