Tile Table Makeover
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!
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.
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:
- Clean your table and chairs thoroughly
- Prime
- Prime Again
- After your Primer is completely dry, Paint
- 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
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
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!
Also, if you love frugal and AMAZING DIY projects as much as we do, check out our awesome DIY Sliding Barn Door video tutorial!
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.
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!
Oh that is so exciting!!! Good luck with yours and your move!
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!
Hahaha oh my gosh perfect!!!! I’m so glad you found it and congratulations to you both!
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!!
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!
Thank you so much!!
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!
oh YAY!!! I'm so so glad you are excited! best of luck, i'm sure it will turn out great!
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Hi. what type of paint did you use on the tiles? Was it tile paint or something different?? Thanks in advance.
Just regular primer! I believe I note the kind in the post!
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.
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?
I just used an old fashioned cloth and got water! It worked great! Good luck- I loved my after!
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?
It shouldn't! But if you wanted to just very lightly sand it wouldn't be a bad idea!
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.
yay! I'm so glad you love it! good luck to you!
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
What kind of paint did you use? I was wondering if I could use a chalk paint?
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!!
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?
It was, but I am pretty sure they make both kinds!
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.
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
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 :)
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!
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!
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!
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?
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!
How is the paint holding up on the tiles? Does it chip at all?
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!
Ooh, I love how bright and cheery it looks now!
Thank you so much!! It really does brighten up our space so much!