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Revamp Your Old Picnic Table
Sam Lutz • Jul 25, 2017
Is your backyard lacking a little flair? At Ace Paint and Unfinished Furniture we have tons of ideas for making your outdoor space more attractive. Repainting an old picnic table, for example, is an excellent way to add color to your home’s exterior without spending a lot of money. In this post, we’ll discuss supplies, techniques and best practices.
Gather Your Materials
Gather the materials for your project. We recommend the following:
- Tarps
- Sand block, 220 grit
- Mild detergent
- Sponge
- Bucket
- Paint brushes – 2 inch flat, and 1 inch angled
- Primer
- Exterior grade semi-gloss paint
Prep the Surface
Before you can get started with your project, you’ll need to prep the surface of your picnic table. Use the sandpaper block to sand down any splinters and smooth the wood. Finally, wash down the table with a sponge and mild detergent. Give the table 24 hours to dry before proceeding. When the table is completely dry, put it over a tarp to prevent paint from splattering on the ground.
Prime the Surface
Strange paints like metallic colors can be used in small doses to create a beautiful, stunning effect. For example, consider painting a thin gold line at chair-rail height on your dining room walls. Paint one color below the line and a different color above the line to provide visual interest.
Wait for the primer to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before applying the first coat of paint. If possible, allow the table to dry somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight.
Apply Paint Evenly
When the primer is completely dry, apply your first coat of paint. Use the same procedure that you used to apply the coat of primer. At this stage, the paint may look a little uneven, but that’s nothing to worry about. You’ll be able to smooth out the paint when you apply the second coat.
Let the paint dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding. Remember to wash the paint brushes between coats, or wrap the paint brushes in foil and put them in the fridge to prevent them from drying out.
Add a Second Coat
When the paint is dry and no longer feels tacky to the touch, add the second coat of paint. Use the same techniques that you used to apply the first coat of paint. When the second coat has been applied, you can either call the project done or apply a third coat, if you feel like a third coat is warranted.
Tip:
Sometimes very dark paint colors need several coats of paint to achieve even coverage. Using primer that has been tinted to match the paint can help even out the paint with fewer coats.
Fun Stuff You Can Do to Decorate Your Table
If you’re feeling creative, we recommend painting a pattern onto the table. Use painter’s tape to mask the area around the pattern, then apply the paint. Not sure what to paint? Why not a patriotic flag print? Or, take a look at this subtle but elegant pattern made with wood stain. If you need more ideas, stop in and we can help!
Come To Ace Paint and Unfinished Furniture!
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