Hidden Beauty End Tables
4 Materials
$35
4 Days
Medium
Picked up this rather homely set of end tables awhile back, took me a little while to get around to them in the line up of projects. I knew when I bought them that they had great potential. Now, my original vision didn't work out, so it took a little reworking to get the end result. However, I think the end result is stunning...see what you think. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date on all our projects. www.facebook.com/nettesemporium/
Here is how they looked when I purchased them. No, they aren't hideous, but I just felt like they could be updated. I love turning pieces that nobody really wants into pieces everybody adores.
Remember, when you sand down intricate pieces, you have to make sure you clean out all the grooves (seriously otherwise the paint won't stick). Here I used a big fluffy paint brush, but you can also use an air compressor to clean out the grooves.
Orbital sander to the rescue! The orbital sander it always my go to tool for large smooth surfaces.
I didn't have to base coat, but I really like how the chalk paint goes on if you base coat.
After a couple coats of plaster white....I decided to go crazy and test out some glaze. When I first saw these tables, I knew I wanted them to be my first glaze project.
Hey, the table top base needed some glaze as well!
Now, my first plan was to use an antique aqua stain on these tops, but sadly, they looked hideous. So, after sanding back down, I went with an ebony stain. You can still see tiny flecks of aqua...so not entirely wasted time I guess. 
Before glaze and after glaze on the legs...amazing!
Finished off the tops with clear poly, and here they are all done, and beautiful.
Who wouldn't want these lovelies?
Adding this so people can see the top finished. Wanted everyone to see the inlay detail is still present.
Here they are staged for sale.
Comments
Join the conversation
4 of 42 comments
-
Very stunning.
-
Thank you =)
-
-
You're welcome. It takes time. To do what you're done. I redid my coffee table over. Bottom shiny black. And dark stain the top in special walnut. Looks like. After seeing the way you're looks. I'll be changing to light lol
-
Yea, it does take time. Especially if you try and do it right. I get frustrated if my vision doesn't turn out and I have to redo something, but I always want my pieces to look good. I just posted a chest of drawers makeover I did, and actually ended up mixing two stains to get the right color for it. =)
-
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
You did a Beautiful job!! May I ask what paint color is on your walls please?
Gorgeous! Love how you brought out the detail in the claw foot legs. Did you paint everything black first? Why do you use chalk paint on furniture? I want to do this ugly table just like yours - can you list the steps for me? Thanks!