Dear Beautiful Table, your scandinavian antique beauty has us mesmerized. What’s your story? Did a family of four sit around you and talk about the day’s adventures on the farm? Or were you an antique table brought over from Europe and passed down for generations? Or were you simply an ugly table left by the dumpster of an apartment complex in Raleigh, NC? {insert record scratch sound bite here} Yup, would you believe that a few short weeks ago, this beauty was sprawled in pieces by a dumpster? All the pieces (including the leg bolts) were neatly in a plastic baggy and secured to the table. This is one of the best pieces of furniture I’ve ever found in the trash (well next to it to be exact.) I didn’t have to do any structural repairs, just reattached the legs. But, it looked like the below photo when I picked it up:
It wasn’t in horrible shape. A few gouges in the top. But, the green and honey top were dated in style. No doubt the previous owners were moving and didn’t want to haul the dated table to the new digs.
Luckily I didn’t have the boys with me, so I was able to wrestle the entire table into my CRV.
Materials:
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- Shellac Based Primer
- Sandpaper
- Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in: Old White, Duck Egg Blue, Versailles and Cream
- ScotchBlue painter’s tape
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Royal Studio Design Lisboa wall stencil
- Foam roller
- Small paint tray
- Stencil brush
- Small flat artist brush
- Palm sander
- Damp rag
- 2″ paint brush
- Antiquing Glaze (my formula)
- Minwax Polyacrylic Water Based Sealer
Instructions:
The table had lots of knots. To prevent them from bleeding through the paint, I used BIN primer (a shellac-based primer) to seal the knots. I also added a little wood putty in some of the deep gouges and grooves, but left some alone to keep the distressed look.
When the primer and wood putty had dried I lightly sanded the entire table.
Flip the table upside down and paint one coat of Annie Sloan Chalk paint in duck egg blue on the legs and skirt of the table. Notice that I didn’t have to prime the entire table?! That’s the beauty of chalk paint, no need to prime and only one coat covered the green.
Flip the table over and paint the top with two coats of old white paint. (Two coats have better coverage and will stand up to distressing better.)
After the paint dries, tape off the edges of the table with ScotchBlue painter’s tape.
Paint duck egg’s blue chalk paint inside the tape lines.
You can lift up the tape as the paint is drying. Ooooo, clean sharp line:
Measure the table length and width and mark intersecting center lines in pencil.
Line up the center of the Lisboa stencil with the center crosshair. Check that all the stencil points are lined up on the center lines as well.
Tape the corners of the stencil down with painter’s tape.
Pour some Annie Sloan Old White chalk paint into the paint tray. Enlist an assistant (curious six year old boy) to roll paint over the entire stencil. Less paint and multiple passes is better than too much paint.
Lift off the stencil to admire the design. Wait a few minutes for the paint to dry.
Position the stencil up to the corners of the first print. (The corner circles will overlap and repeat with the first print.)
Your assistant will likely be eager to roll paint again.
After three tiled passes, the table looked like this. I was tempted to leave it as is because the stencils make a stunning decorative runner.
But, I had bigger plans. Line the stencil up with the edges of the pre-painted pattern. Gently support the stencil edge that isn’t on the table and roll paint over the stencil.
The table took nine placements of the stencil. But, it looks AH-maze-ing!
To add some added dimension, tape around the center leaf pattern and the corner design on the stencil.
Using the stencil brush, pounce cream chalk paint into the center and corner areas.
The cream is a very light yellow, but it immediately adds some dimension to the table top. Continue moving the stencil around and painting the taped off areas with cream chalk paint.
Finally use a small flat artist brush and paint some small leaves and dots with versailles green chalk paint.
Finished painting. She’s beautiful isn’t she? But, she’s missing her story…
…I had to abuse her with the orbital palm sander. Sand down through some of the layers of paint. Sand along the table edges and a little bit on the table legs.
Wipe the table with a damp rag. Lightly brush some of my aging antique glaze over the table. Wipe off any excess.
Apply 2-3 coats of Minwax polycrylic sealer.
And let the fun begin. The kids have been using this table for drawing. And I’m not going to stress about any stray marks because the table is distressed and busy enough to hide them. AND, we’re making stories of our own on the table.
I know the distressed look isn’t for everyone, but I love how the table looks old and weathered. But, you knew that about me anyway.
She’s beautiful, isn’t she? I painted four unfinished wood stools from Wayfair with the different chalk paint colors to match the table.
