As I look back on 2017, I’m reminded that it was indeed the year for makeovers – not just for our master bathroom and guest bathroom, but also for these coffee tables. After a few failed attempts at refinishing wooden furniture in the past, I was thrilled to report that this project was a resounding success; it required some elbow grease, but the end result was well worth the effort. These hand-me-downs from my parents had been in need of a serious facelift.
While browsing Pinterest, I stumbled upon an inspiring project by Nifty Thrifty Mama, who refinished an existing coffee table with a new wood top and white chalk paint. It seemed like the perfect solution for our coffee tables, which I wanted to update with a natural wood finish on the top and a crisp white coat on the bottom. However, when we visited Home Depot to purchase some oak wood, we were shocked to find that it would cost over $150.
Given the condition of our tables, it was clear that buying new ones wouldn’t break the bank. My DIY mentor – aka my mom – had a clever suggestion: She pointed out that the tables actually featured a wood veneer beneath the paint, which could be stripped and stained to reveal its natural beauty. I have to admit, I was intrigued by this revelation.
Stripping
When faced with stripping old paint from wood, many DIY enthusiasts would agree that it’s a tedious task. However, refinishing wood often requires this step to achieve the desired finish in our experience; we’ve learned that patience and persistence are key. Our previous attempt at stripping a dresser ended in frustration when we decided to simply paint over the entire piece instead.
This time around, we employed a different approach: we saturated the surface with stripping solution, making sure it formed small pools. If any areas appeared dry, we knew the paint wasn’t going anywhere. After allowing the solution to sit for about 15 minutes, we used a plastic scraper to carefully remove the old paint, revealing a smooth and pristine surface.
Sanding
Despite the paint being removed, the surface still appeared uneven. That’s when my husband stepped in, using his manual dexterity to sand the top layer with an 80-grit sandpaper. The result was a significant improvement, prompting us to take our palm sander out for a spin. Once we’d worked through the initial 80-grit grit, we refined the surface further by employing a 220-grit sandpaper.
Stain
To achieve the desired rich wood color, we opted for a darker shade than our initial choice. After browsing through Home Depot’s selection, we settled on Minwax’s oil-based stain in ‘Dark Walnut’. The application process was straightforward: we used a foam brush to apply the stain, allowing it to sit for 10 minutes before wiping away any excess with an old rag.
Sealing the Finish
The newly sanded wood was left vulnerable, making a protective coat a necessity. With this table destined for heavy use, I opted for a satin finish polyurethane sealant to maintain a subtle appearance. Although I had never applied the coating before, my apprehensions were quickly alleviated as the process proved surprisingly straightforward. A regular bristle brush was all I needed to apply the polyurethane, which dried remarkably quickly – within minutes, in fact.
However, I did need to allow it sufficient time to cure, waiting a full 24 hours before the table could be put back into service.
Chalk Painting!!!
As I had mentioned earlier in the blog post, I aimed to give my table legs a crisp, clean white makeover after struggling to find the perfect shade of white, I decided to put my research skills to the test. According to various sources, ‘White Dove’ by Benjamin Moore is a top contender for cabinet whites, so I ventured to Home Depot and had them match the color in Behr Marquee’s paint lineup. Next, I converted it into chalk paint using a trusted recipe passed down from my mother.
The transformation unfolded thus: sanding, applying chalk paint, sanding again, reapplying chalk paint, and finishing with one final layer of sanding. What struck me most was how smoothly the chalk paint sanded, resulting in a soft, radiant finish that seems almost luminescent.
Waxing the Chalk Paint
Mastering the art of waxing chalk paint requires finesse and attention to detail. Unlike other waxes that can be applied haphazardly, this specific type demands a more deliberate approach. To achieve a smooth, even finish, follow these crucial steps: Start by investing in a high-quality waxing brush, specifically designed for this task. Next, ensure all surfaces are meticulously wiped clean of any debris or dust.
When applying the wax to your brush, use an incredibly small amount – you don’t want too much excess wax ruining your project. Gently work the wax into the furniture using long strokes with the brush, covering the entire surface evenly. Finally, once the wax is fully incorporated, switch to a lint-free cloth and buff the piece to a high shine, removing any excess residue.
Before & Afters
While a standalone blog post can certainly hold its own, it’s often the supporting elements that truly elevate the reader’s experience. One such element is the inclusion of visual and interactive features that break up the text and draw the reader in. In this sense, no blog post is truly complete without them: from eye-catching images to engaging videos and thought-provoking quizzes, these extras can help turn a good read into a great one.
Before
While a standalone blog post can certainly hold its own, it’s often the supporting elements that truly elevate the reader’s experience. One such element is the inclusion of visual and interactive features that break up the text and draw the reader in. In this sense, no blog post is truly complete without them: from eye-catching images to engaging videos and thought-provoking quizzes, these extras can help turn a good read into a great one.
After
While a standalone blog post can certainly hold its own, it’s often the supporting elements that truly elevate the reader’s experience. One such element is the inclusion of visual and interactive features that break up the text and draw the reader in. In this sense, no blog post is truly complete without them: from eye-catching images to engaging videos and thought-provoking quizzes, these extras can help turn a good read into a great one.
Before
While a standalone blog post can certainly hold its own, it’s often the supporting elements that truly elevate the reader’s experience. One such element is the inclusion of visual and interactive features that break up the text and draw the reader in. In this sense, no blog post is truly complete without them: from eye-catching images to engaging videos and thought-provoking quizzes, these extras can help turn a good read into a great one.
After!
While a standalone blog post can certainly hold its own, it’s often the supporting elements that truly elevate the reader’s experience. One such element is the inclusion of visual and interactive features that break up the text and draw the reader in. In this sense, no blog post is truly complete without them: from eye-catching images to engaging videos and thought-provoking quizzes, these extras can help turn a good read into a great one.
Final Thoughts on Refinishing Wood…
I’m beaming with pride at the outcome of our coffee tables. This woodworking adventure has instilled a sense of capability within me, encouraging me to tackle other pieces in our home. As it turns out, there are three additional furniture items in our living room that I’d like to give the chalk paint treatment. Time to get cracking on those projects.
