How to repaint my kitchen table

I absolutely hate the color of my kitchen table and would love to just paint over it with a nice dark brown color (it is white and naturall wood color now)...is it really as simple as painting over with a darker color? Or do I have to sand it down and all that nonsense?

I am such a spaz with things like that!

Re: How to repaint my kitchen table

is it realy wood or wood veneers?

if its real wood, I would sand it down to get the coast of varnish off the top, then do a base coat so that the brown wont seep through your top coat. you might have to do 2 coats of base paint, then 2 coats of the color.

If its wood veneer, you might be able to just paint it a few coats of paint without sanding. You might want to check in sites like HGTV and see if they give suggestions

good luck and post pics!

Re: How to repaint my kitchen table

I'm not sure what kind of wood it is, but I wanted to do the chairs too and if I have to sand that might take a year or two

This is what it looks like now (minus the bench)

Message edited 2/9/2009 12:15:52 PM.

Re: How to repaint my kitchen table

that looks like real wood

the only reason I suggested sanding is so that you get an even finish...you might have dings and nicks in the wood and also if you sand the paint has better finish to grab on to. Sometimes when you paint over varnish, the paint doesnt take well and will chip off.

Re: How to repaint my kitchen table

I would sand it down a little, paint will stick better.

Re: How to repaint my kitchen table

Definitely sand it and then use primer (2 coats would be ideal), paint and polyurethane. I've done many pieces and this is the best way for a long lasting finish, esp with a heavily used piece of furniture. Sanding doesn't have to be a major job but you want to get the previous finish dulled down so the paint sticks better.