Do you think I’m crazy for distressing the table? Heck, you probably think I’m crazy for hauling a table from the trash.
Have a great rest of your week y’all. And safe travels.
Disclosure: Royal Studio Design sent me the Lisboa stencil per my request. I was not compensated for this post, nor was I told what to write. All ideas, words and photos are my own.
I can’t believe you found this table next to a dumpster! It has great structure. And the stencil looks like it was made for it! It turned out so lovely. 🙂
Michele,
Thanks for your comment. I am so happy that the stencil fit the table, and it doesn’t look too weird where it runs off the sides.
Ok, 1) I can’t believe you found the table I WANT by a dumpster… well played. 2) You just affirmed me in my desire for a CRV. My number one question has been “would I still be able to haul random stuff?”. Clearly the answer is yes. 🙂 and 3) Distressed is queen. The end.
I’ve had my CRV for almost 10 years and it can haul a lot of stuff! We have the older version with the pop up back window (which is a must for hauling long boards.) Honestly the only thing it can’t fit is all the random stuff that a family of four and a dog needs for a week at the beach. For those such trips we have to use a car top carrier and even then we are crammed. I foresee a minivan in my future ;-D.
What a transformation! I’m still torn between the runner look and the whole top being stenciled. Both are amazing! I love the color you added too. Simply Amazing!!!
Aundrea, I love the runner look too. I might have to make a real fabric runner using the stencil for another table now. 😉
Wow Brittany. What a find! What a score! What a great stencil project for the lovely Lisboa Tile….and are you willing to hire out that assistant?? You’re right, the stencil DOES look great as a table runner, but I LOVE the allover distressing treatment and it looks SO FAB in front of that salvaged wood wall. Thanks for a great project!
Thanks Melanie. It is an honor getting a comment from you (the founder of Royal Design Studio.) It was a lot of fun and thank you for creating such great stencils!
That is one rockin’ table. I loved how it looked before you distressed it, but I love it even more distressed. Totally fits the space and looks like a hand me down antique. Great project!
Thanks gal. I didn’t mind it before either, but I LOVE it now.
Oh wow! I don’t think you are crazy AT ALL! I love when I find furniture in the trash! What a score and the paint job you gave it is terrific. I’m so jealous.
Thanks Kim. Trash furniture is the best because I feel like I’m giving it a second lease on life.
Hey Brittany! That’s the very same table that I picked up for my son! I got mine for free too from a neighbor whose son got it from a friend’s mom who was throwing it out. Ok…that sounds a bit weird.. ha ha!
I’m going to show my son what you’ve done with yours and see if I can talk him into letting me try something similar. Thanks for the great inspiration!
If he doesn’t go for the girly look, Royal Studio Design has a lot of other stencils!
Just gorgeous. I love the stencil you used. Cheers
Thank you Karen. I appreciate the time you took to leave me a comment 😉
That table is absolutely stunning! Great job! You’re not that far away from me. Maybe we will run into each other at a show someday. =)
Hey Andie. Thanks for the comment. Where do you live? And I guess I’ll see you by the dumpsters ;-D
Troutman…next to Mooresville. About 1/2 hr away from Charlotte.
Oh wow, that is just awesome! I’ve never seen a table like that- you’ve really made it special. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Megan, nice to see your name here. How are you doing?! I hope you have a great Thanksgiving too. Thanks for the sweet comment.
Love everything about that table! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Cheri. And you are welcome.
What a transformation! Looks great! Cannot believe you found that table beside the dumpster.
Gina, you and me both. Still can’t believe I found it for FREE! Thanks for your comment.
Oh my gosh!! That is gorgeous, I so want one, thank you for sharing, you make it look so easy it give me the confidence to give it a go :)) x
Jane, it was really easy and the Royal Design Studio stencils are thick and forgiving.
Brittany it’s beautiful. I’m not one for stencils because they remind me of the 80’s but you’ve taken it to a whole new place, truly breathtaking. And the distressing is the cherry on top, really a nice piece and so fresh to see posts about something other than turkey crafts.
Turkeys? Oh shoot. Did I miss that time of year already? When you don’t have a kitchen you tend to overlook some things. LOL!
i followed flowall on facebook and pinterst
I posted on facebook that I entered this giveaway.
I would use the flowall system to organize my painting studio. I would really love to win this!!!
I follow you on Facebook!
Brilliant Brittany – I love all the hand painted detail with the stencil!
That. Is. Gorgeous! I love it!
