When choosing a paint for a kitchen table top, there are a few key factors to consider: durability, ease of cleaning, resistance to heat, moisture, stains, and scratches. The kitchen table tends to get heavy use, so you’ll want a paint that can stand up to daily wear and tear. You’ll also want something that cleans up easily when spills or sticky messes happen. The right paint can protect your table while keeping it looking great for years to come.
Durability
Durability is one of the most important features to look for when selecting a paint for a kitchen table. The table top needs to be able to withstand frequent use, silverware scratches, hot pots and pans, spills, and regular cleanings.
Some specific aspects of durability to consider include:
– Hardness/Scratch resistance – A harder paint finish will resist silverware scratches, scuffs, and abrasions better. Look for paints described as “scratch-resistant” or “mar-resistant.”
– Resistance to heat – Table tops inevitably get exposed to hot dishes and pans fresh from the oven or stove. A paint that can withstand temperatures up to 350°F is ideal to prevent cracking or discoloration.
– Stain resistance – Spills and messes are part of life in the kitchen. Stain-resistant paints provide barrier protection against liquids absorbing into the finish.
– Washability – Being able to regularly clean and wash the table top is essential. Paints with high washability ratings are designed to stand up to frequent cleaning without breaking down.
– Flexibility – Some paint films become brittle over time. Flexible paints can expand and contract with temperature changes and everyday use without cracking or peeling.
Selecting a kitchen table paint with maximum ratings in hardness, heat-resistance, stain-resistance, washability, and flexibility will provide the most durable finish.
Ease of Application
Another consideration is how easy the paint is to apply. Since table tops have large, flat surfaces, you’ll want a paint that goes on smoothly and evenly.
Here are some factors influencing the ease of application:
– Leveling – Leveling refers to how well the paint flows out after brushing or rolling. Paints with good leveling minimize brush marks and create a smooth coat.
– Coverage – Paints with good coverage fully cover the surface with minimal coats. Insufficient hiding can lead to visible wood grain or discolorations showing through.
– Dry time – A paint that dries relatively fast makes the job easier by allowing quick recoating. Normal dry times range from 1-4 hours between coats.
– Prep work – Some paints require intensive sanding, priming, masking and prep work. Others are formulated as direct-to-wood coatings needing minimal surface preparation.
Ideally, look for a kitchen table paint with high ratings in leveling, coverage, and dry time. Products marketed as “direct-to-wood” or “one coat coverage” require the least amount of prep work.
Common Paint Types for Kitchen Tables
Now that we’ve covered the general properties to look for, let’s examine some of the specific paint categories suitable for kitchen table tops:
Alkyd Enamel
Alkyd enamel paint contains alkyd (synthetic) resins dissolved in solvent. It dries to a hard, glossy finish and provides good durability. The pros of alkyd enamel include:
– Extremely durable finish resists scratches, heat, chemicals and staining
– High gloss provides a smooth, reflective surface that’s easy to clean
– Fast drying time – usually tack free in just 2-4 hours
The downsides are strong solvent fumes during application and cleanup. Proper ventilation is a must when using alkyd enamel.
Acrylic Latex
Made from acrylic resins suspended in water, acrylic latex paint provides a flexible, durable finish without solvent odors. Benefits include:
– Water-based formula is low odor and cleans up with soap and water
– Provides good durability and stain resistance
– Dries relatively fast, within 1-3 hours
– Available in multiple sheens from matte to glossy
Limitations are lesser durability compared to enamels and susceptibility to scratches and staining.
Epoxy
Two-part epoxy paints provide the ultimate in durability. Used on bar tops, sinks and other heavy-use surfaces, advantages are:
– Extreme hardness and scratch resistance
– Heat resistance up to 350°F
– Excellent chemical and stain resistance
– Highly washable and easy to clean
Epoxy’s industrial toughness comes with a trade-off of strong fumes, tricky mixing of resin and hardener, and a narrow window for application before drying.
Urethane
Urethane paints such as polyurethane provide similar toughness to epoxy with slightly easier application. Benefits include:
– High durability and abrasion resistance
– Resistant to heat, chemicals and stains
– Various sheens from satin to high gloss
– Faster drying than epoxy
Drawbacks are strong fumes requiring ventilation and tricky brush stroke technique to minimize brush marks.
Latex Cabinet & Trim Paint
Advanced formulas of acrylic-latex designed for painting cabinets and trim are also suitable options for kitchen tables. Pros:
– Durable, scratch-resistant finish
– Easy soap and water cleanup
– Low odor compared to solvent-based paints
– Resists staining, humidity and chemicals
Limitations are a less durable finish than enamel, epoxy or urethane. Though good for a table top, may require more frequent recoating.
