Water Stained Snack Table From What?? To Wow!!

Kimberley's Joy
by Kimberley's Joy
4 Materials
$15
3 Days
Medium

When I downsized a few years ago the townhouse I bought was "turn key", it came with everything. Like, I don't think these people ever threw anything away & they're in their 80's. Once I began digging in I soon realized I was about one very dusty silk plant away from an episode of hoarders. It was a very stressful time in my life, as I was working 60+ hrs a week away from home and dealing with a lot of other things.

I've always loved plants and enjoyed digging in my garden, now I'm in a townhome where the HOA deals with that. I do have a lovely enclosed courtyard which has become my garden oasis; perhaps you recall my gazing ball project which graces the entrance.

Before I got more appropriate plant stands I used a Snack Table (the folding kind) left from the previous owner outside as a plant stand but, while the table served as temporary plant stand it got water damage. In the few short years sibce it was put out there I went from beyond busy to no longer working. Then, this Table surely would've ended up in my trash but today it's one of my never ending DIY projects. Interesting how ones entire life can change in such a short amount of time, not unlike the look and purpose of this table!


Sanding with 80 grit sandpaper

Once I got a lot of the imperfections out I smoothed the finish/prepped for paint by sanding with 180 grit sandpaper.

Preparing the work area

I use foil on top of my pallet so it can be thrown away when I'm done. It's less work then washing it off and better for my drains.

I started out wanting a black top and simple blue designs but got more ambitious as I went.

Tools for making uniform circles and dots. I found that making little flags out of tape keeps them from rolling off the work space. I might have learned that the hard way.

I decided to incorporate the look of peacock feathers into the design so I printed pictures for reference.

This is the design I came up with which was inspired by the peacock feathers. I'm sure it doesn't look like it but this took me ALL DAY. I've never done a "dotting" project this detailed or in such a small space, it was very enjoyable but tedious. There was no way I was even attempting to duplicate it on the other side!

Hahaha this is the other side!

First I painted the top solid black & let it dry. Then I put some music on and let the brush guide me. Once the first color dried I added other colors and design.

The legs ended up being SOOOOO much more detailed than I planned but turned out to be my favorite part. I started by making dots in various colors and sizes randomly on all sides of the legs. I then went back with smaller tools and created petals and leaves on many of them. Finally, I connected many of them with vines/squiggly lines to represent lines.

Since the wood is so light the leg bottoms kept getting discolored so I painted them black to match the table top.


I sprayed the entire piece with about 5 coats of Rustoleum satin clear enamel.

Close up of the finished product.


I had all supplies on hand but must say the spray clear is the most expensive. When applying a clear protection over acrylic paint I prefer to use a spray application vs. brush application because the latter often smears the paint. I used two large cans for this project at about $5 each.

Suggested materials:
  • Rustoleum Clear Satin Spray   (Home Depot)
  • 3M Sand Paper   (Home Depot)
  • Acrylic Paint   (Michael's)
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