What type of paint should I use to cover a dining table?

Posted by admin on July 28th, 2011

I have a small dining table and two chairs that I would like to paint. They are pine with a very light lacquer covering them. I'd like to be able to paint them solid white, and then paint the design I have in mind on top. I'm wondering if anybody knows the best type of paint that I can use for this. I'd like the paint to be as odour-free as possible, since the furniture will be inside, and also relatively safe as I will be eating at this table. I'm also wondering about what to put on as a finishing coat to make sure that the paint will not chip or be scuffed.

Any ideas? thanks!

Oil paint or nothing. Latex is not durable enough. Try this test if you don't believe me: Paint a piece of wood with latex. Let dry. put down some hot plates or frosted glasses or wet bottle on the painted wood and watch what happens. Paint the table outside or open the windows. the smell will go away. Sealing latex with polyurethane won't work either. put some perfume or or other bathroom/kitchen chemicals on polyurethane and see the wrinkled bubbles appear.

Latex paint would be the best to use, minimum odor and it sticks better and holds up better, than oil based paints. you can use an oil based paint for your design - but once you're finished, you will want to apply several coats of varnish (initially smells bad, be sure you apply in a well ventilated area), be patient with the varnish making sure that it dries completely between coats, and for the best result, lightly sand the varnish in between coats too.

I have a beautiful solid Oak table and chairs that has been in the family for years, that has a varnish finish that lasts, and lasts.