Coffee Table Refinish

If you have oak furniture that is still in good shape but you just want to give it an update try painting it. Refinishing a coffee table it much easier than you think! What you will need:

 Electric sander

(sanding by hand would work too but would take much longer)

 Sand paper - I used 200 and 220 grit. Higher number = smoother finish.

A primer - I like to use Kilz 2 latex

Paint brush and roller

Paint - I chose a gray/blue

 Protective finish - I used Minwax water based Polycrylic.

Start by lightly sanding the whole table with your sander. For the places your sander can't reach just sand it by hand.

Wipe down the entire table so there's no dust on it before you begin painting.

Next, paint 1 coat of primer all over the table and legs with your brush and roller. Let dry completely.

After it's dry, paint a second coat of primer. Let dry.

Using the brush and roller put your first coat of paint on. Again, let it dry completely. Paint a second coat and let it dry.

Once the paint is dry you are ready to distress the edges. I used sandpaper on a block and sanded the edges and legs a bit. Don't be afraid to mess up your beautiful paint job! It'll be worth it in the end.

After you distress it you're ready to paint it with the protective finish. Paint it on just like you did with the primer and paint. It's thin so a little bit of this goes a long way. Allow to dry and paint on your final coat. 

Here's a close up look at the distressed edges:

That's it! You're finished. Now your coffee table has a beautiful, modern new look.