I've seen people selling kids tables that they painted, on craigslist. Honestly, every single one of them has looked awful. Unless you have lots of experience in this, I wouldn't do it. Instead, I would sand it then stain it. But I'd watch a ton of how-to videos first, and read up about it as well as reading about what brands of stain, etc, are best. Good luck!

I have done a number of things with chalk paint (note: not chalkboard paint). You can skip sanding and priming with chalk paint. It is a good technique for a vintage look, and it lends itself to adding distressing.

Why does the brand matter?

Sand. Prime. Paint.

Anyone paint over a pottery barn kids table ? How did it turn out ? How did you do it ?