Chalk Paint Coffee Table Makeover

by Sunny Side Design

5 Materials

$30

1 Day

Easy

Do you love that rustic farmhouse style? This coffee table totally speaks farmhouse to me. We were asked to refinish this table for a client who was looking for that fresh farmhouse style. But let me tell you when I first saw this table, all I saw was a beat up table that I wasn’t sure was worth saving. However, keep scrolling and watch the dramatic transformation of this Chalk Paint Coffee Table Makeover.

This coffee table looks beautiful now, however keep scrolling you won't believe the transformation!

Without a doubt, this table was in rough shape! It had had a nailhead border that was removed. The finish was chipped, as well as water damaged.

The table top was so rough, it looked as though someone had taken a fork and pierced the surface. It was trashed! But with a little lovin’ it became a treasure!

First of all, we needed to tackle all of the nail head holes. Using Drydex Spackling Paste and a small putty knife, we filled in all of the holes.

Normally when we refinish a table and use chalk paint, there is no need to sand. However, this table top was in such rough shape that if we did not sand the top, all of the divets would have stuck out like a sore thumb. So, we got out our palm sander and began sanding until the surface was smooth.

The spackled nail holes were sanded by hand with a piece of fine grit sand paper. This area was too small for the palm sander.

Now it’s time to clean the surface for paint. Since the table top is planks, we used the brush attachment on the vacuum to get the dust out of all the crevices. Then wiped the entire surface with a damp cloth.

Ok, we are ready for the fun part, the paint. Using our favorite paint, Behr Chalk Paint in Farmhouse White and paint brush, we applied 3 coats of paint to get complete coverage. Let dry completely before distressing.

Distressing the finish is a necessary step to get that popular farmhouse style. It is best to do this by hand, this way you are able to better control the amount of distressing you would like.

Using a fine sandpaper, gently sand off some of the chalk paint around the table, focusing on natural wear spots like the corners, as well as a few random spots.

After distressing the table, we realized that the distressed area on the table top didn’t match the distressing on the rest of the table.

The remainder of the table had a darker stained finish that was showing through on the distressed areas.

While on the table top, we had sanded off all of the stained finish and just the bare pine wood was left.

To fix this problem, we used a stain marker to add some color to the distressed areas on the table top. Let it sit for about 10 minutes then wipe off any remaining stain.

This little trick worked perfectly, so that all of the coloring on distressed areas matched.

All chalk paint requires some sort of protective top coat. Waxing is always a popular choice, however for this table we decided to use a poly finish.

We love to use this Wipe-On Poly finish for all of our DIY furniture projects. It is extremely durable, easy to use and leaves the furniture with a beautiful finish.

Wipe-on Poly is so easy to use. Pour a small amount on a clean cotton cloth. We like to use pieces of old t-shirts. Then simply wipe on the poly covering the entire surface.

It is always better to apply 2 light coats, then you are less likely to get runs. After the first coat is dry, sand lightly with an extra fine steel wool and repeat.

This will ensure you have a beautiful, smooth finish.For the table top we applied a 3rd coat of poly. This will give the table top a little extra protection, where it will get a little more wear and tear.

Doesn’t this finish look amazing? Look at that gorgeous, silky and smooth finish. When it turns out this great, I can’t keep my hands off of it, I just need to feel that silky surface.

Have you tried using chalk paint? It never ceases to amazing me what a little paint can do. Do you have a piece that you’ve been waiting to revamp? Please share what you are working on, we love to hear from you!

Thanks for stopping by! We hope you have enjoyed this tutorial.

And as always here at Sunny Side DesignWE HOPE TO BRING YOUR HOME TO THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET

For more furniture refinishing ideas click here.

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Frequently asked questions

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3 of 5 questions

Roxanne Howell on Feb 15, 2021

What finish did you use for the poly? Satin, gloss..etc

1
Db on Feb 18, 2021

You mention using Behr chalk paint in Farmhouse white,but your materials list is rustoleum linen,which one was used? And where to go for the Behr. When you click on list it takes you to Amazon and only rustoleum shows no Behr

1
Ellen on Mar 08, 2021

I’d like to chalk paint a dresser that has a shiny coating. Does it need to be sanded first?

1

Comments

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4 of 17 comments

Brandi on Feb 23, 2020

Love it! WOW definitely gonna try this!

1 Reply
- Sunny Side Design on Feb 25, 2020
  
  Thanks Brandi!
  
  Like
Tracy Lyn Stein on Jul 12, 2020

I have a 1930s sewing machine with cabinet. It is solid oak with a shiny finish. This is my first furniture project! I was going to sell it but decided it would be perfect in the guest room. I’m sanding the top and lightly sanding the rest. I’m using a Glidden brand white chalk paint. I don’t have any kind of top coat so I’ll be getting the wipe on you recommended.

1 Reply
- Sunny Side Design on Jul 12, 2020
  
  I have recently learned that an oil-based polyurethane like this wipe-on poly is will yellow over time. To prevent yellowing we now recommend using a water based polyurethane. We like Varathane Triple thick polyurethane. It is water based, 1 coat equals 3 and it will not yellow.
  
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