How to Paint a Picnic Table
Nothing says fun summer mealtimes like a freshly painted picnic table. A coat of paint can add a personal touch to a new or old table.
First: Prepare for painting
With most painting jobs, preparation is the most important part of the job. If it is a new table, all you really need to do is lightly sand it to make sure the new paint adheres. If it is an older table, plan on a bit more time. First, wash all the surfaces with detergent. Use a wire brush to remove debris like moss or peeling paint, and let the table dry. Then sand all the surfaces with a medium grit sandpaper. Wipe with a moist rag to remove the dust, let it dry, and sand again with a fine grit sandpaper. Remember to sand all sides: top, ends, seats and undersides.
Second: Prime the surfaces
Next, apply a coat of primer to all surfaces. Make sure the primer is compatible with the finish coat you choose. An oil-based outdoor enamel is your best choice if the picnic table is exposed to the weather. If you choose an enamel, choose an oil-based primer too. If you decide to use a latex paint for your finish coat, use a latex primer.
Third: First and second finish coats
Apply the paint by spraying or brushing. For large surfaces such as the table top and seats, use a roller to apply the paint, and smooth it with a brush. Paint between the slats and all underside surfaces. After the first coat dries, sand all surfaces lightly with fine grit sandpaper. Remove the dust with a damp rag and apply the second coat. Dry thoroughly, and let the fun begin!