Since I began blog surfing over a year ago I had been aching to refurbish a piece of furniture, but being a total newbie I didn’t have the confidence in myself to do so. On one of my lovely trips to the thrift store I came across this rickety old side table. It was so wobbly I thought it was going to fall to pieces. I pondered the idea of taking it home for a while but couldn’t bring myself to feel confident enough to revamp this old table. Afterall, a few months back I had brought home an old bench I found on the curb and it had been in my backyard since. I tried sanding it once and just got discouraged and it remained in the backyard. So I didn’t want to bring another piece home if I didn’t trust myself to tackle the project.
So I walked away and continued browsing, but it remained on the back of my mind. Finally, just before we left I decided to just go for it. Here she is…..total cost=$4
I wondered how long it would take me to start. The answer was no very long. I looked at it and inspected it further when I got home. I wanted to do it all myself so I had to figure out how to best reinforce it since it was falling apart. When I felt comfortable with my plan I brought out the tools and began to take it apart. I should have done this after painting it but like I said, it was my first time and I didn’t think. Since it was all in pieces it would have been easier to paint but I didn’t, I put it back together instead. I used wood glue since I couldn’t find our gorilla glue and nailed and screwed it back together. I left it overnight to make sure the glue dried before adding any pressure to see how I did. So the next day I checked on it and added pressure and tried to wiggle it and it was very sturdy. YAY ME!!!! My husband was surprised and proud of me. He had me run him through what I did and gave me advice on how to do it better next time but overall I did pretty well for my first time.
I got straight to sanding it while my excitement and motivation was high and the color I wanted came to me. I wanted a sort of milky green, I thought it would be the perfect color. So to Lowes I went. Once there I came across a pretty greyish color that made me second guess my first choice so I ended up bringing sample sizes of both home. I had heard about Annie Sloan’s chalkpaint from many blog sites and really wanted to try it but it was too expensive for me so I also picked up non-sanded grout and followed a recipe from Knot too Shabby.
I decided to stick with the green. I used the whole sample size thinking I would use it all but ended up using about half. The paint was great to work with. It dried very quickly and really sticks. I had already sanded the table but they say you don’t have to with this paint, just FYI. I painted the bottom “shelf” in the greyish paint as well as the little ovals on the front of the table. I used two coats of paint on the whole piece and let it dry overnight although it wasn’t needed to wait so long.
The next day I lightly sanded the whole piece because it was very rough feeling. Then I distressed it. I’m also new to distressing but I liked the finished product. I thought it needed a little something extra so I stained the entire table.
Now, if anyone reading this can answer my next question I’d really appreciate it. After I stained it, it felt done, but I read you need to seal it with wax so I bought some and was going to wax it but it started removing the stain. I planned on waiting a few days to try and wax it again but I have yet to do that. The table seems fine though. My question: Is it important to wax it?? I thought the stain had a sealing agent already in it?? So can I leave it as is?? Let me know. 
Finally, here is my before and after.
And here it is in my living. I know that the pitcher and bowl don’t really “go” but I love it and like to keep it where I can see it. The lamp is from a recent thrift trip and is awaiting a makeover which is coming soon.
Before and After coming soon.
42 comments:
namiJan 18, 2012 05:08 AM
5 minutes late from work, but worth every second of this!!!..:) i love how it looks in the end. It fits so good in that spot there and the pitcher and bowl go very nicely there. Have a great day!!:)
Vio
http://Www.scribblesfromjourney.blogspot.com
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Michaela @ coveredinmodpodge.blogspot.comJan 18, 2012 06:20 AM
OOOO…I like the color!
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Kristina @ ReMadeSimpleJan 18, 2012 06:28 AM
Love the green you did a great job on this.
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frugal-interior-designJan 18, 2012 07:15 AM
It came out great. I love the rustic, vintage finish you created and green is always a winner in my book! Nice job.
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Jen Lossing, The Consigner DesignerJan 18, 2012 12:03 PM
Looks great! Love the finish. Great job!
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sstoneJan 18, 2012 05:20 PM
You definitely did well for your first time. My first efforts are no where near that good.
Shiloh
everydaygameplan.net
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PattiJan 18, 2012 05:32 PM
Lovely – just perfect for your first attempt – keep it up! Love the color, too
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Natalie DixonJan 18, 2012 06:02 PM
Love the way this turned out! I have a table very similar to this that I’ve been wanting to paint for about a year now, but just haven’t gotten around to it! You picked a great color! Thanks for linking up to my party!
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WhyCuzICanJan 18, 2012 06:39 PM
Well welcome to the world for re-loving furniture with paint!
You are braver in your nice color choice than I was…and it’s wonderful! Darling table and supportive hubby? …couldn’t ask for a nicer pair!
