Lookie what I found curbside. She was is rough shape but solid wood. I figured with a little paint and some molding it could be a beautiful piece in my home.
Yikes!
So she went under some major renovations!
After sanding the entire piece down with 60, 100, and 180 grit sandpaper I cut out a new top for her out of 1/4” luan plywood I had on hand already.
Using a little wood glue I glued the new top in place.
I added my nephew’s weights to the top to hold it in place while it was drying.
Now I needed to cover up the unsightly edge so I purchased some L-molding ( the only thing I purchased for the project)…
After it kicked my butt about 10 times I finally figured out how to miter cut it. You have to actually put the L-molding onto a piece of scrap wood the way it would sit on the table and then cut it. I just used a miter box and saw to cut it.
Using my air nail gun (big fat kiss to you luvie!) I tacked it in place…
I used wood filler to patch the nail holes and then sanded it smooth.
I decided to do a color wash treatment on this piece. What I love about a color wash is that it really helps give your project a depth of color that you can’t achieve with just one coat. First I painted my nightstand with Silver Sage (mixed into Behr Premium Plus Paint) from Restoration Hardware.
Now you don’t have to buy expensive glaze. I just got a small bottle for like a dollar with a coupon at Joann Fabrics.
I mixed two cups of glaze into empty, clean yogurt cups (according to package directions). One cup was mixed with the Silver Sage and the other one with black (I used Black Suede by Behr).
I first started out painting on the black glaze.
I quickly wiped it off in the direction of the wood grain with a dry paper towel. You can see how the black glaze gets into the crevices giving it a weathered look.
After I did that to the whole piece I went back and lightened it up in places with the gray glaze. Just a paint on, wipe off process until it looked perfectly imperfect. I love the two toned weathered look that this process gives.
Okay now moving onto the hardware. It is your lucky day, two tutorials in one post. 🙂 The drawer pulls were a yucky tarnished brass color to begin with.
After washing them with soap and water I used some Rub N’ Buff on them in Silver Leaf.
If you have never used Rub N’ Buff before it is a really great product to use on metals. Because it is made with a wax the colors don’t chip like paint sometimes will. I use it on old metal hardware all the time. I used a stiff bristle brush and painted it on. A little goes a long way. You will have a tiny tube for YEARS!
Let it dry and buff it with a soft cloth (aka paper towel)…
It turned it into an aged silver tone. The left one is before the Rub N’ Buff and the right one is after.
The aged silver goes perfectly with our new paint treatment doesn’t it!?!?
I know gray might not be your color choice but this was for my nephew’s room and it matched his TV Stand I did here. Can you imagine using this process with two shades of turquoise? Yum!
I can't wait to see her. She's on her way to looking fabulous!
What a wonderful piece! I'm so glad you saved her and you are a skilled plastic surgeon. 🙂 She's looking good.
What I love most about this post is that of course you just happened to have a piece of luan plywood lying around! She does have great legs! Can't wait to see what the end result looks like!
so funny! I am getting ready to do the exact same thing to a very similar piece! The top is not salvagable.
great job! Gives me the oomph I needed to GET STARTED! 🙂
thanks!
gail
Oh, I see it! WHAT COLOR? WHAT COLOR? WHAT COLOR? Thanks for the tip on the L-molding!
This kind of roadkill rescue makes me jealous. I have too many projects in the works. I have to just drive past curbside treasures for a while now.
Living. Through. You.
Angie
I love your rescues so hard! I can't wait to see what she looks like painted. I've been really inspired by you and hope to paint and add hardware to an old dresser i inherited this summer.
Beckie,that is fabulous. Great job. She is definitely a keeper! xo rachel
Can't wait to see her. I love how you write about "her" and the "facelift" etc. Very fun writing style!!
I can't wait to see it. I need some inspiration bc I have a VERY similar piece. A a matter of fact it even has the same hardware as yours…but it has one drawer and a shelf underneath. The legs are long and skinny with grooves. The top looks much like yours did too LOL!
She's going to be one hot mamma with her glamour makeover. I can't wait.
i tried to comment at csi, but for some reason every time i click on anything other than the main page i get a blank page. i am not sure what is going on! i wanted to say that it turned out gorgeous, and i love the new color- great save!
i tried to comment at csi, but for some reason every time i click on anything other than the main page i get a blank page. i am not sure what is going on! i wanted to say that it turned out gorgeous, and i love the new color- great save!
i tried to comment at csi, but for some reason every time i click on anything other than the main page i get a blank page. i am not sure what is going on! i wanted to say that it turned out gorgeous, and i love the new color- great save!
i tried to comment at csi, but for some reason every time i click on anything other than the main page i get a blank page. i am not sure what is going on! i wanted to say that it turned out gorgeous, and i love the new color- great save!
aaaaagh!!! You kill me – amazing – and my favorite part of your post…"A big fat kiss to you luvie!" – you make me smile… can't wait for the redemption pic.
Wow! I'm working on the coordinating four-drawer side table that I got at Goodwill for $12! Same set! I'm at the primer stage. Mine will be apple green and house miscellaneous paperwork in the kitchen. Can't wait to see how yours turns out.
She's looking hot already! Can't wait to see her all dressed up!
Awesome! I never would have thought of adding a new top. Such a great idea. Can't wait to see how she turns out!
I can't wait to see the finished product!
Thanks so much for the idea of making a new top! I have several pieces that I have picked up and the veneer is shot- now I know what to do with them!
I am glad you have experiece in reconstructive surgery. Can't wait to see it on it's post op visit.
Those nail guns are just awesome, aren't they!
What a great find! Can't wait to see the finished product!
Way to use those tools!
Great tip on cutting the corner trim pieces…
can't wait to see the finished table all dressed up to go-
Nice project. I would love it if you would link this up in Modern Craftswoman Monday. Very well done. Rory
Thanks for linking and making this the most successful Modern Craftswoman Monday so far! Rory
"1/4” luan plywood I had on hand already"…well of course you did! Like I always a have 20 gallons of leveling sand laying around. Girls need their pretty things.
This looks like a great makeover in progress, and I'll be back tomorrow for part two.
Hey Beckie! I am working on a post on the wonders that a simple coat of paint can do. I borrowed a before and after pic from this piece, all credit will be given of course! It isn’t posted yet, but I wanted to give you a heads up. Thanks in advance!
-Courtney
Thank you Courtney!