I often get emails from my readers with pictures attached asking if I think they should paint or stain a particular piece. I will post my thoughts on that later but here is the best of both worlds…a little paint and a little stain.
This end table started out as a $5 yard sale find (talked him down from $10…oh yah!). I loved how small it was, the shape of the tabletop, and the pedestal legs. I am in love with pedestals lately.
From a distance she doesn’t look too bad. But after closer inspection it looked like she got in a cat fight and lost. Plus she was a little shaky on her feet she must have had one too many drinks on her tabletop (pun TOTALLY intended!)
With a quick yank the base was disconnected from the tabletop due to the broken circle piece…
So with a flathead screwdriver and hammer I removed the little circle base. After I unscrewed the base there was a screw peg left that I removed to use later.
The table itself was a little too tall for the space I was putting it so I cut it down with my hacksaw a few inches.
Then I reattached the small screw peg.
I picked up a small circle plaque ($.59) at Joann’s to replace the circle I detached. I also purchased a new top plate ($1.58) at Lowe’s.
I spent about 40 minutes stripping and sanding the tabletop down. I went from 60-100-180-220 grit sandpaper. The only stain I had was an English Chestnut color from Minwax. With an old t-shirt I applied one even coat.
Really important: If you are working with a soft wood like pine you NEEEEEEED to apply a pre-wood conditioner first or your stain will be splotchy. To test for a wood’s hardness dig your fingernail into it. If it leaves a mark use pre-wood conditioner.
After letting it dry I applied 3 light coats of Satin Polycrylic (sanding with 220 grit sandpaper in between).
While I was waiting for the top to dry I spray primed and painted the legs and circle plaque with Rustoleum’s Heirloom White that I had on hand.
I attached the screw plate to the circle plaque. In hindsight I could have purchased longer screws and screwed it through the plaque into the tabletop. But I used what I had. I also didn’t need the wood plaque but it gave the table more substance.
I predrilled holes into the tabletop since it was a really hard wood. Then I added the circle plate.
Then I screwed the pedestal base into the metal plate.
It is the perfect little table to sit next to my chair (click here to see the evolution of this chair) .
Most of the time I would tend to go matchy matchy and paint it black. But I like the contrast of the wood with the black chair.
It looks great! Thanks for the tip about wood conditioner! I just found a $6 ottoman at GW today. It's covered in green vinyl… ewww! I think I can figure out how to reupholster it. If not, I'm only out $6.
Love it – – and I love that chair in the game room!! And yes, my quiet spot is my comfy bird chair in my bedroom – – I don't even have to leave my room – – or be interrupted by the kids — they think I am still sleeping!!
You know what I love, Beckie? I love that you love putting together completely different styles of furniture – that you aren't overly matchy-matchy in your decor – that you aren't afraid to mix things up and put "eye-candy" in your home that is just for you – items that you put your sweat and time into because you saw them as beautiful and that you appreciated their character – that you can see right through "lipstick and rouge" to the heart of things (or people) and that you take the time to "go there" – to get through the grime and make it new again – to find beauty in something/one that otherwise might have been cast aside… I love that you have a hot-pink leather Bible cover and that you like simple white and black but that your eye searches for more… because like your Creator… an artist is never finished and colors are the most perfect tool to splash life and a "gift" into a space… loved the post and love the mixes and love that it speaks to me of you and of who we should all work to be… you have inspired beyond an end table creation…
Your table looks so good. I love the natural top and the conditioner does help with the soft wood. Glad you mentioned it. I just love the chair next to it too!
Ok..I really like the stain and white paint together. Very charming. ;D
Great job.
I never knew about using a wood conditioner! You are always teaching me something great! Thanks so much.
That looks great. I'm impressed with the extent of work that you did on this little table, with all the sanding in between coats of stuff. That really makes the difference in taking something from junk to great, instead of just good.
Fabulous!!!
That table is soooo cute! Doesn't a good yard sale find just make your day?
That is the cutest little table. I love it next to your awesome chair. So pretty!
XOXO
Jen