vintage table – Jill R Holland Designs

This little side table was brought to me by a friend. She thought I would change it and I did just that. I started my plan with the bottom, which I find myself doing often. I used a blue chalk paint and scrapbook paper for the front of the drawer. I debated to use the existing pull to the drawer or purchase a new one. I just painted the existing one the same color as the legs so it would be balanced.

Then I had to figure out the table top. I was disappointed when I received it because it wasn’t the original top. Someone used plywood and made a top. That changed my original plan on sanding and staining the top. Plywood is not smooth, at least not this quality. I decided to use paper and Mod Podge.

paper-on-top

Once it is all applied I cut the edge to align with the edge of the table. Then I painted the top with black paint. I also put silver acrylic paint and rubbed it on the top with a paper towel. I find that with this type of table top, people can’t help but touch it.

table-top

I saw this table at a second hand store and I new I could give it new life. Change it so someone would want it again and not just get rid of it. It is a good solid table with great craftsmanship.

I wanted to bring up the pattern that was so carefully put in this table. I started off with the bottom by applying linen chalk paint. I wanted to add a different color in some of the features so I found some interior grey paint that I had on hand. I didn’t use a lot of it, I just highlighted a few areas. Using a small detail brush, I used a dark stain to highlight the grooves to make it pop.

I used a special dark Minwax to add a finish that also smoothed out some of that stain. It also gives it a little texture.

I was happy with the bottom and then I had to figure out what to do with the table top.

It wasn’t as good of shape as the bottom. It looked like it could have had some minor water damage. I sanded the top but I couldn’t get the look I was hoping for. I would have loved to be able to sand it down and stain it. I decided on painting the top black but I still could see a few “bubbles”. I decided to go with the paper bag application.

Normally you would use wallpaper paste but I didn’t have any and I don’t live near an area to get it easily, so I used Mod Podge. I do like to have that on hand. I ripped up a roll of brown paper and applied it on a glued surface. It also has to be applied to the top. After it dried and I cut the edges, I went over it with my black paint again. I still wasn’t satisfied with the look and debating taking it all off again. I went to my acrylic paint and put some gold paint on my pallet and rubbed some paint on with a paper towel. Then I was satisfied. I had to go back and seal the edges again because there was a few spots that were a little “loose”.