Re-Painting a Nightstand for Softer-Serene Look

by Kathy R

5 Materials

$30

6 Hours

Medium

I love paint. I love the power of paint. We've had these nightstands for a very long time. A few years back I painted and stenciled them. I loved the look, but it didn't age well AND my tastes are leaning more toward softer-serene color schemes. So, I re-painted the nightstands!

re painting a nightstand for softer serene look

The painted tops of these nightstands began to wear away. The first thing I did was to sand down the tops. Then I painted the whole of the nightstand a soft greige.

I used one of my new favorite tools - a paint sprayer. This was the quickest part of the project! I painted two layers. But, I didn't want to stop there.

I always add something different when I paint furniture whether it's layering paint colors for patina, scrollwork - like before or...

As in this case - faux marbling on the top

Using three paints: white, light gray, and dark gray I created faux marble on the top. My tools were a sea sponge and small paint brush. I then once done, finished the top with layers of poly to protect from water. Water was what caused peeling in the previous paint application.

To create faux marble - randomly sponge on the white. Heavier in some places as others. Marble is created by heat and pressure - imagine where the veining will be. Then I applied in a pattern across the top the light gray. I was creating the path of the veining. After that with a light hand I painted on the veins with the dark gray. It looks rough at first. I then softened the edges with the sponge. Once done I sponged lightly white paint all over to give the marble a smoother appearance. Once dried I applied Poly.