I am building a sort of table/desk out of wood. What do I use to make the surface smooth?

Question

I want to paint it black, so what kind of paint would I use for that, and then after, what would I use to make the surface smooth? Varnish?

Answer 1

Fine sand paper, and use an alkyd glaze (Benjamin Moore) with a black tint. This is the least amount of work.  Another way to do it is to use a black stain (minwax Ebony) and then a polyurethane. ( all oil-based)  Which ever method you use must sand between coats. Good luck.

Answer 2

If you use an oil based paint, be sure to use an oil based top coat. Water base is quite good these days. Painting, rather than staining, will hide a multitude of sins.

The smoother your raw surface, the smoother your end result. Use sandpaper in descending order of grit. Start with 150, and then 220. Lightly sand between coats of paint, and resist the urge to apply too thick. If you know anyone with a random orbit power palm sander, the work will go MUCH faster. Top coat with varathane. Two coats, drying COMPLETELY between coats. Lightly sand before applying second coat, and don't skimp on the brush.

Answer 3

fine sandpaper than 0000 steel wool

Answer 4

use   birch ply ..... 3/4 inch  

  prime it  in a flat black color , then apply a second coat . then   apply  ........ two thin coats of polyurethane....  if you lightly sand the second to last coat . it Will look  great

Answer 5

You might want to try something a little different. Get a sheet of  laminate like what you would use for a counter top. They have so many different styles, it could look like granite, marble, stone and much more. Have a look at Home Depot or Lowe's. Another option would be to finish the desk with the tips you got above me and have a piece of glass cut for the top.

Answer 6

Oil-based enamel.   It will be harder and smoother than latex. Add some Penetrol to get it conditioned and to flow out better.  Sand lightly between coats with P400 sandpaper to remove brush marks and dust nibs.  Light and even coats are better than one heavy coat.

I have never understood the logic between applying varnish over the top of paint.  Enamel is essentially varnish with pigment added.  Why would adding enamel without pigment (varnish) do anything different?   If you really want a smooth table, you can "finish the finish" by rubbing out the final coat.  What you use to rub with will determine the sheen (glossiness).  Coarser materials like steel wool will give you a more satin finish, finer materials like rubbing compounds will give you a glossier finish.  And the choice or absence of rubbing lubricant will also determine the aggressiveness of your abrasive.

You could also spray a pre-cat lacquer, but I'm assuming since you are asking this question, you probably don't have the place, tools, or experience for this.

Answer 7

Gloss paint and clear polyurethane