Table Redo With a Light Finish

7 Materials
$30
3 Days
Medium

Happy Love Month Friends!

If you’re looking for an easy Valentine’s Day DIY check out my recent post on my home talk page :)

BEFORE

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Recently I decided to transition my end tables from a farmhouse look to a more primitive look with a light finish. I knew I wanted to get rid of the farmhouse look and was inspired by Natalie at Vintage Porch on the finish I chose.

AFTER

GOODBYE X’S


I started the process by getting rid of the Farmhouse X’s on each end of the table. I took a hammer and after a few strikes they came right off. I’m loving them more already!


Now the pain in the A** part of the process… stripping and sanding (I’ll give you my 110% honest opinion on this at the end)!!


For products and tools used click HERE !

Out with the farmhouse look!

SANDING


For the stained part of the tables I sanded them down (I am never good at knowing what grit I used). I used a coarse sand paper with the belt sander and then used the palm sander around the edges. Make sure you wear a mask and if able take it outside.

STRIPPING


You will need Citristrip stripping gel and press and seal!


I spent 2 days using the method I have used in the past and then a friend shared a MUCH EASIER way! Be sure to wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection.. generously apply the stripper using a sponge or cloth. Right after you apply it use press and seal and cover the area tightly. Make sure you do it fairly quickly because you don’t want to stripper to dry out. Let this sit for around 3 hours. Then remove your press and seal and use your scrapper and scrape off paint. Repeat this process as many times as necessary to remove all of the paint.

BLEACH


After your stain and paint have been removed take a wet cloth and clean off debris. Once dry wipe the furniture down with full strength bleach. If you are in a sunny area then place the furniture in the sun. Repeat this process twice. This step will help remove any yellowing of the wood.

WHITE WASH


24 hours after the last coat of bleach is applied you can not white wash the wood. White wash can be found in a stain or a paint. I made my own using white chalk paint and water. I did the first table with a mixture of 1:3 mixture of paint and water, but wanted a lighter look and ended up using 1:2 mixture. Paint the white wash on and wipe into grooves. Let this dry for 24 hours.

GLAZE


In the past when I’ve used glazes they have been a thick mixture. The one used for this look and Vintage Porch used is this Rustoleum Java Brown Galze. It is much thinner than I’m used to. Use a cloth and wipe down the wood. I took a dry cloth and wiped off the excess. Be sure to do this within a few minutes or it will be harder to wipe. I forgot to wipe one spot and ended up taking a wet rag and was able to get it off.


SEAL


After you have the look you desire then seal the wood. I prefer a Hemp sealer. You wipe it on with a cloth. I usually do 2 coats. If you are needing a heavy sealer then you may want to go with a different method.

Taaaaa Daaaaaa!!!


What do y’all think?


I absolutely love the final look, BUT…. Time for my honest opinion, lol. If this was a piece special to me or a one of a kind piece that can’t easily be replaced I say go for the time and sweat of each step listed above. If not BUILD A NEW ONE and skip the sanding and stripping!!

Thanks so much for stopping by and for taking the time to read this post. Be sure to like and drop a comment so I know you stopped by. Please give me a follow here and all of my social media sites!!

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Frequently asked questions
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3 of 4 questions
  • Trudy Trudy on Feb 13, 2021

    I want to try hemp seed oil as a sealer. Do you have a favorite brand? Tips or tricks? I love the new white washed look and am so glad the Xs are gone.

  • Shuganne Shuganne on Feb 14, 2022

    Since the Xs are usually built in for support and sturdiness, I'm wondering if the tables are at all wobbly?

  • Patty Patty on Feb 11, 2023

    How many times did you have to use the stripper? I'm in love with raw wood,and want to strip some old furniture to update it. I'm so tired of dark brown!

Comments
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4 of 14 comments
  • Lori Alyea Lori Alyea on Feb 14, 2021

    great job !! Love the cow print on the the shelf... where did you purchase?

  • Krafty Kathy Krafty Kathy on Feb 13, 2023

    Since I am doing bathroom doors I used two large garbage bags. It is going much slower that my furniture projects. I think it is because I am dealing with several previous owners' paint mistakes like cheap latex over oil enamel.

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