How to upcycle a timber stencilled cement outdoor table?

[bmc3103]

 Hi! 
Could I please have a hand with how to paint and up cycle this old cement table. 
It is timber stencilled but solid heavy cement. 
Any recommendations would be amazing. 
Thank you 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @bmc3103. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about painting a table.

Upcycling your timber-stenciled cement table sounds like a fun project. However, it's important to note that these types of tables are often made from a fibre-reinforced resin and cement compound. This mix of materials can make it a bit tricky to work with, as resin doesn't always allow paint to adhere well, and there aren’t many products specifically designed for this type of surface.

Typically, tables like this have a dye added during the casting process, which helps with the colouring but can complicate things when you want to apply paint or finishes. Since the surface contains resin, achieving a durable and long-lasting bond with regular paints can be difficult, as they may not stick properly.

If you still want to give it a go, I'd recommend starting by sanding the surface lightly to rough it up, which may help the paint stick better. Then, apply a high-adhesion primer, such as Dulux 1L PRECISION White Maximum Strength Adhesion Primer, that’s designed to adhere to tricky surfaces. This should give your paint a better chance to grip onto the resin and cement mix. After priming, you can apply an exterior-grade paint, such as the Dulux Aquanamel range. This is designed for outdoor use and will provide good durability against the elements.

Just keep in mind that due to the resin content, the finish might not be as long-lasting as with a purely concrete or timber surface. Regular maintenance might be required to keep the table looking fresh.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[bmc3103]

I appreciate your advice! I will give it a go! Thanks very much