How to Paint a Ping Pong Table

A blue ping pong table with a net and two ping pong paddles.
  • 2-3 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 50-75
What You'll Need
Wood filler
Putty knife
Sandpaper
Tack cloth
Primer
3/4-inch wide painter's masking tape
1/8-inch wide painters masking tape
Dark green paint, matte
White paint, matte
Paintbrushes
Paint roller
Paint trays
What You'll Need
Wood filler
Putty knife
Sandpaper
Tack cloth
Primer
3/4-inch wide painter's masking tape
1/8-inch wide painters masking tape
Dark green paint, matte
White paint, matte
Paintbrushes
Paint roller
Paint trays

The game of ping pong, also known as table tennis, has long been a favorite past-time for many families for many years. It is a game that uses a small white ball and a ping pong racquet. It can be played indoors or outdoors, by children and adults. If you have a ping pong table that you have built or one that needs to be revitalized, you will need to know how to paint it. It is not simply a matter of applying a coat of paint; you will need to know what type to use and where to paint the white lines.

Step 1 - Get the Tools and Supplies

Gather all the tools and supplies for this project first. You will need primer as well as dark green and white alkyd, or chalkboard, paint for the surface. The matte finish will reduce glare, and it is also durable and scratch-resistant. Pick up two different widths of painter's tape as well and some paintbrushes or a paint roller and tray.

Step 2 - Repair Any Damage

Before you start painting, check for any gouges or scratches that need repairs. Apply wood filler with a putty knife if the damage is deep, and then sand the surface and wipe away the sawdust for a clean surface. Take this time to remove any old paint from the table as well if there is any. A clean piece of sandpaper will remove any loose or cracked paint as well as any finish that should interfere with the new coat.

Step 3 - Paint the Primer

Apply an even coat of the primer to the entire tabletop. Allow it to dry completely according to the directions on the label of your product.

Step 4 - Lay Tape for the White Lines

The side lines and the end line are set along the edges of the ping pong table. All these lines are 3/4-inch thick, the side lines run the length of the table while the end lines run the width. There is also a center line that must be taped. It is 1/8-inch thick and it runs down the length of the table in the middle.

Once the primer has dried completely, measure the width of the table and mark the exact center along the length. This is where the center line will be located. Using the 1/8-inch wide painter's tape, a strip lengthwise from one end of the table to the other, keeping them as straight as possible. Press the tape down firmly so that green paint will not seep underneath it. Then, using the 3/4-inch painter's tape, run strips along all four edges of the table.

Step 5 - Add the Green Paint

Apply two coats of the green chalkboard paint, making sure that the first coat has dried according to the manufacturer’s instructions before you apply the second.

Step 6 - Paint White Lines

When the green paint is completely dry, carefully remove the masking tape from the table top. Using a small paintbrush, very carefully apply two coats of the white paint within the lines, allowing it to dry completely between coats. If you are not sure that you will be able to free hand paint the white lines, you can run more masking tape along the outside edges of the location where the white paint goes. If you do this, be very careful when you remove the tape so that you do not peel away any of the green tape.