Asked on Aug 27, 2015

How to make a white oak coffee table look like an antique one

Melany Brown
by Melany Brown
I have a solid white oak coffee table that has been varnished with a clear varnish. I would like to strip the varnish and do a lime-wash look instead. Does anyone have any ideas of how to do it step by step?
  4 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Aug 27, 2015
    Go on pinterest for the step by step instructioins.
  • Z Z on Aug 27, 2015
    Here's a tutorial for liming yout table once you remove the varnish and clean with a tack cloth. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20354203,00.html You can also do a white wash/pickling finish using Minwax's product made just for that. I'm not sure if that's available in So. Africa.
    • See 1 previous
    • Z Z on Aug 28, 2015
      @You're very welcome Melany. Please remember to take before, during and after pictures to share here.
  • Tammy Lyn Hanssen Tammy Lyn Hanssen on Aug 28, 2015
    I bought one at a thrift store but had no idea how to do it either. I ended up donating back to the store I got it from. LOL Good luck! I can't wait to see how it comes out. Please post before and after pictures :)
  • Kim Kim on Aug 29, 2015
    Removing paint and finishes is a pain, time consuming, and you use chemicals that if they just barely touch your skin, can give you burns. Think about it -- chemicals that can remove layers and layers of old paints, etc. can take your skin off. Read directions. Use every safety measure -- gloves, goggles, long sleeves, keep kids away, etc. The rewards can be amazing!! Google step by step but after you've removed the finish, sand it all then wipe down with damp cloth to remove the dust. Foolow directions on the finish you want -- if painting or stain, do one coat, let dry. Then lightly sand. Wipe with damp cloth and let dry. Repeat again. Can repeat a third time depending on how many layers you want. Hope you share pics.