• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Pretty Providence

  • Home
    • Newest Blog Posts
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
      • Cookies
    • Dinner
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
  • DIY & Crafts
    • Cricut
    • T-Shirts
    • Crafts
    • Decor
    • DIY Projects
  • Holidays
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Years Eve
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • 4th of July
  • TIPS
    • Tips
    • Organization
    • Family Life
      • Baby
      • Fun
      • Family
    • Travel
  • OCCASIONS
    • Gifts
    • Parties
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

Tile Table Makeover

Home » Decor » Tile Table Makeover

Published July 22, 2015 Last Updated February 5, 2021 / By Jessica 64 Comments

Tweet
Pin1K
Share11
Email
1K Shares

Have you ever thought about how to paint furniture white?  We have!  And in this How to Transform an Old Tile Table Tutorial, we’ve done the work for you.  And if you are feeling ambitious, here’s How to Paint Furniture with Chalk Paint too!

How to transform an old tile table with $50 and a Saturday! #diningroomtable #diningroomtableredo #furnituremakeover #furnituremakeovers #paintfurniture

History of the Dining Table

Six years ago when Bryce and I got married, my Grammy and Grandpy gave us this dining table and chairs.   It was a really solid, well-built table with an interesting shape.  But,  I was not crazy about the forest green tile/oak wood combo. Beggars can’t be choosers though, and it was honestly way nicer than any of our other options.  We gratefully accepted it and ate, played and puzzled on it for five happy years. 

Why DIYs Work

Anywho, I anxiously awaited the day when we could afford to buy a new dining table. As I started to shop around I realized how expensive our set was going to be to replace. I obviously heard of refinishing furniture, but for some reason, the tile always scared me off. Until one fateful morning when I just woke up and decided, “I’m doing this thang.”

Of course, the first thing I did was google it, and shockingly I turned up with little to no helpful information, so I decided to wing it.  I figure if it turned out a nightmare, it would just speed up my buying process, and if it turned out awesome, I saved us big bucks! I am sooo happy with how it turned out, and it has given me the confidence to try more furniture related DIYs.

Old Tile Table Makeover Before  

So. I think you might die when you realize how easy this is. Before we start this how to transform an old tile table tutorial, here are a couple of lovely before pictures for your viewing pleasure.   

Oak and green tile tabletop, with matching dining chairs in a kitchen.
Bar stools at a kitchen counter.
Close up of green tile tabletop with oak trim.

How to Transform an Old Tile Table Tutorial

Okay, now that you have a working knowledge of the “before” set, let’s get to work. Move your table and chairs to an area where you can paint.  Then follow these instructions:

  1. Clean your table and chairs thoroughly 
  2. Prime
  3. Prime Again
  4. After your Primer is completely dry, Paint
  5. After your table and chairs are completely primed, painted and dry, you will need a sealant or top coat  
 

Step 1

Clean your table and chairs thoroughly and wait until completely dry.

 
 

Step 2

Prime.  This is the absolute most important step. If you don’t want to sand (and I didn’t) you have to be sure you prime well. Don’t buy just any primer, here are your two options: Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer or Kilz Primer. I used the Zinsser for this table because at the time I had not yet heard of/used Kilz. Even though Kilz is my new favorite primer, I really loved Zinsser as well, and it did a great job on my table. Although, I did two coats. Which leads me to my next step…
 
Tutorial: How to refinish an old tile topped table for super cheap!

Step 3

Prime again. You heard me. After your first layer is dry prime again. I used two coats of primer on my table and only one on my chairs because, spokes. And, impatience. Anyway, the table has held up like an absolute dream, where the chairs I have already had to touch up once. Don’t take the easy way out, we already skipped sanding, so you need to prime twice, don’t argue! In the above picture, you can see the difference. The left side of the table had only been primed once where the right had been primed twice.
 
Tutorial: How to refinish an old tile topped table for super cheap!

Step 4

After your primer is completely dry (follow package directions for how long to wait between coats) you can do the fun part, paint!!! I used a creamy white paint for the entire table. The chairs are a bright yellow and they were just the right, happy touch. I bought both paints and primer at Lowes.

