Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Table Transformation, OR, I am in Love

My friend gave me a table that used to be her grandmother's. I know, I have really nice friends.



It had the cutest little shape, but it needed some help. The top had no finish left at all and looked, well, thirsty:


I got out a can of Minwax stain in "Special Walnut" and wiped it on the top with an old t-shirt. Immediately, the beautiful grain of the wood started showing. I wiped on 4-5 layers, each taking only 1-2 minutes to apply.

When the top was the color I wanted, I stopped. My husband used this same stain for our dining room table re-do and it came out almost ebony. For this table I wanted a lighter look to go with the antique mirror in the hallway.

After it was dry, I taped a garbage bag over the top, so I could spray paint the body.

I used white spray primer, then one coat of Heirloom White. I was freaking out because it was cold and rainy and I was afraid the paint would bubble and drip and generally look like crap.

Fortunately, the spray paint gods must have known that it had been a really long winter and this girl needed to "get her paint on," so the paint was smooth and perfect!

When I put it in the hall, I liked it, but I've been promising myself to try to learn how to glaze. Also, it looked a little too pristine.
I opened the glaze I bought back in OCTOBER and realized it was black. That was too scary for a first-timer, so I just dipped a dish towel right back in the can of walnut stain, lightly rubbed it over the entire piece, and then wiped it off.


This toned the white down a bit and gave the appearance of brush strokes, which I kind of liked.


Subtle, I know, but it was a baby step.

What do you think? I just hope my friend doesn't ask for it back.




Linking up to Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage! and Miss Mustard Seed!

32 comments:

emily said...

Fabulous! I love how the stain on the white really highlights the beautiful detailing.

Kristina P. said...

I love it! The white looks so fresh.

Jenny Hart Boren said...

So pretty! I'm getting ready to repaint my mismatched collection of bedroom pieces and now I'm tempted to stain the table- and dresser tops rather than paint them. Thanks for the inspiration!

dearheart said...

Super cool. You gotta love giving friends. Martha Stewart Living had a great article a while back about furniture glazing. I tried the technique on my daughter's dresser and was really pleased. You can likely find the article on the MS website.

Kate Coveny Hood said...

I love it! I'm totally starting DIY projects. Soon. Expect phone calls.

Kim @ A Brush of Whimsy said...

It is gorgeous! Baby steps are good!!! :)

Christy said...

I am SO impressed! I love it! I sure hope she doesn't ask for it back either!

Ellen aka Ellie said...

She IS going to wish she hadn't given it to you!

Anonymous said...

oh, girl… i love how you get your paint on. i had a table similar to it but liquidated it for 5 bucks in a yard sale (kicking self). it did have a bit of a "leg issue" that was above my woodworking skills.
love the glaze. you have skillz.

Nichole@40daysof said...

Really love it, Anna! You are so fearless about this stuff. I need a little of your nerve and skills. :)

Anonymous said...

The transformation is lovely and your vignette is charming. Well done!

jbhat

mosey (kim) said...

I like it! You are so clever. Do you have tips for giving an aged painted look to a table? I want to paint something turquoise and then rough it up around the edges....

Or would you maybe just want to come over here and do it for me? :)

I can't find my blog said...

Anna, I love it! When are you coming to California to tell me what to do with all of my old stuff? I need help!

Heidi said...

Beautiful! You've definitely got the knack.

Katherine said...

That turned out perfect, Anna! I am impressed, as always.

Karie said...

I love the table. You did a beautiful job. I hope your friend doesn't want it back either. When she comes to visit hide it. It is beautiful. Karie

Gretchen said...

Grgeous, as always, Anna. You are so talented!!!

Rebecca said...

You're really good! I'm impressed. It looks great.

B. Reddy said...

It's GORGEOUS!

Anonymous said...

Your table is gorgeous! You did a wonderful job! It's a stunning piece!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Sue@Uniquely Chic said...

Beautiful table! I remember the first time I glazed. I was so paranoid...now I am a glazing maniac!!

Jill said...

WOW! Love it ... and now have so many questions about this pine furniture I have in storage ... and what I can do to possibly salvage it. Hmmmm... your projects always have me thinking!

Unknown said...

Beautiful i would love to have a table like that.

Stimey said...

It's beautiful. I also really, really enjoy that if you look at the handle, it looks like it's smiling.

Li lia said...

Nice job!!

Caroline (Piorra Maison) said...

very nice and yes very nice friends. what a cute table

driftwoodesign said...

Beautiful table, you did her proud!
Kristy @ 4 the love of WOOD

Anonymous said...

the table is BEAUTIFUL! I am in the process of "thinking" about doing an old round side table and this has increased my "thought" process! Thank you and
Pink Hugs,
Dee

Susie - Walking Butterfly said...

wow what a wonderful transformation! I have a huge maple dining set my husband grew up with and I want to paint it so bad, but he is too nostalgic to let me touch it!! Argh!

hilary@oldhousetruelove said...

beautiful!

Unknown said...

love the table. i just awarded you the stylish blogger award please stop by and accept..
laurenj

K A B L O O E Y said...

Wow, nice job! I loved the thirsty to sated picture sequence.