Gray Chalk Painted End Tables

If you’re a fan of the trendy and versatile shade of gray, this makeover is perfect for you! We’re talking about gray chalk painted end tables – a simple but chic way to refresh your living space. Gray is a popular choice for furniture as it compliments any color scheme.

So why not take your old end tables and give them a fresh coat of gray paint for a stylish upgrade With this easy tutorial, you’ll have gorgeous gray painted furniture in no time!

wooden oval tables with a shelf before painting with gray chalk paint

These poor end tables were beaten and bruised when we came across them. The finish was scratched and completely missing in some areas.

Plus, the color was outdated and did not match our decor at all. But that didn’t stop us from seeing their potential!

Thankfully we were able to fix them up quickly with a little bit of Country Chic Paint’s Chalk Paint. Painting them a beautiful shade of gray brought new life to the tables and made them blend seamlessly with our modern farmhouse style.

Here’s how the transformation went down!

Table of Contents

Supplies Used for these Gray Chalk Painted End Tables

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Sanding End Tables

Because the old finish was really chippy, I grabbed some 220 grit sandpaper and sanded the tops and shelves of each of the tables to smooth out the uneven finish.

photo of sanding the tops and shelves using 220 grit sandpaper

Read this post to learn more about the importance of sanding before painting furniture.

I just wanted to erase and blend the edges of the chippy finish so we would get a smooth finish.

Painting End Tables Gray

Once everything was wiped down with a damp rag and prepared for paint, I painted on this beautiful warm gray paint from Country Chic Paint known as Rocky Mountain.

Check out my honest and detailed Country Chic Paint Review here to see what I think about this paint after using it for years.

It only took two light coats to get complete coverage! Check out my list of the top chalk paint brands for your future furniture makeovers.

**Side note: I did this makeover way back before I knew how important priming is to prevent bleedthrough and to help the paint stick better!

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So even though I skipped the primer in this makeover, I would highly recommend priming these before painting! Priming wood for painting is a crucial step that I always do now.

Especially because these end tables are made of mahogany which is known to cause bleedthrough issues!

Read this post to learn more about how to stop stains from coming through paint. Learn all about the best primers to stop tannin bleed through here!

Distressing and Sealing Gray End Tables

The edges all received a light distressing with some more 220-grit sandpaper. Here are more distressing furniture techniques you can do if you want to try out something different.

To give the end tables a little bit more of a sheen, as well as added durability, I sealed them with a poly topcoat.

photo of applying topcoat using polyurethane

Polyurethane is my go-to topcoat for high-use pieces of furniture because it provides strong protection against scratches, stains, and water damage.

Learn all about the best topcoats for painting furniture here and learn how to spray polyurethane here!

The transformation was so quick and painless! It’s amazing what a small amount of paint can do!

Tips for Getting a Smooth Finish When Painting End Tables Gray

Be sure to thoroughly sand and clean your end tables before painting with gray chalk paint. This will help the paint adhere better and create a smoother finish.

Use a high grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots or imperfections in the wood. You can know your options for the best sandpaper for furniture painting here.

When applying the gray chalk paint, use light coats and avoid overloading the brush. This will help prevent drips and uneven coverage.

photo of painting furniture gray using a brush with light coats

Allow each coat to dry completely before applying another, and lightly sand between coats for an even smoother finish.

To avoid brush strokes and get a flawless finish, consider using a paint sprayer instead of a brush.

This will give you more control over the application and create a professional-looking finish. Here are the best HVLP paint sprayers for furniture if you’re interested in trying this method.

If using a brush, make sure to use a high-quality one and apply the paint in long, smooth strokes. We have a recommended list of the best paint brushes for painting furniture here to help you choose the right one.

And don’t forget to seal your end tables with a topcoat for added durability and shine! Sealing painted furniture is an important step for long lasting and beautiful results.

220 Grit Sandpaper

Country Chic Paint – Rocky Mountain

(14434)

Varathane Waterbased Polyurethane

What other colors can complement gray painted furniture?

Gray is a versatile color that can be paired with many other shades to create a cohesive and stylish look.

For a classic and elegant feel, pair gray with navy blue or rich burgundy. These darker hues provide a beautiful contrast to the lightness of gray.

You can also try pairing gray with shades of white or cream for a timeless and sophisticated look.

If you’re feeling bold, consider pairing gray with brighter colors like sunny yellow or vibrant teal. These pops of color will add a playful and modern touch to your gray painted furniture.

You can also experiment with different shades of gray, such as pairing a light gray with a darker charcoal or slate for a monochromatic look. This can create depth and interest in your furniture piece.