DIY Kitchen Table Makeover

A Potterybarn finish with farmhouse charm on this inexpensive garage sale find was just what I was after. New furniture is expensive. Save a bundle and completely change the look of your piece by refinishing what you already own. Refinishing is even better if you can skip some steps, right? This post will give you tips for professional results without the need of sanding, priming or sealing.

BONUS:

For a delicious and simple to make meal, try out this yummy recipe for Easy Chicken Saltimboca with Prosciutto and Basil from my friend Chef Kathy over at Lemon Blossoms. Those dining with you can think it was difficult and then think you are AH-MAY-ZING…which you are, so own it.

Supply List

For Sanding, if needed

Heat Gun (optional)
Putty Knife
Orbital or Palm Sander
Sand Paper in various grits (80-320)
Mask
Eye protection
Ear protection
Tack cloth
Vacuum or shop vac to clean up sawdust

For Table Prep

Tarp
Gloves
Green Scotch Bright Pads
TSP or Deglosser
Clean Rag

To Paint

Gloves
Tarp
Stir Stick
Heirloom Traditions Paint in Farmhouse aka Colosseum
Paint brush, I used the Syntec rounded brush by Heirloom Traditions Paint
Sponge to stipple the paint (Pictured: car waxing sponge)
Cling wrap

To Stain and Finish Table Top

Stain, Verathane wood stain in Jacoba
Oil based Verathane Polyurethane
Clean Rags
Tack Cloth
Paint Key
Stir Stick
Paint brush for Oil based paints

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Instructions

Step 1:

Assess the condition of the table. The top of this table needed sanding because there were a few spots with significant scratches and imperfections. If these blemishes are painted over without correction, they will show up even when painted.

Confession: I did end up sanding the top of this table because I wanted it to match the look of the other pieces I previously refinished. That meant using the stain I used on my buffet project. There were also quite a few areas on the tabletop that needed some sanding to minimize the existing damage. (See the bottom of this post for the link to the refinished buffet.) With that said, if you want the entire table painted, skip from step 1 to steps 4 and 5.

Scratches and damage of table top — Scratches, indentations and blemishes are all over the table top. Sanding the surface was the best option to minimize these marks.

Step 2:

(Optional) Remove varnish and existing stain from the table top. To get down to the bare wood I first used a heat gun to remove as much of the finish as possible. The heat gun warms up and softens the varnish. While still warm and softened, use the putty knife to scrape the varnish off, being careful to not gouge the surface.

Remove the varnish and sand the table top smooth to remove stain and any blemishes to the surface. — First use the heat gun to soften and then scrape off the varnish. Follow up with the sander starting with a low grit sand paper (80) and working up to a higher grit (320).

Step 3:

Once the majority of the varnish is removed, sand in the direction of the wood grain. Start with the 80 grit sand paper to eliminate or minimize any scratches. Work your way to a higher grit sand paper to ensure a smooth and soft finish.

Vacuum up dust and use a tack cloth (basically cheesecloth with beeswax on it) to pick up any remaining sawdust particles.

Sanded and deconstructed table. — Once tabletop is sanded, clean off and bring in onto a tarp.

Step 4:

Now to prep the base and legs of the table.

Lay down a large tarp. I found it easiest to remove the legs of the table and to rest the table top on a pair of saw horses. Overturned buckets, or something of that sort, could be used as well.

At this point I noticed a few chips in the table near where the legs attached. Once painted, the chipped area filled in with wood putty and lightly sanded with a fine grit sandpaper would virtually disappear.

Fill chips in surface with wood putty and then sand. — Fill any chips with wood putty and sand.

Use a liquid sandpaper, or deglosser, with the Scotch Brite Scour Pads. Be sure to wear gloves. Scrub well to remove dirt and grime. Wipe with a clean cloth. This process may need to be done more than once depending on the condition of the furniture piece.

Let dry.

TIP:

Use masking tape or painters tape along the table edge to prevent paint from getting onto the raw wood. I usually stain before painting but thought I would try changing it up this time.

Degloss area to be painted and tape around edge of table. — Use scour pads and deglosser to clean the surface of the furniture in preparation for painting.

Step 5:

This Heirloom Traditions Paint brand has a built in binding primer, paint, and sealer all in one. Yeah, you read that right. Guys, that is a HUGE time saver right here. Not to mention, it is awesome to have fewer cans (only one instead of three) to use and then store. You can learn more about the paint here. If you are going to purchase paint, be sure to get 30% off using code KITCHEN30.

Stir paint for 2 minutes, being sure to scrape from the bottom and then pull up. You want it thoroughly mixed. Don’t rush this part!

Apply paint with the rounded paint brush. Use the sponge to LIGHTLY stipple the paint. Think butterfly kisses. This will remove any paintbrush strokes and leave an eggshell finish. More than one coat will need to be applied. Let paint dry for a few hours between coats. Wash out sponge and let dry.

Remove painters tape once painting is finished.

TIP:

Wrap paint brush in cling wrap in between coats to keep it from drying out and from having to wash it out each time.

TIP:

Paint one section of the table base at a time. So paint a bit, then stipple (pounce) before moving on to another section to paint.

Top: all prepped before painting, Bottom: first coat of paint. — Before painting and after the first coat. The first coat is the “ugly coat” it will probably have a little of the dark table showing through. Each additional coat will make it look amazing.

The table is looking better with each additional coat of paint. — Let the paint dry completely. The saw horses are perfect for leaning the table legs on to dry.

Step 6:

If staining the top:

Put on gloves. Be sure you are in an area with good ventilation. Open can of stain and stir well. Apply stain in the direction of the wood grain with a cloth or sponge brush. Using a different, clean rag, wipe off excess stain. Again, wipe in the direction of the wood grain. Let dry for a few hours.

Step 7:

Do one more wipe down with a tack cloth. Apply oil based polyurethane in the direction of the wood grain with a clean paint brush. I chose to use an oil based poly because it is the most durable, compared to a water based varnish. The kitchen table will get a lot of wear and tear and I wanted all of this hard work to last.

Let dry for a few hours.

TIP:

Don’t apply poly coats with the door open if it is windy outside. Let’s just say little bits of fuzzy dust can blow in through the open door and land on the wet poly coat and get stuck. So irritating…so I hear.

Once stain is dry, apply the polyurethane. — Stain and then polyurethane the table top.

Step 8:

Three coats of poly were applied for optimum coverage. If you follow the directions on the can, you will be good.

Let table dry completely before assembling and using.

We went out of town for a week, so it was the perfect opportunity to let the paint and poly set without anyone bumping into it.

Finished table with painted base and stained top — Once assembled and everything is cleaned up, we are ready to go. Now I just need to refinish the chairs that go with this.

Farmhouse Charm is all yours

It is awesome to find great products that actually help you achieve the results you want. I look forward to finishing the chairs that I purchased with this table. But first I will need to recane a couple of the chair backs. Once recaned, I will paint the frames and reupholster the seats. I have a feeling this will spark a chain reaction to projects around the kitchen. It is quite possible that I am a DIY junkie. Haha.

No matter if this is your first DIY experience or if you are addicted to projects like I am, any personalization to your living space is a good thing. Enjoy the process and the results as you make your house a home. 💙