Brittany you really are very clever and artistic and so good at handywork. I would love to be able to do the restoration and renovation like you did to your boys’ room with that great cupboard space that you built. I am pretty handy too as I lived in New Zealand for many years, but you sure are amazing.
Jenny, thank you for your sweet comment. I bet you could do it too. I have to say most of it is believing you can do it. And if you are already handy, I know you can do it. Allow yourself to take a leap of faith and recognize that there may be a bump or two in the road, but you’re smart and can figure it out ;-).
Amei onde acho para comprar?
That is amazing and totally gorgeous. I just love it!
Thank you Brittany! I have a table exactly like this. I put a very pretty white lace tablecloth on it and I love the look, but we have to take it off every time we eat….messy husband. I had just come to the conclusion last week that I would paint the whole thing with chalk paint, and make the top look more like lace with a stencil! I could not quite picture it finished, and then I saw your post on MMS. Thanks for giving my idea a concrete look that I can relate to. I love the distressing, it is a must with actual live people using furniture, and that stencil is fab! Great job, will be doing my table soon now!
Kathy, sorry for the delay in replying. So, did you paint your table? I’d love to see!
I love this project and your entire site which I stumbled on about midnight and fell asleep still exploring after 3am sometime! lol My question is why did you use chalk paint? Does it stencil easier or was it just an affect you wanted? I’ve never seen it before and am curious about it. Thanks!!! Keep on creating!!
Deenie, I chalk painted it because I liked the chalk paint colors I had used on the stools. And I had chalk painted the stools because I wanted to skip the priming step ;-).
Oh my goodness! You are the DIY Diva! I love this table and all of your step by step instructions! Thank you for always sharing so much helpful information! I love coming to your site!! You are truly an inspiration to so many of us!
Liz D.
Thanks Liz 😉
How long did you let your paint dry before you distressed it? I taped off my edges to paint the center portion of the table and when I pulled the tape off, a lot of my paint came with it. Yikes!!! Now I’m a little afraid to sand it for fear my paint is going to roll off. 🙁 I fixed all the edges and will stencil tomorrow… What do you think?
Pam, did you lightly sand your furniture before adding the chalkpaint? I probably waited a day, but not sure. Also, it could be the tape you are using. Try ScotchBlue delicate surface paint. Otherwise, you did the right thing by touching up the boo boos. Sometimes that will happen in DIY, just roll with it 😉
I did “lightly” sand my table top – not overly, though (hate sanding and had read I didn’t need to do too much). I used blue painters tape… It seems to look ok this morning although I can sort of see where the paint is thinner on the edges. I think I’ll touch that up again so the paint is thicker. I am nervous about distressing it. No guarantees, right! Oh well, we will see!!
Oh, I love this too! Just as much as closet-turned-reading-nook! Have an old table I might just try it on.
My husband is not totally sold on painting our table. I would like to do blue legs and and white top but he is concerned (even with a distressed look) that it will show every water mark, scratch, etc and will be very hard to clean. Have you run into this problem? If so, how do you solve it?
Janel
I just have to say that this table is beautiful, I love it, I have been looking to revive an old table and have been a little unsure of what pattern stencil to use, thank you for the instruction and the inspiration…awesome!
I can’t believe you found this in the dumpster. It amazes me when people throw out perfectly good stuff. I am totally smitten with your stenciled table and now I want to stencil my “Cat Pee Table” before I add the poly to the top.
If you are in the mood to check out my “Cat Pee Table” here is the link. http://threedogsathome.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-cat-pee-table.html.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Traci
süper!!! çok güzel bir masa olmuş:))
This is beautiful! I’m about to start a painting project, but I’m not sure how much chalk paint I’ll need to cover 2 end tables. How much paint did your project require?
Tara, I used less than half a quart of the white and blue for the table. The cream and green I barely used any from the small sample sizes ;-).
Hi, Thanks so much for your info! I just completed my first ever chalk paint venture . I used the plaster recipe with behr paint and the old desk I inherited from my mom turned out great! My question is do you think I should use wax or polyurethane to seal it? I did stenciling on the top and side panels and fear that the waxing may smear it. I am a newbie to all of this and don’t want to ruin the hard work I put into refinishing the desk. thanks!
Tara, the wax won’t smear dry paint. My rule of thumb is if it will take a lot of abuse (like a kitchen table, coffee table, etc.) then I polyurethane it. If it won’t take much abuse (frames, hutches, vertical surfaces) then I wax it.
