I have an old brown ugly table.What can I do to it?

Dianne Kurtz
by Dianne Kurtz
I have this old brown six side ugly table.I removed the door as I was going to make a cat house.But I am clueless and on a tight budget.Any suggestions on what I can make?
Six sided,ugly brown table.
  11 answers
  • Deneen dreaming-n-color Deneen dreaming-n-color on May 01, 2013
    Paint it! This would make a great storage cabinet by added a basket to the bottom. If you have a small dog it would make a great dog bed. Start with paint and the ideas are endless
  • Dianne Kurtz Dianne Kurtz on May 01, 2013
    Since I am absolutely clueless and a novice at upcycling,do I prime it first?Thank you.
  • The Robin's Nest The Robin's Nest on May 01, 2013
    if you don't want to sand or prime this piece, consider using either milk paint or chalk paint. But if you don't have access to that kind of paint (not sold at box stores), then to be on the safe side, I'd prime it and then paint it. IF the surface is shiny or laminate anywhere, lightly sand first. There are primers out there that allow you to skip the sanding.
  • Dianne Kurtz Dianne Kurtz on May 01, 2013
    The table is older and feels like cheap wood so my best bet is to sand it before anything.Thank you.
  • Not sure what your style is or if you still plan on it being a space for your cat but either way I agree with Deneen and the Robin's Nest that painting is a great option. If your tastes run toward the shabby chic paint, it a soft white, give it a light sanding to dull and remove some of the fresh paint and coat with a watered down stain for instant age. If you're more French inspired try a beautiful blue then dry brush a lighter shade of the same blue on top, lightly sand the edges, stain and seal. Have fun and be sure to share your finished project.
  • Gail--My Repurposed Life Gail--My Repurposed Life on May 01, 2013
    I would paint it with DIY chalk paint. Mix a couple of tablespoons of Plaster of Paris with a little water to make a paste, add that to about a cup of any latex paint (preferably flat or satin) and voila, you have a great paint that will stick to anything. After a couple of quick coats (it dries very fast) seal it with some wax, or some wipe on poly, and call it done! Black, or a bright color? your choice, the sky is the limit. Check Home Depot for a small sample pot of an oops color and let the decision be made for you. That's what I do!
  • The Robin's Nest The Robin's Nest on May 01, 2013
    IF the table is presswood and not real wood, be VERY careful with any sanding, it the veneer or finish is worn down, don't go too deep with sanding or you'll expose the fibers, you do not want any moisture getting to the presswood material. of course, If it's worn and exposed, then you have no choice but to prime it, in hopes that it will seal up and prevent moisture from getting into it and swelling.
  • Sherrie Sherrie on May 01, 2013
    I would say chalk paint it with a paint sample as Gail suggested. Be sure to sand (hand with a fine grit sand paper and seal it. And if you make your own your can do it for on the cheap. Besides it would be good practice later! Once you start doing it you end up loving it! The worst thing that could happen is you have to re-paint it!
  • Mary Insana Mary Insana on May 01, 2013
    You can get a sample of any color you want at Lowes for about $2.99 to make your DIY chalk paint. Once when I was there it was buy one sample get one free o I stocked up on colors I like. You will have to buy a small bag of plaster of paris but once you start making and painting with chalk paint you'll be hooked and will end up using the plaster.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on May 02, 2013
    I had to giggle at your description of this table. I treasure mine! I have a formal living room that was antiques. My guys hated going in there because of the "prissy" tables...no where to sit their cola. Well, I came across 2 mahogany 1980s tables...one square, one 6 sided like yours. I snatched them up because the water safe tops were perfect. Now my guys use that room and I would not ever get rid of those tables. Good luck making your own chalk paint. It is a lot cheaper to make than to hunt for a supplier and buy! Post photos!
  • Bernice H Bernice H on May 04, 2013
    @gail--My Repurposed Life ha! I have several little cans of sample paint..I didn't know I could make my own chalk paint. You and @Sherrie ....good idea! @Dianne Kurtz I am LOOKING for those old ugly tables! Do you think we can find them here? such detail on them, , even if they are laminated,when painted they are so cool! go for it! Take a deep breath, spread out your plastic cloth, go to work, .and be sure to post pictures. @Jeanette S Isnt that so true...love the prissy table comment!