You will need:

• Plain table
• Sharp pencil
• Ruler
• Sanding block
• P120 sandpaper
• Bostik Sugar Soap Concentrate
• 3M Scotch Fine Line Striping tape
• Low-sheen acrylic paint in 3 or 4 different colours

Step 1

Using a sanding block wrapped in sandpaper, sand your table using back-and-forth motions along the length of the grain. (To check grain direction, run a flat, clean hand along the top of the table — the way the grain runs will feel smoother than other directions.)

Step 2

Thoroughly wipe the surface to remove the sanding dust, then wash using diluted sugar soap and a clean cloth.

Step 3

Using a sharp pencil and a ruler, measure where you’d like your stripes to go — remember, the spacing between classic Missoni stripes are a little erratic. Make sure your stripes are straight by measuring from both ends of the table.

Step 4

Paint stripes one colour at a time, starting with the lightest colour. Use tape to mask out all parts of the table you don’t want the paint to go for this first set of stripes. (The 3M striping tape we used makes the job much faster than with traditional masking tape. It’s specially designed for creating stripes and can be used over freshly painted surfaces with less chance of leaving marks and imprints.)

Step 5

Apply a thin coat of paint and wait for it to dry. Repeat twice so you have three coats in total. Thin coats will reduce the risk of getting paint under your tape.

Step 6

Continue to repeat the tape-paint-repaint process — working from your lightest colours to your darkest — until all stripes have been painted on your table. Allow time to completely dry.

For more great ideas and practical solutions for your home see http://www.reallivingmag.com.au/