Step 5

After your table and chairs are completely primed, painted and dry, you will need a sealant or topcoat of some kind. I used Valspar’s clear sealer in a satin finish. If you are using a spray-on sealer than you will want to do multiple light coats. You will be able to tell if it pools or squirts out, so don’t get too close and take your time! If you are worried about being patient, I wouldn’t recommend a spray-on kind!

Step 6

Sit back and enjoy your beautiful “new” dining set!
 
Tutorial: How to refinish an old tile topped table for super cheap!
 

Pro Tips

  • Make sure you clean the table surface thoroughly before painting.  Use washing water and a soft cloth to clean the surface of the tiles.  An old toothbrush works to remove any dirt in the grout. Rinse with clean water and dry with a clean cloth.
  • Use oil-based paint – do not use latex paint.  And choose between a satin or semi-gloss finish for the best results.
  • Take your time between coats of paint.  Make sure the first coat is completely dry before adding a second.
  • If you are painting a wooden table, sand it first before applying the primer.
  • And always keep a touch-up can of paint handy in case it needs it.

 It’s ironic that the thing I disliked most about my table beforehand (the tile) is now my very favorite part of the table.  It adds texture and interest to the tabletop without being too bold or distracting! 

jessica-about-1
 

Also, if you love frugal and AMAZING DIY projects as much as we do, check out our awesome DIY Sliding Barn Door video tutorial!

If you like this post, check out 15 DIY Ottoman Ideas or the 24 Amazing DIY Headboard Ideas! This post may be linked up.  

Are you ready to transform your old tile table?  Make sure you share your creations by tagging us on Instagram!

Originally published on December 17, 2013, and since updated on July 11, 2019.

Tweet
Pin1K
Share11
Email
1K Shares

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Courtney

    November 05, 2017 at 10:27 am

    I am excited to do this! We have that EXACT same table. We’re in an apartment right now so it’s being stored at my parents until we buy a house but I want to fix it up before then so it’s one else thing we have to do after we move! Thanks for sharing your solution!

    Reply
    • Sarah + Jessica

      November 05, 2017 at 2:53 pm

      Oh that is so exciting!!! Good luck with yours and your move!

      Reply
  2. Sarah Linden

    October 16, 2017 at 11:57 am

    I am moving in with my fiance and we are in the same boat (not much money, trying to re-use hand me downs) and I want to re-paint his old table. I search “how to paint a tile tabletop and lo and behold, your blog post comes up. THIS IS THE EXACT TABLE WE HAVE! In all it’s green tile and oak wood glory. I’m so happy I found your blog post!

    Reply
    • Sarah + Jessica

      October 16, 2017 at 1:19 pm

      Hahaha oh my gosh perfect!!!! I’m so glad you found it and congratulations to you both!

      Reply
  3. Kimberly Wiertalla-Servello

    May 16, 2017 at 10:06 am

    I have the exact table but it is rectangle. We also got it from my husband’s grandparents, the thing I hate is cleaning between the tiles!! Do you have a problem with that now? Your set looks amazing! We just did a kitchen makeover, just waiting on counter tops. And no money left for expensive replacement???? Any suggestions would be so helpful!!

    Reply
    • Sarah + Jessica

      May 16, 2017 at 12:05 pm

      I totally feel you on that! It actually cleaned easier once it was painted over because essentially you’re not cleaning grout anymore! I hope this helps, GOOD LUCK!

      Reply
      • Kimberly Wiertalla-Servello

        May 16, 2017 at 3:44 pm

        Thank you so much!!

  4. Nikki L Koeller

    April 10, 2017 at 12:38 pm

    This is beautiful!! I have a very similar tile top table, but rectangular with a built in leaf that folds down into the center and 4-legs, rather than pedestal-style. It’s light colored wood and white paint with white tiles. I can’t handle it!! lol Our house has all dark wood / black finishes. It sticks out like a sore thumb but the table has sentimental value so we don’t want to just replace it with a new one. I appreciate you posting this, and it’s happening THIS WEEK! :) Every so happy to have found this via Pintrest!

    Reply
    • Sarah + Jessica

      April 10, 2017 at 12:45 pm

      oh YAY!!! I’m so so glad you are excited! best of luck, i’m sure it will turn out great!

