How to Paint a Checkerboard Table

A tables with a checkerboard top can play two roles. It can have a practical purpose as a functional game table for checkers and chess. In addition, its grid of contrasting colors can add a bold accent to your decor. Some common color schemes for checkerboards include black and white, red and black, and olive green and buff. A traditional checkerboard has 64 squares. If you plan to use your checkerboard table for regular games, you can protect the surface from wear with a layer of varnish. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Fill in any holes on your tabletop with wood putty. Run a putty knife over the repairs to remove excess putty. Allow the putty to dry. Lightly sand the repaired area so it is the same as the surrounding surface. Spot-prime repairs with a dab of primer and a foam brush.

2

Lightly sand a glossy surface with a sanding block. Wipe off the tabletop with a tack cloth.

3

Roll an even coat of paint over the entire top of the table. Use the lighter of the two colors for this base color. Let the paint dry overnight.

4

Measure the side of your table. Divide this number by 8 to determine how big to make each square on your checkerboard. Use a piece of chalk and a yardstick to mark out your grid.

5

Place strips of tape just inside the lighter squares. Use a razor to cut the ends of the tape straight across. To prevent confusion, place an X made of tape in each light square.

6

Roll out the dark squares with a foam roller. Roll in both directions to evenly disperse paint. Peel off the tape as soon as you finish painting each dark square.