Coffee Table Re-Finished

Here it is...my $20 coffee table turned into a work of art!

You can find this coffee table at any thrift store...OR you may have it sitting in your home and want to spruce it up a bit. Go for it! I knew I wanted to stain the top and paint the bottom...so

1) I sanded the finish off the top using my sander. (Wear a mask...you don't want to inhale all the dusty wood particles...ick) Then I roughed up the bottom and legs a little. If you don't own a sander...ask for one for Mother's Day! Until then, borrow a neighbor's or use a sand block...you'll have beautiful arm muscles just in time for summer.

2) & 3) I used a paint brush to dust the table and then a wet lint-free rag to wipe it down. You want to make sure that you get all the dust off, so the paint will adhere. Don't use the same paint brush to dust...that you are going to use to paint with. Make sense?

4) Then I primed the bottom, let it dry. It was cold and I was working in my garage, so I let it dry extra long...like overnight and then painted and let that dry for a few hours. I flipped it onto it's legs with a drop cloth underneath. I used another paintbrush to put the stain on and then a rag to wipe it off. I did this in sections on the top of the table...with the garage door open. I should put some wipe-on poly to cover the top, but I haven't and I don't know if I ever will? But, it's the thought that counts...right?

I had a sample can of paint from Lowes called "Garden Pot"...also from the seaside retreat collection. The sample can is a great way to go for a custom paint job on a piece of furniture. And it's only $3 bucks and some change. I bought the tiniest can of walnut stain I could find. then I distressed the edges a little with sand paper. I have my feet propped up on my new coffee table as I write this. It's lovely in all it's glory!

Before

After

P.S. This Friday I'm going to have a Slipcover Party...so come by and link up those slipcovers!