      [image: Facebook] [image: Twitter] [image: Google Plus Page] [image: pinterest] [image: Instagram]

      Reply
  5. Anna

    March 06, 2017 at 12:11 pm

    Hi. what type of paint did you use on the tiles? Was it tile paint or something different?? Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Sarah + Jessica

      March 06, 2017 at 1:48 pm

      Just regular primer! I believe I note the kind in the post!

      Reply
      • Anna

        March 06, 2017 at 7:58 pm

        thanks for the reply, I saw that you put two coats of primer on which I will plan to do also, but I was curious as to what type of paint you used over the primer, didn’t know if it was regular wall type paint or a special type, or if you just did the 2 coats of primer then sealed it? thanks in advance.

  6. Susan Pruitt

    March 03, 2017 at 2:24 pm

    I realize this is an old post, but I have a table exactly like this that I want to paint. What did you use to clean the table before priming? Is TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) only for before sanding?

    Reply
    • Sarah + Jessica

      March 03, 2017 at 4:43 pm

      I just used an old fashioned cloth and got water! It worked great! Good luck- I loved my after!

      Reply
  7. McCall

    September 21, 2016 at 4:04 pm

    I know this post is older but would love if you could respond. I have the same table and was going to sand but I am so glad to see it can be done by just priming. However the paint is pretty chipped in some places around the base of the table and chairs. Would that affect it at all?

    Reply
    • Jessica @ Pretty Providence

      September 21, 2016 at 4:20 pm

      It shouldn’t! But if you wanted to just very lightly sand it wouldn’t be a bad idea!

      Reply
  8. Leah Prescott

    June 18, 2016 at 3:51 am

    I know this post is old, but thanks so much for these tips. We have a huge, sturdy tiled table which is not exactly my style. Not only is it not in the budget to replace, but it was sort of a family heirloom so I hate to part with it. I love this idea and am tucking it away for a future project.

    Reply
    • Jessica

      March 19, 2018 at 11:02 am

      yay! I’m so glad you love it! good luck to you!

      Reply
  9. Anne Coeling Ferris

    September 29, 2015 at 12:34 pm

    I am interested in trying this, but the “grout” between my tiles is more like caulk than actual grout. is this what you had? I am concerned the paint won’t stick to it

    Reply
  10. Staci Fugate

    September 07, 2015 at 9:46 am

    What kind of paint did you use? I was wondering if I could use a chalk paint?

    Reply
  11. Elena

    September 03, 2015 at 1:22 pm

    did you roll or brush the paint on the table? Or was is spray paint? Is it still holding up? I have the same table and I HATE it!!

    Reply
  12. Dedra

    July 28, 2015 at 1:59 pm

    I love this idea! I actually have the same exact table and I’m in process of finishing now, but I’ve had trouble finding a good sealer. Was the Valspar sealer you used in a spray can?

    Reply
    • Jessica @ Pretty Providence

      July 28, 2015 at 2:39 pm

      It was, but I am pretty sure they make both kinds!

      Reply
  13. Emily brown

    February 23, 2015 at 8:06 am

    I have the exact table but mine has 4 legs instead of the one base. That ugly green tile has been killing me too! We also got it as a hand me down. I saw that as of last year the paint had held up well. I’m wondering if it still is doing ok? Ours is our main table so it gets a lot of use and abuse(3 small children). I have seen other tutorials where they use appoxiy on the tile but if all I have to do is prime and paint that’s would save me! Anyway thanks for sharing! I’m hoping this is the answer to my ugly green tile woes.

    Reply
  14. Jill

    January 11, 2015 at 4:46 pm

    I have this table set in white. Did you sand anything? I want to update mine but I have chips in the paint on my chairs. And I think I should sand. And did you consider removing the tiles? I have but don’t know where to start

    Reply
  15. andrea

    January 05, 2015 at 4:11 pm

    So awesome I literally have the exact kitchen set…I typed in refurbished oval table and this was one of the first images….now im hopeful :)

    Reply
  16. Gill C

    December 26, 2014 at 12:24 pm

    I realize this is an old blog.. Sorry… Did the top coat fill in the grout lines? I have a tile on my table and I hate the way the grooves, where the grout is accumulates grime so bad. Yucky….. I’m dying to do something to my table and wondered if your table now has a smooth feel to it? Yours looks fabulous!

