Painting A Picnic Table: Checkerboard Style

Painting a picnic table with a checkerboard design is a simple and inexpensive project that can infuse your outdoor space with a laid-back, old-fashioned feel. To get started, you'll need a picnic table, paint, paintbrushes, measuring and marking tools, and masking tape. This guide will take you through the process step-by-step, from preparing the table surface and creating the checkerboard pattern to painting and sealing your table for a durable finish.

Choose a table

If you are looking to buy a new table, consider the size of the table and the size of the game board you want to create. For example, if you want to create an 8-by-8 game board with 1.5-inch squares, you will need a table that is at least 12 inches wide and 21.5 inches long.

You can find a suitable table at a thrift store or garage sale. Don't worry too much about the appearance or condition of the table, as this project can work even if the table is chipped, scratched, or cracked.

Once you have your table, you can start preparing it for painting by sanding it down and applying a primer. Choose a water-based outdoor primer to ensure that your project is more eco-friendly.

Prepare the table

Preparing the table is the most important part of the process. First, you need to get your hands on an old picnic table. It doesn't matter if the table is chipped, scratched, or cracked, as this project will work well even if the table is damaged. If you don't have an old table, you can buy a new one or look for one at thrift stores, garage sales, or mission stores.

Once you have your table, decide if you want to change its colour. If you do, paint the table with a coat of your chosen colour and let it dry. If your table is old and care-worn, replace any rotten wood and sand the other surfaces down to clean boards before painting. You can also paint right onto the unfinished wood if your picnic table is brand new. It is recommended to use water-based outdoor paint and primer to avoid the higher VOCs and cleanup issues associated with oil-based paint.

Now, you need to prepare the table for the checkerboard pattern. Use a pencil to lightly mark the centre line of the table, then use a ruler or measuring tape to measure and mark the board area. For a classic checkerboard, the squares should be 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches, but you can also choose 1-inch or 2-inch squares based on the size of your table. Make sure your measurements are precise to ensure the checkerboard pattern looks neat.

After marking the centre line and measurements, it's time to apply the masking tape. Start by taping around the edges of the entire board. Then, tape off alternating lines and squares, making sure the tape has good contact with the surface by pressing down firmly on the edges. Choose a tape width that matches the size of your squares for easier application. For example, if you drew 2-inch squares, use 2-inch masking tape.

With the tape applied, your table is now ready for painting.

Measure and mark the board

To paint a checkerboard on a picnic table, you'll need to start by measuring and marking the board. This process will involve some basic math to determine the size and layout of your checkerboard. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Calculate Square Size

First, you need to determine the size of your squares. This will depend on the dimensions of your picnic table. It's recommended to use squares that are either 2 inches, 1.5 inches, or 1 inch in size, as these measurements make it easier to tape off the board later. For example, if your table is 21.5 inches square, and you opt for 1.5-inch squares, your game board will measure 12 inches, with an inset of 4.75 inches on all four sides.

Step 2: Find the Center

Locate the center point of your table. You can use a ruler or meter sticks to help with this step. Mark the center line with a pencil, making a precise line that you will use as a reference for the next steps.

Step 3: Place Tape Along the Center Line

Take your masking tape and place a strip of it right along the center line. This will help you create straight and even lines for your checkerboard pattern.

Step 4: Add Additional Tape Strips

Place more strips of tape neatly against the first strip, on both sides. The number of strips will depend on the size of your squares and the width of your tape. For example, if you're using 1.5-inch squares and your tape is 1.75 inches wide, you'll need seven additional strips on each side of the center line.

Step 5: Measure and Center the Width

Measure the total width of the stripes you've placed. Then, use this measurement to find the center of the table in the opposite direction. This will ensure that your checkerboard is centered on the table.

Step 6: Mark the Center Line in the Opposite Direction

Using the width of your tape or a ruler, mark off precise lines that will intersect with the first set of tape strips. These lines will be perpendicular to the first set of lines, creating a grid pattern.

Step 7: Press Down the Tape

Once you have your tape grid in place, press down the edges firmly to ensure good contact with the surface. This will help create sharp lines for your checkerboard pattern.

Now that you've measured, marked, and taped off the board, you're ready to move on to the next step, which is painting your checkerboard pattern!

Apply paint

Painting a checkerboard design on a picnic table is a simple, quick, and inexpensive project. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply paint to create a checkerboard pattern:

Prepare the Table Surface:

Start by finding an old picnic table that you can transform. The table can be chipped, scratched, or cracked, as these imperfections will be covered by paint. If the table is new and unfinished, you can paint directly onto the wood. However, if the table is old and care-worn, replace any rotten wood and sand the other surfaces to create a smooth base for painting.

Prime and Measure:

Before painting, apply a primer to the table surface. You can use a water-based outdoor primer to ensure the paint adheres well. Then, decide on the size of your checkerboard pattern. Measure and mark the board area using a pencil, ruler, or meter sticks. Calculate the size of each square, keeping in mind that choosing standard sizes like 2", 1.5", or 1" squares will make it easier to tape off later.

Tape Off the Design:

Use masking tape to tape off the design. Start by taping around the edges of the entire board. Then, tape off alternating lines and squares, creating the checkerboard pattern. Ensure that the tape has good contact with the surface by pressing the edges down firmly. If you plan to paint a border or stripe around the checkerboard, include that in your taping design.

Paint the First Colour:

Using a small roller or a paintbrush, apply paint within the taped-off pattern. Choose a paint colour that contrasts with the base colour of your table. Carefully brush or roll the paint over the taped-off areas. If desired, you can add a small amount of Plaster of Paris and water to create a chalk paint texture.

Remove Tape and Apply Second Colour:

Once the first colour is dry, carefully remove the tape. If you're creating sharp lines, let the paint dry overnight before removing the tape. For a distressed look, you only need to let it dry for a few minutes. Then, re-tape the table, covering the previously painted squares. Apply the second colour to the open squares, using the same method as before.

Distressing and Finishing (Optional):

If you want a distressed look, use 150-grit sandpaper to lightly dust over the entire surface of the table until the checkerboard pattern is sufficiently distressed. Wipe the table clean with a damp rag. You can leave it as is or apply a coat of flat polyurethane varnish or spray lacquer to protect the paint. However, be aware that unless you use a water-based polyurethane or a non-yellowing lacquer, this protective coat may yellow slightly over time.

Finishing touches

Once you have completed the checkerboard pattern, you can add a few finishing touches to your picnic table. Firstly, carefully remove the tape while the paint is still wet, otherwise, it may tear the paint off the edges. If you want a distressed look, you can use 150-grit sandpaper to dust over the entire surface of the table. Continue this process until the checkerboard pattern is sufficiently distressed to your liking. After distressing, wipe the table clean with a slightly damp rag.

To protect the paint job and ensure the table is durable, you can apply a sealant. You can use a flat polyurethane varnish or a spray lacquer. If you want to avoid yellowing over time, opt for a water-based polyurethane or a non-yellowing lacquer. You can also use a polyacrylic seal for added durability.

Finally, you can create your own game pieces to go with your new checkerboard table. Paint 24 wooden discs in two coordinating colours (12 in each colour) using a foam paintbrush and either acrylic or chalk paint. Allow the painted discs to dry overnight before placing them on the table. Now you're all set for a game of checkers!

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