I LOVE this!! Painting old furniture is one of my hobbies. But how long do you let things dry before taping off, or sanding, or sealing? I haven’t figured that part yet. And have had some disasterous results, which meant basically sanding off everything and starting over.
Kathy, I didn’t have to wait long. The chalk paint dries fast. ANd it really sticks to the surface well. Be sure to use good quality delicate surface painter’s tape, that might help.
WOW! This is amazing!
Boy that really frosts my cookies when stuff this cool is simply thrown away! Have you ever visited a landfill where you see all this stuff that could have been upcycled tossed into the bins? Well thank goodness you scarfed it up in time. I live near a landfill which is very busy, and everytime I go in, I see a ton of stuff that someone could have used! Just glad you had the vision to pull that bad boy outa there. Good work!
very beautiful table! and intuitive master class, thanks
Love the table, the stencil and your excellent assistant. Great job to both artists! I have an old piece to re do and now I AM convinced that Annie Sloan paint is for me.
Thanks for a great site and wonderful ideas.
What a fantastic project! Thanks for sharing. I can’t wait to try it!!
This is amazing! I just found the perfect table and am anxious to try this. Love Chalk Paint! Did you have any problems with the intricate stencil pattern not being perfectly flat when taped to the table and ready to roll on the paint? Mine has some places that are slightly bent/raised and I’m concerned about the paint seeping under the stencil when rolling it on. Did you have any problems with this or hints? Thanks! Just discovered your website. Can’t wait to dig into it!
Vanda, the less paint you use on the roller the better when you have a bent stencil. Try your best to bend it back to flat, but you will probably be okay. You can also always go back to touch up any bleed.
I think it looks amazing. I distress everthing, buy old cheap furniture and distress it to give it a new lease of life. I recently got an old table and chairs for only £50.00, excellent condition and solid wood. I knew I was going to distress it but was unsure of what to do with the top to make a mark, now I know. Tomorrow I’m off to the DIY store to buy a stencil and do mine. Thanks for this tip, it is amazing.
Hi Brittany, your table looks amazing! I love the colors you chose. How do you apply the Minwax polycrylic sealer? Do you have any tips for it to dry smooth? The sealant I use for acrylic paint is tricky to get a smooth finish. I do wet/dry sanding in between coats to help ease the imperfections but it doesn’t look smooth like yours. How do you get yours so smooth?
I love your table! The colors and stencils look amazing! How do you apply the Minwax polycrylic sealer? How do you get it so smooth? I have hard time getting the sealant I use to dry smooth even though I use a sponge brush.
This is pretty freaking cool!!!! Thank you for the tutorial, I’m going to re-vamp a piece of furniture my husband built with this look.
Just fabulous! I will definitely pin it. Am I to understand you merely asked the Royal Designs company for the stencil and they sent it to you? If your response is already posted , I could not find it in the comments. Do you repaint items and resell them? Love the table!
Please eliminate one of my posts!
fabulous. Am I to understand you simply requested the stencil from Royal Design and they sent it you? How doesw that happen? I looked in the comments to see if someone already asked you about the stencil, but to no avail. I apologize if you covered it. Do you repaint then sell furniture? I am wanting to do that!
Hi, I know this is an older post but I have a question… What do you do about the pencil lines you marked? I am in the throes of a similar project and I am reluctant to mark the table because I think they will be visible still.
Savannah, you can erase them after.
Hi! I’m an editor for Remodelaholic.com and am writing to request permission to use one of your table photos in an upcoming post. We would like to feature this in a round up and would include a backlink and clear credit to you.
Additionally, we routinely publish round-up style posts on our site and if you’re willing to allow us to use one photo from other posts you’ve done, we would love to add you to our directory of sites to feature. As a bonus, your site would then be on our radar for possible Facebook shares as well.
Please let me know if this would work for you. Thanks for your consideration!
Kimberly
Hi Brittany
That an awesome project . I would like to do something similar for a table i have got from walmart. I assume its made of rubberwood and veeners.
Do you have any specific instructions for this kind of wood as this will be my very first project.
Another question : Will this project be suitable for that kind of a table https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-5-piece-Dining-Set-Multiple-Colors/15063498
Un trabajo muy bonito. Gracias por mostrarlo tan bien. Un saludo desde Alicante (España)
I’m 75 yrs young and just starting doing the modern diy’s I’ve started a large end table project and wasn’t sure how to stencil the top and what to seal it with
I love you’re table and has given me the confidence to complete mine tkx
Hooray! Have fun and this is a great place to keep improving your DIY skills.