Have you ever been driving down the street and spotted furniture just sitting on the curb for trash day? Then immediately pulled over to check it out? If you have, then we have a lot in common. Sometimes the best furniture are the ones that have been discarded because it's easier than donating it. When I found this wood table, I knew exactly how I wanted to paint it to make it beautiful again. Let’s get started…
First thing to do is clean the piece really well. Paint doesn’t like dirt and grime. I like to use Simple Green because it works great, it doesn’t have an offensive odor and is easy to find at the grocery store. I also use a sponge from the dollar store. After a good cleaning it is time for the next step. I used a 220-grit sand paper to give the table a scuff sanding, this gives the paint something to adhere to. After wiping away the sanding dust it is ready for the next step.
This step is optional but for most of my furniture I like to start with Primer, unless I plan to distress but that is not the plan for this table. I use B-I-N Primer from the local hardware store. I also like to use a chip brush from the Dollar Store because it is easier to use a cheap brush and throw it away. Keep the nice brushes for the paint. Once the primer is on and you have let it dry completely, then a light sanding will help get rid of any bumps that was left behind from the primer. I repeat this step and apply a second coat of primer and lightly sand after. Now it is time for the fun part… the paint.
I like to use Fusion Mineral Paint because it comes in a variety of colors. It is almost completely odorless and has a smooth application. For this table I have chosen two colors. The top is Coal Black and the rest of the table is Cranberry. After taping the top to avoid any Cranberry paint from getting on the top of the table I start painting. I apply a thin coat of paint and let it dry for at least 2 hours. After it is completely dry, I give it a light sanding. I use a high grit sand paper sponge and use the wet sanding technique. I dip the sanding sponge in the water and use a very light pressure to give the paint a smooth finish. I repeated with 2 more thin coats of paint.
Once the cranberry was done, I removed the tape. Now it is time to add the black paint. I taped the table again, only this time along the outside of the top to avoid getting any black paint on the new Cranberry. I applied 3 coats of Coal Black and wet sanded between each layer. I wanted to add a flower transfer to the top of the table to give it a little drama. Before the flower transfer can be added a thin layer of polyurethane must be applied. The flowers are added by gently rubbing the transfer with the provided flat stick until it releases onto the furniture. I finished the entire piece with 2 layers of General Finishes High Performance topcoat in Satin.
The next time you see a piece of furniture out for trash day, pull over and grab it, you won't regret it.
Happy Painting,
Becky
Becky's Paintbrush
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