Hello!

Welcome to my Instructable, How to Paint a Side Table! By following these steps, you will learn how to paint an accent table of your choice from start to finish.

Materials Needed:

Side table with wood finish
1-2 cans Krylon primer (additional may be necessary for a larger table)
1-2 cans Krylon spray paint (additional may be necessary for a larger table)
Screwdriver to remove hardware
Drop cloth
Bucket with warm soapy water and sponge or rag
Clean towel or rag
Spray gun attachment (optional)

For Safety:

Disposable gloves
Disposable face mask
Eye-wear

Workspace Needed:
Open and well-ventilated area such as a garage, driveway, basement with windows
If painting outside, be sure to check the weather conditions to avoid rain, snow, or heavy winds affecting your project.

Time Needed:
Overall, this project takes approximately 6 - 8 hours to complete. This allows for prep, priming, painting, and adequate drying time between paint coats.

Other Things Needed:
A smile and a positive attitude; let the craftiness begin!

Step 1: Gather.

Gather your materials and move your side table to your workspace.
Prep and clear your workspace.
Use your drop cloth to designate the area where you will be painting.
Make sure you remove anything near this area that could be affected by the spray paint.
For safety, be sure that you are in a well-ventilated area because of the paint fumes.

Step 2: Scrub.

Scrub the surfaces of your table with warm, soapy water and sponge or rag.
- Scrubbing your table removes dust and dirt and allows for a clean painting surface.
Move bucket of water aside.
Dry the surfaces of your table with your clean towel or rag.

Step 3: Remove Hardware.

Pull out the drawers from your table if applicable.
Remove any knobs or drawer pulls that your furniture may have.
Use your screwdriver to carefully remove hardware and set it aside.
- Removing hardware will protect it from the paint and will allow for painting behind it.

Step 4: Be Safe.

Apply eye-wear, face mask and protective gloves for safety.
- When using spray paint, it is important to protect our eyes, face, and skin from the toxic chemicals.

Step 5: Prime.

Grab your can(s) of primer paint.
- I recommend using KILZ or Krylon brand primer for best results.
Attach the spray gun to the can of primer paint if you prefer this over pressing the nozzle.
Shake the can of paint for about 1 minute to allow the paint to start flowing.
Begin the painting process by using your primer paint to cover the entire table and the drawers that you removed. Don't forget to paint the underneath or backside areas of your table that may be visible.
- Stand at least a full arm's length away from the piece of furniture that you are painting. The closer you get, the more concentrated the paint will be, and may result in dripping.
- Apply primer with slow, even strokes. Move in a horizontal motion for best results. Shake can rigorously every few minutes to keep the paint flowing.
- Spray only one coat lightly, but enough to cover the existing wood or paint color.

Step 6: Drying Time.

Allow primer coat to dry for 1-2 hours.
- Letting the paint dry completely will allow for easier painting in the upcoming steps.

Step 7: Paint Color Time.

You are now ready to begin spray painting with your Krylon paint color choice.

Grab your can(s) of color paint.
Attach the spray gun to the can of primer paint if you prefer this over pressing the nozzle.
Shake the can of paint for about 1 minute to allow the paint to start flowing.
Gently spray paint the surface of your table and drawers with slow, even strokes. Move in a horizontal motion for best results. Shake can rigorously every few minutes to keep the paint flowing.
- Stand at least a full arm's length away from the piece of furntiture that you are painting. The closer you get, the more concentrated the paint will be, and may result in dripping.
- Pay close attention to any nooks and crannies that your table might have. Don't forget to paint the underneath or backside areas of your table that may be visible.
- Spray lightly and evenly for the best coverage.

You have just applied your first coat. You will paint a second coat after this dries.

Step 8: Another Drying Time.

Allow the first coat of paint to dry for about 2 hours.

Step 9: Second Coat of Paint.

You are ready for your second coat of color!

Grab your can(s) of color paint.
Attach the spray gun to the can of primer paint if you prefer this over pressing the nozzle.
Shake the can of paint for about 1 minute to allow the paint to start flowing.
Spray paint the entire surface of the table and drawers.
- Be sure to pay attention to the spots that you may have missed during the first coat.
- Gently spray paint the surface of your table and drawers with slow, even strokes. Move in a horizontal motion for best results. Shake can rigorously every few minutes to keep the paint flowing.
- Stand at least a full arm's length away while painting.