So you’re thinking about painting furniture using chalk paint? Well, I thought the same not too long ago! Here’s what went down when painting a kitchen table with chalk paint! It’s not my first time working with chalk paint, and we’re also making our own chalk paint. I’m excited to share with you the process and the end result!

Painting your kitchen table can be a fun and affordable way to give your old tired table a new life. You’ll be able to change the look and feel of your entire kitchen, without having to spend a fortune on a brand new table. So let’s dive into this makeover!

Our client came to us with a specific request for their kitchen table makeover – they wanted a new and refreshed finish, while still having the classic black color. Black sure has that classic and timeless touch, so we were excited to get started!

As mentioned above, we used chalk paint for this project, even though it may not be the best option for a kitchen table. But with proper topcoating, we knew we could make it work and create the desired look for our client. Sealing the chalk paint with multiple coats of topcoat is important in making it last and withstand everyday use.

So how did the whole makeover go? Keep reading and learn tips and tricks on painting your kitchen table with chalk paint along the way!

Table of Contents

Supplies Used for Painting a Kitchen Table with Chalk Paint

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Krud Kutter
Damp Cloth
220 Grit Sandpaper
Dewalt Orbital Sander
Diablo 5″ 220 Grit Sanding Screens
SurfPrep 5″ Medium Grit Pro Foam Pads (Use code RAY10 to get 10% off your order)
Vacuum
Tack Cloth
Clear Shellac Primer (Spray Can)
Black Behr Latex Paint
Calcium Carbonate Powder
Wagner FLEXiO 595 Sprayer
Waterbased Polyurethane in Satin

Cleaning Kitchen Table

We started by clearing off all the items on the kitchen table and giving it a good wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any visible dirt or debris that had accumulated. Next, it was time to clean and get rid of any stubborn grime and food stains on the surface of the table with Krud Kutter. We made sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the table, as food tends to get stuck in those areas.

cleaning black table with degreaser and rag

After wiping down with Krud Kutter, we gave the table another good wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove any remaining residue. Then, we let the table air dry completely before moving on to the next step.

You want a clean and dry surface before painting so that the paint can adhere properly. So take your time with cleaning furniture before painting if you want a beautiful and long lasting finish on your kitchen table.

Sanding Kitchen Table

We proceeded to lightly sand the kitchen table with 220 grit sandpaper. If sanding by hand doesn’t sound fun to you, then you can also use a power sander. We used this power sander and foam pads combo – the Dewalt orbital sander with regular Diablo 5″ 220 grit sanding screens for flat surfaces, and the Dewalt sander with SurfPrep 5″ medium grit pro foam pads for curved surfaces.

After sanding, we vacuumed all the dust from the sanding and used a tack cloth to wipe off any remaining dust particles.

dewalt orbital sander and diablo sanding discs

Sanding before painting furniture is especially important if you’re working with a surface that has a sheen or glossy finish. Sanding helps to create a rough surface for the paint to stick to, for better adhesion and durability of your painted finish. Plus, sanding also helps to smooth out any imperfections or scratches on the surface, resulting in a smoother and more professional look.

Priming Kitchen Table before Painting

Another must-do so your paint adheres and lasts on your kitchen table is priming. Priming wood for painting serves to block any stains or discoloration that may bleed through your painted finish, as well as creating a strong foundation for the paint to stick to.

I used a clear shellac primer in a spray can for this project. It’s one of the best primers to stop tannin bleed, which you definitely need to prevent any stains from seeping through. If you skip priming with a stain blocking primer and wonder why is yellow coming through paint, then I gotta tell you, it’s because of bleedthrough. So make sure you prime with a good stain blocking primer!

To really tackle those stains, I applied 2 coats of clear shellac primer and let it dry overnight so that the knots and stains were completely sealed and dried. Now it’s painting time!

Chalk Painting Kitchen Table Black

To make our own chalk paint, we followed our homemade chalk paint recipe here. We mixed black Behr latex paint with calcium carbonate powder. Make sure you mix the paint thoroughly to get a smooth and consistent texture.

I sprayed my black homemade chalk paint on the kitchen table using a Wagner FLEXiO 595 sprayer. It’s a budget-friendly and efficient option especially if you do many painting projects. We have a Wagner FLEXiO 595 review here if you’re curious about it.

painting kitchen table with black homemade chalk paint

If you want full coverage like we did, you’ll need to apply 2-3 coats of chalk paint, with drying time in between coats. You can learn more tips on how to spray paint a dresser with chalk paint here, especially if it’s your first time. Once you’re done painting, let the paint dry completely before sealing it.

Topcoating Chalk Painted Kitchen Table

Now we have a beautiful black chalk-painted kitchen table, but it’s not quite finished yet. To protect and preserve the new finish, we need to seal painted furniture with a topcoat. This will also make the table easier to clean and maintain in the long run.

We topcoated the painted kitchen table with a waterbased polyurethane in satin finish. I still sprayed it with my Wagner sprayer, because I prefer to spray polyurethane onto furniture. But you can also brush on the topcoat or use a spray can version like the Minwax polycrylic.

can of varathane polyurethane to topcoat kitchen table

But when choosing a topcoat for painting furniture to use over a dark color like black, oil based polyurethane may be a better option. Compared to waterbased polyurethane, the oil based one is more durable and resistant to scratches and stains.

However, it does have a yellow tint that may alter the color of your paint. So you can only use it on dark colors or if you don’t really mind the amber tint. You also need to wait 48 hours after the last coat of chalk paint before applying oil based polyurethane, so keep that time frame in mind.

Whichever topcoat you go for, make sure to apply 3-4 coats. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next one. And after everything is done, allow the furniture to cure for at least a week before using it. You’ll also want to be extra careful with the paint for about a month, as it takes that long to completely cure.

And that’s a wrap on how we painted a kitchen table with chalk paint, and homemade chalk paint at that! You can see how chalk paint sealed with a topcoat can result in such a sleek and durable finish for your furniture. If you have a kitchen table that could use a makeover, hopefully this post has given you some ideas and tips on how to get it done.

close-up view photo of kitchen table after painting

full view of kitchen table after painting

More Before And After Makeovers

Click any of these “before” photos below to view the “after” of that makeover.