MDF Side table makeover- I did a metal finish and new wood top

If the Restoration Hardware {Baker's Rack Open Shelving} and this piece {Zinc Open Nightstand} fell crazy in love and had a little furniture baby, then it could look something like my side table makeover!
Remember my before pic- this side table in need of TLC. I almost tossed'em or yard saled the pair- since they were only 60 bucks brand spankin new and aren't even made of real wood! BUT the size and shape could work, and I needed the little drawers for living room storage- so I stayed with it.
I painted the tables black- using a DIY chalk paint formula. I used chalk paint so I could skip the prime step and skip right to the paint. And for the record chalk paint does have great adhesion to MDF, I was very pleased with it.
I took off the top of the table, to be replaced with some real wood!
To create a metallic look I started off using Jamie's {Freckled Laundry} tutorial-it's about the best tutorial I've ever seen. Jamie is so super duper talented.
I happen to have the right paint on hand to follow through her directions. I probably shouldn't have taken a pic with the freezer paper- it's really just a trick I use to keep the paint from soaking into the paper plate. So you can disregard it when/if you buy supplies.
Following the tutorial, you use a rag to blend three shades of silver, creating a slightly varied finish in color. Buuuut, I followed all 14 steps and wasn't that happy with my version-{*super sad face.} Though this was at no fault of the tute. More like I'm still working on my glazing skills. So I backtracked to step 5.
I wanted a more reflective surface. So I used my old friend, Rub n Buff, to apply another level of sheen. I also used this to create imperfections in the finish and create depth. Look at how the furniture reflects light. I took this pic n an overcast day with the curtains closed, and still you can see the shine!
Here's a few close up shots so you can see the finish. I applied the Rub n Buff with a toothbrush, like I explain here. I used it in spots, making it thicker and thinner in areas to help recreate the look of metal.

I used cheap-ish preassembled pine wood and had it cut it to size. I decided to cut them the same size as the base, trying to modernize the traditional tables a bit. The wood cost me 20 bucks and would have been cheaper if I had decided to make my own with planks- probably costing $12-13. This time easy won, though!

Then I used a homemade stain made from vinegar and steel wool to age and stain the wood. {I describe it in depth at the bottom of this post.} The wood is warm with gray tones in it. It is a little more yellow than I'd like- but that's due to the polyurethane, not the stain.
I can say I'm at peace with how the tables turned out. For about 25 bucks I don't have to stare at that red-toned "wood" ever again! Not bad for a 60 dollar Target table, huh?