Project - A Painted Table for Sally

Pin It This past weekend, I delivered a table to a customer that I had painted. Sally was a customer at the shop and I had painted furniture for her before but never documented it. This time, for another piece of hers, I thought I would take a few shots during the process to share how simple painting could be.

As you all may know, I am a huge fan of Annie Sloans paints. However, this project required that I match the paint from her prior table so the table required primer.

I prefer Zinsser because its oil-based and latex can go over it. It stores well, and covers well.

I started with one coat of the primer on the top, sides, and bottom.
I figured the wood was so raw (she had it covered in her kitchen area with a tablecloth but wanted it exposed) that if I primered the bottom, she could at least move the table around without touching any raw wood.

This table was pretty raw so 2 coats of primer were required.  Pretty easy when you use good brushes.  My favorite are Purdy brushes.  However, I dont recommend spending the extra money on Purdy when priming.  If you can get away with a less expensive brush when using primer, I would recommend buying something you plan on throwing away.  Oil-based primer requires a mineral spirits clean-up.  While I have a jar for that in my workshop, I did have a disposable brush.  WARNING:  Cheaper brushes tend to leave hairs behind.  Be prepared for potentially picking out the bristles from your project if your an aggressive painter.  I wouldn't use a foam brush for a table this raw.







Having had the two coats of paint on the table, it was time to paint the table with her preferred color - Fine China.  With the table properly prepped, the painting was a cinch.  I put 2 coats for added coverage.  Its a satin paint but I like how the complete shot (of the table dry) shows how well it reflects light.  I would always recommend at least 1-2 days for the paint to cure (fully stick) to itself.

I wish I got a complete picture of the table installed in her house.  It fits perfectly in her nook and matches her chair now which is an upholstered wing-back painted stark white.


Happy Painting,