Hints for painting tables

We had owned this gate-leg table for a couple of years before deciding to paint it. We brought it from a lady who had a huge barn full of furniture. Unbelievably, despite being covered in grime the barn was bone dry and borer free.... so this piece was in excellent condition.

A few of the joints were wobbly after years of use, but nothing a quick glue and clamp couldn't fix. It's a beautiful and an excellent example of how vintage can be turned into something fresh and adorable. Its hard to tell on this photo but the paint finish has turned out lovely and the distressing is a bit more subtle than it looks. 

Here are some great tips for getting a great finish when painting tables: 

1. Clean it really really really well. It is essential to remove every trace of dirt, grease, wax, polish, cleaning residue. I will clean it both before and after giving it a sand. 
2. Don't skip the sanding step. I'm not talking about stripping off all the existing finish, merely giving the surface a good scuff with 120 grit sandpaper. This will remove any loose varnish or paint, and ensure its a smooth foundation.
3. Inspect the table for any damage. Repair wobbly legs, fill any unsightly holes or scratches with filler. 
4. Gather together your tools. For the best finish, use a paint sprayer. Otherwise use a good quality synthetic brush &/or a mini paint roller. 
5. If you are applying Vintage Paint with a sprayer, you will most likely need to dilute the paint with a little water. If using a roller, select a flocked one for best results. If brushing it on, use a 50mm for the flat areas and a 38mm for the rest. 
6. Consider turning the table upsidedown to paint the underside and legs first.
7. When painting the top, try to maintain a "wet edge". That means working in rows, and not overworking partially dry painte. 
8. Tables are usually heavily used so I recommmend protecting with a coat of Voodoo Molly Vintage Clearcoat.