Painting a changing table?

[Trufflepuffpuff]

I wasn't quite sure where to post this as it's not a big project but here goes!

We bought a second hand changing table in oak but it's quite orange and I'm not mad about the colour. I'm thinking of painting it but not sure if that's a good idea. Is it safe to do so - i.e. do I need to treat it so the paint doesn't rub off? How do I even go about it? Never done anything like this before!

If you want to have a look, it's the Mamas and Papas Sunningdale changing table - plenty of pics on google (not sure how to copy and paste one).

Thanks for any advice!

Chalk paint is fine but wont be totally smooth

sarahjoyblog.com/annie-sloan-chalk-paint-vs-rust-oleum-chalked-paint/

I've had a lot of success with the Farrow and Ball estate eggshell with painting over orange wood furniture. I haven't bothered to prep or prime and it's always come out beautifully and lasted well. It's water based and 'child' safe.

I'm a recent frenchic convert! It's certified child safe (EN 71:3), and you don't need to prime your furniture, just give it a light sand.

frenchicpaint.co.uk/pages/our-products

I would think most paints these days will be safe once dried/cured- I can’t imagine anything would pass safety standards. But I would give it a rub down with say 120 grit paper to provide a key for the new paint, perhaps just on the surfaces that will see contact. Agree with pp that eggshell will be the best finish although matt could work too.

Thanks all! That's good to know - so I could just paint straight onto it with F&B?

I do/have and it's been fine.

Thanks! Do you think a 0.75L pot of paint will be enough? I'm reluctant to buy a huge one.

Yes - you'll need to do 2 coats but it dries quickly in between.

Oak shouldn't be orange. Try rubbing it down with sandpaper to see what colour it goes back to.
You could then just wax or oil if you like it (these should be child-friendly and waterproof if done properly), or paint if you still don't like the colour.

A very old oak cupboard and a newer oak bedside cabinet (both taken in artificial light) for comparison.

You ideally need a painted changing table to be scrubbable in the event of nappy accidents. Eggshell would be best for this. Keep a jam jar of the paint for touch-ups of any marks you can’t get out.