The Challenge: Worn furniture.

The Fix: Spray-paint the coffee table.

The Reason: Because some wood demands to be covered up. Because an undistinguished piece of well-made furniture deserves a second act. Because a big, colorful coffee table elevates the everyday objects that are displayed on it.

The Tip: Don't be disappointed if the color doesn't look right after the first spraying. It takes three or four coats to get the color you saw in the store. The Spitzers used Dutch Boy Fresh Look Acrylic Enamel (#3730 Red, Kmart, www.kmart.com for store locations).

The Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.

The Cost: About $14.

Tips on Spray-Painting a Table

Create a well-ventilated work area that will also protect surrounding objects from over-spray by sectioning off part of a deck or a garage with clear plastic sheeting (10-by-25-foot roll, $6) and Ace Brand clean release masking tape.

Before applying primer, lightly sand the furniture, then clean thoroughly.

To hide the wood grain and scratches, use Bin Primer Sealer before painting. It dries in 15 minutes.