Thanks for sharing today
Visiting via: The Shabby Creek Cottage’s Transformation Thursday
Smiles, Suzanne in NW Illinois at WHYCUZICAN
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Sherika Lovett AlstonJan 18, 2012 09:06 PM
That’s pretty awesome for your first time!! Love the color! I would be so happy if you came and linked up tomorrow over at Passionatelyperfect.com! Your newest fan!!
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BridgetJan 18, 2012 09:24 PM
Great job! I love green, and this was a great color choice. That’s so exciting. It feels great, doesn’t it?
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Emily @ 52 MantelsJan 18, 2012 10:08 PM
Karla, that’s an AWESOME job! And, I love the story, too! I’m so glad this gave you a confidence boost and you tackled to bench. My motto is always “what’s the worst that can happen?”. Usually, the worst that can happen is you have to paint over something. Not so bad, when they best that can happen is so great!!
To answer your question, I say if you like it as is, leave it without the wax! If I understand the chalk paint correctly, the wax is supposed to pull some of the paint off to distress it a bit. But, I’m not certain.
Thanks for linking up to my party!!!
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MistyJan 19, 2012 12:47 PM
I have two of those exact same tables in my house. This is motivational for me to get started on them!
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Katie CarterJan 20, 2012 10:17 AM
Great job! I love the distressed look!
You should join me for Handmade 52!
http://raisingoranges.blogspot.com
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Laurel @ Ducks in a RowJan 20, 2012 03:40 PM
For $4 you are awesome! Love the color you chose!
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aliceJan 20, 2012 06:21 PM
You did a great first ,second, third……. Job! Love the color.
Smi
Es, alice
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MariaelenaJan 21, 2012 03:23 AM
Good morning…you did a great job!!…really nice…enjoy it & have a nice weekend, Mariaelena
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Jen C.Jan 21, 2012 04:18 AM
Great results; definitely worth the inspirations and motivation. Love, love, love the color! I have not used chalk paint or the wax process yet either, but I agree with Emily at 52 Mantels: if you like it, then leave it as is. I’d only suggest coasters if you set beverages there.
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BuffieJan 21, 2012 08:15 AM
Great find, and great job! I just love the color. Thanks for the great pictures. My newest hobby is saving old furniture so thanks for posting this.
Buffie
http://papercuts4u.blogspot.com
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Just JaimeJan 21, 2012 11:55 AM
Great job on your first one! I just did my first chair redo and I’m so happy I tried!
If you’re interested, we’re hosting our first ever link up party. Please stop by and link up! http://www.waywardgirlscrafts.com/2012/01/wayward-weekend-week-1.html
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Just Simply LiveJan 21, 2012 03:38 PM
Great job! U rocked it for your first timt
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Chatty ChicsJan 21, 2012 05:28 PM
Great job! Love it!
Melody
ChattyChics.com
PS Come show off at my place on Wednesday. You could win a $5 Starbucks card!
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JanetJan 21, 2012 08:23 PM
Great job!
http://www.iheartmygluegun.com
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KatieJan 23, 2012 05:57 AM
Great job on your first furniture makeover! I love the color!
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h. m. settoonJan 23, 2012 07:10 AM
I haven’t used chalk paint, but I have waxed over painted pieces. The wax is not absolutely necessary. It’s main purpose to provide a layer of protection to the paint (kind of like polyurethane or a lacquer finish on store bought items) in case of sweating glasses or other things that can damage the finish. It also tends to “tone” the paint with a slight yellowish tint since it’s oil based, which can be helpful for giving a vintage look; this is especially true if you use a tinted wax. All that said, stain does provide some sealing properties and the wax is not a necessity, but you will need to use coasters. Finally, if you repaint the table, keep in mind that the stain is usually oil-based and tends to bleed through paint so that you will need to use a stain blocking primer. Great job and good luck on future ones.
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black eyed susans kitchenJan 23, 2012 07:13 AM
I am impressed! I love the look and you did a wonderful job.
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Crafty MischiefJan 23, 2012 11:02 PM
It looks great! I found you through The Girl Creative. Thanks for sharing!
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TamsynJan 24, 2012 02:20 AM
I can’t believe this is only the first piece of furniture you’ve made over. It looks great!!
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LyndaJan 24, 2012 05:03 AM
What a beautiful find!!! Your first piece is just lovely
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PaulaJan 24, 2012 11:43 AM
Awesome job! We’d love to have you link up at our party! http://housewivesofriverton.blogspot.com/2012/01/one-year-blogaversary-and-new-linky.html
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Cassie @ Primitive & ProperJan 24, 2012 04:37 PM
oh i love the color and finish! it turned out beautifully? what kind of stain did you use? a gel stain? oil stain? water based? let me know and maybe i can help!