Top Paint Brands
When reviewing the various paint brands on the market, here are some of the top choices to consider:
Behr Alkyd Enamel – A leading brand available at Home Depot, Behr’s alkyd enamel dries fast with a smooth, hard finish. It self-levels nicely to prevent brush marks. Provides great durability.
Rust-Oleum Zinsser BIN Advanced – This alkyd enamel offers superior leveling and a catalyzed enamel-like finish. Great scratch resistance and washability.
Valspar Cabinet Enamel – Low VOC option provides good flow and coverage. Hard, scratch-resistant finish suitable for table tops.
Benjamin Moore Advance – Water-based alkyd enamel alternative. Levels smoothly with hard, durable finish. Cleans up with soap and water.
PPG Breakthrough – Advanced hybrid formula combines durability of epoxy with easy water cleanup. Ultra-tough finish resists heat, scratches, and stains.
Sherwin-Williams ProClassic – Pro grade acrylic-latex designed for furniture and trim. Resists yellowing and stains. Smooth, uniform finish.
Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield – Two-part epoxy kit provides commercial-grade durability. Highly stain and heat resistant.
Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane – Offers superior protection against abrasion, chemicals, and weather. Easy-to-apply water-based formula.
While most major brands have suitable options, look for products specifically marketed as kitchen, cabinet, bar top or furniture paints for the best durability.
Application Tips
Proper application technique is just as important as choosing the right paint. Here are some tips for getting a smooth, professional-looking finish:
– Lightly sand surface – Sanding promotes paint adhesion by dulling the existing finish and creating a rougher profile.
– Clean thoroughly – Remove all grease, wax or grime so the paint bonds tightly. Tack cloth removes final dust.
– Use good quality brushes/rollers – Look for synthetic bristle brushes and microfiber or foam rollers designed for smooth surfaces.
– Apply thin coats – Multiple thin coats provide better appearance and durability than thick coats.
– Maintain a wet edge – Avoid lap marks by brushing/rolling continuously from one end to the other.
– Sand lightly between coats – For an ultra-smooth finish, do a quick scuff sanding before the final coat.
– Allow proper drying time – Rushing recoats can hurt durability and lead to drips or tackiness.
Taking the time to properly prepare and applying thin, even coats is the key to achieving a glass-like, professional paint job that lasts.
DIY vs Hiring a Professional
Is it worthwhile to tackle painting your kitchen table yourself or better to hire a professional painter? Here are some considerations:
DIY Pros:
– Less expensive – Buying the materials and painting it yourself saves money
– Creative control – You can choose the exact paint color and finish
– Satisfaction of DIY project – Fun sense of accomplishment
DIY Cons:
– Time consuming – Extensive prep work, multiple coats and drying time
– Chance of imperfections – Achieving an even, professional-looking finish requires skill
– Need to store and dispose of paint – Leftover paint takes up space and requires proper disposal
Professional Painter Pros:
– Saves time – No extensive prep or cleanup work for you
– Higher quality result – Experienced painters guarantee an even, perfect finish
– Proper handling/disposal – Professionals have systems for using and disposing of paint
Professional Painter Cons:
– More expensive – Hiring a crew costs more compared to DIY
– Schedule around their availability – You may wait longer for the project to be completed
– Less control over paint brand/color – Unless specified in contract
Weigh the time investment against your goals. If aiming for showroom quality with no hassle, a professional painter may be worth the price. But if budget is a concern or you don’t mind a casual finish, DIY can work well.
Conclusion
When selecting the best paint for your kitchen table top, durability should be the top priority. A table sees constant daily use and needs a finish that can withstand heat, spills, abrasion, and regular cleaning. Alkyd enamels and epoxies provide maximum toughness and stain resistance, followed by urethanes and specialty acrylic latex paints. Apply multiple thin coats for smoothness and use high quality brushes and rollers. With the right preparation and application, you can achieve a smooth, glass-like finish that protects your tabletop for years of family meals and memories. Consider your time commitment and goals – DIY is good for budget and control while professionals guarantee quality results. With the strategies above, your kitchen table will shine as the durable heart of your home.
| Paint Type | Durability | Ease of Application | Cleanup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alkyd Enamel | Excellent | Moderate | Mineral spirits |
| Acrylic Latex | Good | Easy | Soap and water |
| Epoxy | Outstanding | Difficult | Solvents |
| Urethane | Excellent | Moderate | Mineral spirits |
| Latex Cabinet/Trim Paint | Very Good | Easy | Soap and water |
