If you have an old wood end table that you’re thinking of getting rid of, stop right there! There is hope for that table yet!
There are so many ways you can make something old into something new. With these instructions, your guests will never guess that your table is not new.
End Table
A lot of restorative projects are very difficult and require some sort of expertise. With this one, anyone can do it and get an amazing outcome that they will be proud to have in their home.
While you may need to take a trip to the store to get the necessary supplies, this craft is still pretty simple. Do not waste your money on a new end table when you can revive your old one.
This project does have a lot of steps but they are explained in a way that can be easily understood. As long as you are patient and follow the directions closely, you will have no troubles.
Once you have finished bringing your old end table back to life, you will have no problem making it fit with your home. You can choose the color you would like to use and the style it will have.
You do not have to wait years for your table to get old, you can easily buy a cheap one off of Marketplace or another store and restore it yourself. One mans trash is another man’s treasure.
There is so much that you can do with things in your house that are old to give them a new purpose. You will also feel so proud that you repurposed the end table yourself.
If you have the time, you really will enjoy doing this craft. Not to mention, your end table will thank you greatly for giving it a second chance!
If you would like to do more re-purposing around your house, be sure to check out Restored Old Wood Accent Table and DIY Time Out Bottle!
How To Restore Old Wood End Table
Once you have finished bringing your old end table back to life, you will have no problem making it fit with your home. You can choose the color you would like to use and the style it will have.
Materials
- 220 grit sand paper or sanding block
- Misting spray bottle
- Natural Bristle Chalkpaint Brush
- Natural Bristle Wax Brush
- Natural Bristle Chip Brush
- Three Lint Free Cloths
- Drop Cloth
- Tap water
- Plastic Fork
- Solo Cup
- Paper plate
- Mineral Spirits
- Dixie Belle Mason Dixon Gray Chalk Paint
- DIY Vintage Linen Paint
- Dixie Belle Best Dang Wax Grunge Gray
Instructions
- Place furniture in a clean workspace. If working in a garage be sure to sweep or blow all dirt and debris out of the area you will be working in. Lay a drop cloth down to ensure the paint does not drip and ruin your flooring.
- Take one lint-free cloth and dampen with mineral spirits. Clean the entire piece of furniture with the spirits to remove any and all debris or oils that may be on the surface. Be sure to wipe down anywhere you will be painting, including the inside of drawers and/or doors. It is advised to wear a mask or be sure you are in a well-ventilated area.
- Sand the entire piece using 220 grit sandpaper. If you have an orbital sander you can use this for the top of your piece and any larger areas to save you time and energy. If not, no worries sanding blocks, and regular sandpaper will do just fine. Be sure to rough up the existing finish to expose the natural wood grain. Smooth out any imperfections and ensure your piece is smooth to the touch. Be careful around any small details. Sanding is all about the pressure you apply. Heavy pressure in areas that have thick existing finish, light pressure on corners, and areas with detail you do not want to disturb.
- Take another lint-free cloth and remove all dust particles from the sanding process. Take your time, you do not want any lingering particles that will live under your paint. If you have an air compressor gun you will be done in no time. Don’t miss the corners and crevices!
- Shake your Dixie Belle Mason Dixon Gray for 30 seconds.
- Pour Dixie Belle Mason Dixon Gray on to a paper plate. A little goes a long way. Best to add more to your plate as you go to ensure you do not waste it.
- Using your Natural Bristle Chalk Paint Brush, coat the bottom of your brush and start painting the top of your piece. Be sure to work the paint in the same direction as the wood grain. Working from top to bottom will help minimize drips. Coat the entire piece. Don’t worry if the paint looks streaky it will all flatten out.
- Let dry for 30 minutes.
- Flip piece and paint underneath with Dixie Belle Mason Dixon Gray. Be sure to focus on any edges or areas that might be visible to ensure full coverage.
- Let dry for 30 minutes.
- Flip piece to have top of piece parallel with the ceiling.
- Let cure for 24 hours (depending on weather and humidity)
- If necessary, using 220 grit sandpaper lightly sand any areas of paint drips or build up.
- Using your lint-free dust cloth removes any debris.
- Shake your DIY Vintage Linen Chalk paint for 30 seconds.
- Pour DIY Vintage Linen and water using a 50/50 ratio into a solo cup. Mix thoroughly with a plastic fork.
- It’s time to begin your Linenwash. Using your natural bristle chip brush, coat the bottom of your brush and start painting the top of your piece. Paint in the same direction as the wood grain. Work from top to bottom. Be sure to use light strokes and long strokes. Mist your paint with your misting spray bottle to keep the paint moving over your piece as it starts to dry.
- On the legs add texture by starting at the top and working your way down the leg using an “S” formation. Work from left to right going down the leg. Your squiggles should carry the width of the leg all the way down to the bottom.
- Let dry for 30 minutes.
- Flip piece and Linenwash the underneath with DIY Vintage Linen and water 50/50 ratio. Be sure to focus on any edges or areas that might be visible to ensure full coverage.
- Let Cure for 24 hours.
- Using 220 grit sandpaper lightly sand the entire piece. Corners, legs, and drawers are a great place to distress. On the legs be sure to sand using the “S” technique so you do not lose the texture.
- Take your dusting lint-free cloth and remove all dust particles from the sanding process.
- Set a timer for 15 minutes. Start the timer when you begin step 4.
- Using your natural bristle wax brush and Dixie Belle Best Dang Grunge Gray Wax apply a thin coat to the entire piece. You can dip your brush right into the tin. Remember to apply a thin coat. Work quickly.
- Once the timer goes off you can start to rub in your wax. Work in the area that you applied first. Using your last lint-free cloth rub your wax into your piece. Be sure to rub in all directions and press the wax into the wood. If you're not sweating you're not doing it right. This takes elbow grease.
- Let Cure for 24 hours.
- Full Cure time is 30 days. (You can gently use your furniture after the first 48 hours) Be sure not to clean or drag anything across your beautiful creation before your 30 days are up.
- Clean all chalk paint brushes immediately after use with water. If buildup occurs you can gently clean with mineral spirits.
- Place wax brush in a ziplock bag. No need to clean your brush as long as you only use the same color wax with the same brush. Place in a ziplock bag immediately when you're done using it.
- Double-check to make sure all leftover paint and wax is tightly sealed.