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Our DIY DiariesJan 24, 2012 07:08 PM
You did a fantastic job! I would love it if you linked this at our party!
http://www.ourdiydiaries.com/2012/01/fab-not-drab-link-party-3.html
Jen
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Anne @ DomesblissityJan 25, 2012 12:34 AM
Karlam, that is fabulous! I love the colour and I love how it still looks so very vintage. Well done on your first effort. I’m having a party tomorrow (Australian time) called Thriving on Thursdays, I’d love for you to link this up. I’m all about thrifting, repurposing, recipes and crafts and how to thrive doing it. Would love to see you.
Anne @ Domesblissity
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Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee)Jan 25, 2012 01:19 AM
Fantastic! Fabulous colour. First time here and love your site.
Hope to see you on my blog:)
Sanghamitra.
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BarbeJan 25, 2012 01:58 AM
Great job! Hope this build up your confidence. I don’t think the wax is necessary either! I love the color and patina, gives it character. Hope you’ll stop by at beezrentaldesigns and see some of my painted projects. Hope to see you soon.
Barb
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Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.Jan 25, 2012 02:03 PM
Well I see many more furniture painting projects in your future! That’s a darling table and a cute color, not to mention a killer deal! Thanks for linking up!
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Honey at 2805Jan 25, 2012 06:02 PM
Great job! Thank you for sharing this lovely post at Potpourri Friday
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Mary Sullivan FrasierJan 26, 2012 12:59 PM
Super job! I love the color and you distressed it just enough. Really nice! Newly following from Thriving on Thursdays. Looking forward to seeing the bench!
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LoriJan 26, 2012 07:40 PM
I’m so glad I found your blog…love that table. I have some that are similar in the garage waiting for help…one day! I’m a new follower so we can keep in touch…come on over and follow me too. Lori
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Katie GoldsworthyJan 28, 2012 12:57 AM
Awesome! That turned out really good. I love the green and the distressing!
–Katie
@ Creatively Living
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amy and jesse hudsonJan 28, 2012 06:31 PM
Karla, I love this transformation! My hubs and I want to get into the whole refashion / furniture makeover world. Once we set up shop I may call on you for advice! Thanks so much for linking up with me at Drab to Fab Friday. Come back next week and show us some more of your great work.
Amy @ Sugar and Spice
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Anne @ DomesblissityFeb 1, 2012 05:19 AM
Karla, thanks so much again for linking this project up to “Thriving on Thursdays” last week. The party starts again in a couple hours (Thurs here in Australia). Would love for you to pop by again if you get a moment.
Anne @ Domesblissity
This turned out so lovely! I’ve had the same issue with the wax taking off stain. Haven’t figured it out yet. I’m your newest linky follower and I would love it if you would follow back and link up to my party: http://www.nutmegplace.com/2012/02/show-off-saturday-1.html
Hope to see you there!
You did great for your first time. you will want to paint everything now. Thanks for sharing.
Oh I do. Lol. My diner set is next I think. Unless I find another piece at the thrift store to keep me busy.
I remember being so scared my “first time” too. Now I’d rather pick up a paint brush than a spatula!
I’m still too new at it to know why the wax took off the stain. Hope you get an answer for that.
~Bliss~
$4!! Now THAT’S my kind of makeover!!! Turned out super cute – great color! Would love for you to share this over on Kammy’s Korner for Trash 2 Treasure Tuesday!
http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/2012/02/trash-2-treasure-tuesday-19-plus.html
You did a great job on your first makeover! And the fact that it was only $4 is even better! Congrats…I love making over pieces of salvaged furniture.
Stopping by from the newbie party and I’m your newest follower! I’d love to have you stop by and visit my (newbie) blog too, and follow back if you are so inclined.
Have a wonderful night,
Sarah
http://www.adventuresofourfamily.com
I can’t believe that is your first table makeover! You did a great job.
great first project – love the crack – keeping it real.
I love the color you chose! It turned out perfect. Hope you find lots more do-it-yourself projects!
I love your first project. The color choice is beautiful! Enjoy. Megan
Thank you. I am so happy with it. I love it in my living room.
What a great makeover! Love the color too. Congrats on a successful first makeover. Found you via Serendipity and Spice.
Thank you.
LOVE this table! What a great redo!
Thanks so much.
Nice transformation! You’re being featured at Shine on Fridays tomorrow, on Kara’s blog Happy-go-lucky-harvey.blogspot.com!
Yay! Thank you!
This is sgorgeous! I just love the color you chose.. great job on your first upcycled furniture! Thanks so much for sharing with the Pink Hippo Party!
Your table turned out GREAT!!! Stopped in from Pink Hippo.
Thank you