*Coffee table Makeover Done!

Question

* UPDATE:

Well - I've been painting and sanding and painting and sanding and then coat after coat of Polyacrylic.  I decided to keep the legs the honey oak because they're in good shape. So I painted the top, then stenciled. Yippee. I love it.  Now I need to flatten out the wrinkles in the rug.  Hmmm.

My sofa set is dark (almost black). The walls are linen/egg shell color. The art and glassware give nods to the Caribbean.
I have leftover Caribbean blue latex from another room. Could I paint the top or legs the Caribbean blue latex and the opposite a linen/eggshell color?  Can I protect the latex paint on the coffee table?  Trying to use what I have... not much of a budget to work with.  Open to suggestions!

Rosalie chow · Answer

You can build a shelf on the legs. Paint the coffee table white or any color you choose to paint. My sister gave me a coffee table almost similar to you. Here is what I did with it. Good luck.

Lee Govan · Answer

Sand all your varnish off, then put a torch over it to char the top slightly, sand and seal it, it will make the wood grain pop, for the legs get a blocker undercoat that allows you to paint over varnished wood and paint them in your left over paint. If you wish to paint all of it use the right undercoat so that the original varnish won't show through. Do a second coat if you have enough to stop chipping or save up and put a glass protector on top of the table, you might even pick one up and a thrift store second hand if you're lucky.

Debi53 · Answer

Yes, you can paint with latex. If you have any rough spots in your varnish, you need to sand those smooth--just use a rough, then fine sanding sponge if you need to sand. You do not need to remove the varnish before painting, but you do want to use a liquid sandpaper to degloss. I usually do this twice. It is quick and easy. Then use a top quality primer - a blocker/primer is best. Then you can spray paint, use latex, or chalk paint. I make my own chalk paint so that I get just the color i want at a fraction of the price. For a project this size, I have the paint store mix a sample amount in the color I want in egg shell or satin and then mix up my chalk paint. To protect the finish I recommend using a crystal clear spray finish that you can get at Walmart, Lowe's, etc. It won't turn yellow like some other sealers will. Best of luck.

MN Mom · Answer

I painted the legs of a table using latex paint and stained the top. Made a huge difference!

Karin From B'ham · Answer

I agree that a 2-tone look would be refreshing. Latex paint that's not sealed somehow is going to scratch if used on the top of a coffee table--that's a high-use surface. Sanding and restainting the cop and painting the legs and skirt of the table would be attractive. You could scuff up the paint once it's dried, then wax with a dark wax for a 'shabby chic' look. A final idea: look for a couple of baskets that fit underneath to store reading material, remotes, etc. (If you can see the 'featured slideshow' ad just below this comment thread, the photo shows a stain/paint finish that will give an idea of where the table could be headed. The title of the slideshow is '15 Trash to Treasure Triumphs.' : Post your finished project so we can brag on you!

Deb · Answer

If you think you will ever want to remove the paint later, as styles do change, make sure you have a layer of varnish or shellac under it. Yes, you want to dull it with sanding or liquid prep (from the hardware store). But then the paint will NOT get into the grain. Oh, and if you want to imply metal, like on the legs or table apron, I love Hammerite. That could be a nice mix. And see if your local glass store can give you a quote on a glass top over your surface to protect from wet glasses, etc. I've even 'retopped' tables with a formica overlay that looks like a slab of stone. That will cost a little $$, though.

Karin From B'ham · Answer

More: there are recipes online for making your own chalk paint. I think it involves adding a certain amount of plaster of paris or gypsum to the paint you have. Just google, I'm sure instructions are readily available. Chalk paint can go over other finishes with minimal prep, and give that 'shabby chic' look if you rough it up then use a dark wax or glaze over it. Did you know you can even paint upholstery with chalk paint? It's crazy--see YouTube for instructional videos. Can't wait to see your finished project.

Karin From B'ham · Answer

.....have you thought about tiling the top of the table? A 'sea glass' look would carry the island theme. Backsplash tiles come in sheets, probably wouldn't take much.

