How to Paint Antique White Tables – Sewing Machines Los Angeles

Antique tables can add a great touch of class to any home. Unfortunately they are expensive. There is a way though to recreate the look of antique white tables. If you want to create a white antique finish there are a few steps to turn any table into an antique. It’s an easy job that just requires a little bit of time and prep work. Read on for how to paint antique tables.

Tools and supplies you will need for the job:

Polyurethane

Glaze

Brushes

Rags

Sandpaper, 120 grit

Block sander

Off color white paint

Spackling compound

White gesso

Acrylic paint

Paint thinner

Knife

Sprayer

The first thing you’ll need to do is strip all the old paint off the table. Use the thinner and paint scraper to remove most of the built up paint. Sand down any hard to scrape spots. Prime the bare wood and sand it until it’s smooth. Wipe the entire table down with a wet rag to remove any left over paint and saw dust. If you skip this step the paint will blotch and peel. Let everything dry before proceeding to the next step.

In the spackling spray pump add two parts white gesso to two parts spackling compound. Spray it all over the piece, but not enough to cover it completely, and let it dry. You’re looking to mist the table not saturate it. Just give it a light spritz.

Next grab the 120 grit sand paper and sanding block, sand the spackling compound smooth leaving the spots slightly raised above the table surface. Use a sharp knife to knock out any paint bridged joints.

Brush on two coats of the base off white color letting it dry in between coats. Be sure to give it at least a couple of hours in between coats.

Use a crackle type paint in an off white color to apply a third layer. This will help to add depth to the finish. As it dries it will form fine lines that will help give it that edged distressed look you’re going for.

Apply a colored acrylic glaze and let it dry. This will help seal the more delicate paint layers. For an added wear look you can drag a set of keys through the glaze while it’s wet. This will impart a unique more worn look to the table distressing it.

Now you need to simulate wear patterns, use the 120 grit sandpaper to simulate some worn areas by sanding through the multiple paint layers down to the bare wood.

Apply two or three coats of polyurethane to seal it up. This will prevent any water rings and help protect the finish. That’s it. You are done.

You can build other color layers and glazes to get different looks if you want to play around with it. This style of painting is quite versatile. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Now that you know the basics of how to paint antique white tables any combination is possible.