    Reply
    • Jessica @ Pretty Providence

      December 26, 2014 at 12:46 pm

      It definitely covers the grout and had a smooth continuous feel, but it still dips down where the grout lines are, they don’t fill in. It just looks patterned, and I actually really like it! It’s easier to clean now as well, since there are no longer actual cracks.. If that makes sense!

      Reply
  17. liberty

    November 22, 2014 at 1:38 pm

    have the same table but its white and lighter wood! one of the tiles is cracked and I’ve been scouring the internet for a solution ! thank you sooo much! it’s great to hear it has held up to daily use by your toddler! (I have twins who will be 3 in december) I think I’m going to use a darker color for my table though!

    Reply
  18. Michele Reynolds

    July 17, 2014 at 11:50 am

    Really pretty! I’ve had my table forever, and just cant part with it! Mine is pine with white tile but I love your total white look! My base is white so I would only have to do the top and touch up the base! Has the tile chipped?

    Reply
    • Jessica @ Pretty Providence

      July 17, 2014 at 11:57 am

      No the tile hasn’t chipped at all! But since your tile is white I wouldn’t even paint it! Id just tape around it!

      Reply
  19. Maryanne Zampella Eggers

    March 16, 2014 at 9:15 am

    How is the paint holding up on the tiles? Does it chip at all?

    Reply
    • Jessica @ Pretty Providence

      March 16, 2014 at 2:51 pm

      It’s been a year and the table hasn’t chipped at all! Funny enough, the bottom of the chair legs have a little. I think it’s because I didn’t prime them even close to as well and they are constantly banged into the bottom of the table by my toddler!

      Reply
  20. Michelle Barneck

    December 17, 2013 at 9:17 am

    Ooh, I love how bright and cheery it looks now!

    Reply
    • prettyprovidence

      December 17, 2013 at 9:25 am

      Thank you so much!! It really does brighten up our space so much!

      Reply
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

about-pretty-providence  

Hey! We're Sarah and Jessica. We're BFF's and have known each other since we were 5 years old. This blog is our place to share all of our best recipes, tips, crafts and DIY projects.

You can read more about us on our about page and find us on instagram! We love making new friends.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
  • YouTube

Most Popular

Breakfast casserole with sausage, eggs, cheese and bell peppers on a white plate

World’s Best Breakfast Casserole

DIY desk made from two storage cube bookshelves and IKEA desk top with marble look

DIY IKEA Desk Hack

Iron-on t-shirt with Cricut collage of supplies needed, iron-on cut and weeded, and then the final shirt that says "#tired" in gold iron-on letters

How to Make a Shirt with Cricut

The Office birthday party table with decorations, food, balloons and "it is your birthday" sign

The Office Birthday Party

Teepee style blanket fort made with bedsheets and clothesline hung from a light fixture.

How To Build The Best Blanket Fort

German Pancakes just out of the oven, dusted with powdered sugar in a glass baking dish.

German Pancakes

Organization

a habit tracker with pink squares next to a rose gold pen

Free Printable Habit Tracker

collage image of four different laundry hacks to make laundry easier

The Best Laundry Hacks

art supplies organized and labeled on a white IKEA kallax shelf

School and Art Supply Organization

Weekly cleaning checklist and routine, and checklist for kids too with pictures and check boxes!

Weekly Cleaning Routine + Checklist

Laundry Care Symbols Explained

pantry organization at it's finest! great tips and tricks in this post!

Home Organization Ideas

CRICUT

Light blue Cricut Maker 3 with an assortment of colors of vinyl and iron-on vinyl fanned out under it and behind it.

The Best Iron On and Vinyl to Use with a Cricut

custom hats with cricut iron-on, baseball cap style

How to Make Custom Hats with Cricut

light blue Cricut maker 3 next to vinyl and art on shelves

Cricut Materials – Everything You Need to Know

cute first/last day of school whiteboard on a light blue background

Back to School Photoshoot Board

DIY tote bag canvas with a rainbow and the words 'I'll walk with you' in gold iron-on vinyl

Rainbow DIY Tote Bag

DIY Custom Napkins

Footer

Copyright © 2012-2019 Pretty Providence | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Disclosures