What Advice As Regards Paint For A Table Top?

[dance2trance]

I have a MDF kitchen table. Gotten a bit scratched over the years. So thought of a paint job. Only used for eating. No chopping.

I sanded it down, cleaned with sugar soap, sanded it down, cleaned with sugar soap, painted PRIMER over the bare patches, let it dry, did PRIMER all over again and now I am ready for the TOP COAT. (Looks great at the moment).

But no idea what to get. Most grateful for any advice. Thanks.

[maggiebee]

Recently bought GoodHome furniture velvety smooth paint to upcycle a small table. Excellent results. Got if from B & Q.

[dance2trance]

Great news thanks.

[theshedman]

Has the primer got an undercoat in it? If so before painting go into Halfords or similar and purchase some Tack Cloths. These will make sure that you get a nice smooth finish as they pick up all the tiny bits that sanding leaves behind.

[Ken4155]

You could go for a satin gloss if you want a sheen rather than a matt finish.

[pastafreak]

Good quality chalk paint is great for furniture...and you don't have to do the various 'aged' effects that are often shown. In fact, you don't need to sand and prime either. Annie Sloane is very well known, and I used a brand called Fusion Mineral paint.
They are not cheap but a little goes a long way.
Rustoleum also does a version that has good reviews on Amazon.

[Atheist]

It's probably good to check on whether your proposed finish coat is compatible with the under coats. Water-based primer may require water-based topcoat. Oil based primer may require oil-based over coats. I can't prescribe, but check with the paint manufacturers before you choose.

[ummmm]

I would use chalk paint like Pasta said.

[Atheist]

If you're looking for 'shabby-chic' then maybe chalk paint is OK. I haven't used it, but personally I'd use something more long-lasting in terms of fashion and physical durability.

[dance2trance]

Thank you everybody. Brilliant advice. It was Dulux multi surface primer which I think is water based and I had not thought of an undercoat! Will now do so. And the tack cloths. As the table is just for eating I will opt for a chalk finish in a cream as it is what the table's colour was. Once again thanks to all.

[Atheist]

Good luck, dance. Maybe report back in a year to let us know what you used and how well it is wearing.

[pastafreak]

I used the Fusion Mineral paint on kitchen cupboard doors about 2 years ago. It's held up really well. I used a coat of polyvine satin varnish over them...easy to clean and durable.
I think the Fusion is a step up from chalk paint, but both are durable. And as I mentioned earlier, you do *not* have to do shabby chic.
Oh...and thank you for BA.