Deanne Davis McMannis · Answer

I redo furniture. Sand it first just to get the varnish finish off. Then paint with the colors of your choice. The 2 tone will be beautiful. The paint you have will work fine.

Celeste @ Decor by the Seashore · Answer

I think a two-toned look would be beautiful for this coffee table, and I love the colors you've suggested. I would just give it a good sanding, a layer or two of primer (unless your paint includes the primer), then your paint, and seal it with a polycrylic. That should help it last for many years!

Carol · Answer

I'm thinking  black or oiled bronze base and an antiqued silver or antiqued brass top.  Or pick two colors from the rug.

Linda Johnson · Answer

If you use a water based, clear finish to seal your paint job, it won't yellow. Oil based finishes yellow tremendously over time. Varathane has quality, water based polyurethane finishes.

Barbara · Answer

I'd use the blue for the legs with less chance of wear and keep the wood toned top to blend with your linen walls. Protecting the surface of the painted wood you can seal it with polyurethane in either glossy or matte finish, both available at HD or Lowes or even on Amazon for about $10.00. Lowes also has pint 'sample' paints so you don't have to invest in a full quart/gallon for a small project. Love your fireplace!

861650 · Answer

You can also have a mirror glass cut just for the top.

Ely2512234 · Answer

Black would anchor the room .  Lightly sand the edges to give it a distressed look.  Having bits of teak peek through would look good.

Cindi · Answer

It looks like the same design and color as the sofa, so I'd try to keep the color of the wood, or at least some of it, and tie it in with the sofa, maybe off set the wood color with black, like the sofa cushions. Or do a nice black/brown/tan mosaic top.

Dolores DeLuise · Answer

Use chalk paint as it only requires cleaning of the surface. It's protected by wax.

LD · Answer

You need to remove the protective layer on the coffee table, which is probably clear varnish, and this can be done with sanding with the grain of the wood or you could use Citristrip Stripping Gel, then proceed with a two coats of primer and then 1-2 coats of your latex paint. If the latex paint is flat wall paint then you can seal coat it with a glaze, varnish or polyurethane, just make sure that it is one that stays clear when dry.

Mma4911565 · Answer

poichè l'ambiente è un pò scuro, tenderei a schiarire il tavolo con vernice gesso. prima mano colore delle pareti, seconda mano paris grey di a. sloan per abbinamento con tappeto. poi carteggiato e cerato-

Jean Thompson · Answer

Am I seeing a matching End table in the picture with the couch?...I would lightly Sand it and give the whole coffee table a Rich wood Stain in a pecan or cherry.. if you absolutely had to Paint it I would only paint the Legs and stain the top and do the End tables the same way. The light color is throwing you off.. it looks like a really nice piece of Furniture... color to match the paint on the fire place...

Teresa · Answer

The colors you have will work well with your rug and you can always protect latex with polyurethane sealer. But I would suggest you make sure to sand the tables or use primer of kilns so the paint will stick well. I have used the chalk paint over polyurethane furniture and it sticks well with out sanding or sealing before painting. Good luck and hope you share images of your project it would be nice to see. Teresa

Susan · Answer

I like your idea of painting the top white, and the legs the carribean blue. But do the end tables as well, Also, I just saw some cute accent pillows at Ross for $6.99 each, that had a cream or white background with the carribean blue color on the sea coral print which is so popular now. (Usually use see the sea coral only in white or in the coral orange.) Ross also had a lot of candlesticks and accent pieces for cheap prices. Or you could paint a pair of candlesticks or a vase with your Carribbean Blue paint that you have, to save money! Have fun!

Sue C · Answer

Lately I have been seeing a lot of lacquer covered furniture pieces- it look really rich and is somewhat unexpected. To go with your dark couches you cold do a rich grey with purple undertones or a silver.

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Paint all the timber in the room to match the Fire Surround.

*Coffee table Makeover Done!

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