Easiest way to paint/freshen up a piece from Ballard Designs?

[Anonymous]

Title says it all.

I have a black side table/cabinet I purchased from BD decades ago, and the top has white spots on it (despite never having put a drink or anything on top of it).

Is there a magic paint I can use to just freshen it up without having to do a lot of prep?

If not, what’s the basic prep and what kind of paint should I use?

The piece is basically hidden in a far corner of the house, so it is rarely scrutinized closely. Nonetheless, I’d like to freshen it up so it looks better/brighter from a distance.

[Anonymous]

If the spots are small, paint markers would be easiest.

[Anonymous]

For a table that isn't not prominently displayed and used:
If it's black paint, then lightly sand the top, wipe off, blue tape the edges. Find a black paint that matches then paint the entire top.
If it's a black stain (which is much easier) sand the top, then paint on the matching black stain. Once you can no longer see the white spots, get a spray clear coat. It comes in different finishes.

[Anonymous]

I'd go after it with a Sharpie first.

[Anonymous]

How about using chalk paint? I've heard that's easy to use if you paint the whole surface, not just touch up.

[Anonymous]

I recommend General Finishes milk paint. It doesn’t look like the normal rustic milk paint but rather dries to a hard, almost enamel like finish.
Very minimal prep required.