Painting your dining room table is a quick and easy way to give it a whole new look. This article will cover the different methods for painting a dining room table, and will make sure you know what’s best for your table’s surface.
Whether you have a wood or plastic table, there are several ways that work well for each type of material. You can choose from using an oil-based primer and paint, latex-based primers and paint, or even chalk paint.
Once you have your new paint all ready to go, this article will show you how to properly prep the surface of your table in order to get perfect coverage with minimal effort. Let’s get started!
Know Your Surface
The type of surface you have on your table will determine the best paint for it. If you have a wood dinner table, we recommend using an oil based primer and paint. If you have a plastic/vinyl-coated dining room table, use latex-based primers and paints. Alternatively, if you have a glass or metal table, use chalk paint.
To learn more about which type of primer and paint works best for your specific surface, check out “painting tips” in the menu bar above!
Wood Table For Paint Dining Room Table

If you want to paint a wood table, then you will need to use an oil-based primer and paint. This type of priming ensures that your paint will go on smoothly and evenly on the surface of your table.
Your table should be well sanded in order for it to have a nice smooth finish. You can either prime with an oil-based primer or a latex-based one; whichever you choose, make sure you cover your entire table top and sides so that no bare patches are visible.
Once primed, apply two coats of paint. The first coat should be very thin while the second coat should be more generous. Let the paint dry between each coat and once everything is dry, use a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated during the painting process.
If you have a plastic table, your best option is to use a latex-based primer and paint. You can also use an oil-based primer and paint as long as it’s on top of the latex-based primer.
Before painting your table, you will need to make sure you have the right type of surface protector. There are two ways to do this:
Apply a silicone-based surface protector before washing the table thoroughly with soap and water. This will help prevent mold or other residue from getting onto the table while in storage or use after painting.
Put a drop cloth or tarp over the table before applying the paint, preferably one with a textured surface which will help absorb any spills or drips that occur during application.
Most people prefer to use latex-based paint because it has less fumes than oil-based paints.
If you want to avoid primers altogether, you can apply chalk paint instead! It gives a vintage look that some people find very appealing.
There are pros and cons for each type of finish, so consider what’s best for your situation before making a decision about which method to try first! Keep reading for more information about painting techniques for different materials…
Surface Preparation For Paint Dining Room Table

Before you paint your table, it is important to prepare the surface. This will help ensure that the paint goes on smoothly with minimal effort.
The first step involves sanding down a wooden table and cleaning it thoroughly with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner. Chairs that have any scuff marks can be erased by rubbing them with a fine sandpaper. If you have a plastic table, such as Formica, then you will need to use a primer because they are not porous like wood is and won’t absorb the paint as well. To learn more about painting chairs, head over here!
Painting With Oil-Based Primer And Paint
Oils offer the most durable protection for your table, but sometimes you can’t use them because of the surface. If you have a wood dining room table, using oil-based primer and paint is ideal.
This type of paint will give your table a beautiful rich finish that looks like it has been waxed. The downside to oil-based paints is that they take more time to dry than latex paints, so make sure you allow plenty of time to let it cure before applying another coat.
The first step in painting with an oil-based primer and paint is to clean your table thoroughly. You need to remove all dirt and grime, otherwise the paint won’t adhere properly and may peel or chip off later on.
Use a damp cloth or sponge with mild dish soap to scrub away any dirt from your surface. Make sure you don’t get any dish soap on the paint you want to keep.
Once the surface is fully cleaned and dry, apply one or two coats of oil-based primer as directed by the specific product’s instructions. Once this dries completely, apply one or two coats of oil-based paint as directed by the specific product’s instructions.
Painting With Latex-Based Priming and Paint
The first way to paint a dining room table is to use latex-based priming and paint. These types of paints work well for both wood and plastic tables.
When using latex-based priming and paint, you want to make sure you’re using a primer that’s made for the surface of your table.
For example, if you have a wooden table, use an oil-based primer and paint. If you have a plastic table, use a latex-based primer.
When painting with this type of paint, it’s important to remember:
- Make sure the surface is clean and dry before applying the primer.
- Apply the primer in thin layers so you don’t get brush strokes or bubbles when it dries.
- Let the primer dry before applying another layer or painting.
You may also choose to use an acrylic sealer after your primer has dried if you feel like your surface needs more protection from stains or spills. If you’re going for a glossy finish on your table, feel free to add more layers of gloss finish as desired!
Painting With Chalk Paint
If you want a nice, new and shiny look for your table, then using chalk paint is the way to go.
Chalk paint is an all-natural paint made with ground up chalk and water. It provides an easy, low-cost way to cover old or damaged surfaces without having to worry about color matching.
Chalk paint is also perfect for painting furniture because it can be applied using a thin layer that can easily be rubbed off if it doesn’t come out perfect.
- Start by sanding the surface of the table so that it’s completely smooth and even. This will help ensure that your paint goes on evenly and looks great in the end.
- Next, use a damp cloth to wipe off any dust or dirt particles from the surface of your table. Take care not to leave any wet spots; this could cause your finished product to have uneven patches.
- Now you’re ready to apply the chalk paint! Make sure that you use enough paint so that it covers all of your table in one coat; this will save time and effort on your part! Use a sponge brush or a rag to apply each coat of chalk paint until you have at least two coats (three is best).
- Once you are satisfied with the coverage, allow your surface to dry for 24 hours before touching it or doing anything else with it! When dry, sand down any rough patches before giving another thin coat of chalk paint
Conclusion
Wiping the table down with an all-purpose cleaner or a mixture of dish soap and water is the first step in preparing your surface. Depending on the type of table you have, you’ll need to prime it with either an oil-based primer or a latex-based primer.
After priming your table, you’ll then paint it in the color of your choosing. For oil-based primers, use latex paint, and vice versa.
Paint colors can make a dramatic difference in the way your table looks. For example, if you have a dark-colored table, you might want to consider light colors, as they will make the table seem less heavy and take on more of a modern look.
And if you have a light-colored table, consider using bold colors to give it more of a rustic feel.
Once you’ve finished painting your table, don’t be afraid to show off your work. After all, you’ve just created a beautiful work of art!