I finished up this table a quite a while ago but just found some pics of it while going through some stuff. I really loved the way this table turned out and have always love the finish and the color. I meant to post about it so long ago…but you know how it goes :)
One of the reasons that i loved the table so much was how the finished texture was. It looked like the table had been painted for years and had a very authentic worn look to it.
To achieve the finish, i just left on all the old build up dirt(i think this table must have been stored in a garage or barn for sometime, thats why so much dirt) and flaking lacquer while i painted. Yup, thats right, left the dirt right on it! No cleaning or prepping here! Dont scrape, sand, flake off or touch that old dirt and peeling paint :)
But dont worry, after you paint and then distress all that dirt and build up will come right off.
I started out with a boring brown table but with awesome lines – those legs are killer.
You can see in the pic below just how worn out and flaky the old finish was. I didnt touch anything, i just left it as it was and painted right over it, i sprayed the new paint on (very thinly and just one coat), but you can just as easily brush it on, but keep it light. By leaving all the dirt and old flaking paint on, this caused the fresh paint that was put on not to stick. Normally thats not a good thing, but this time it will work to our advantage.
Because the paint didnt stick to all the wood, it was very easy to distress. I just used a combo of steel wool, sanding blocks and sand paper – i used all 3 just because there were so many different surfaces to the table and steel wool was easier for the curved parts, sanding block for the flat parts, etc.
**By the way, because i was going for the super distressed worn look, i DID NOT prime the table**
After i gave everything a good sanding to remove all the old dirt and flaky lacquer, i just took some minwax stain on a rag and wiped it all over the table. This set into all the cracks as well as staining the thirsty dry wood a darker color. In person you could see it better, but the dark stain set into all the tiny cracks where the paint didnt stick and created an awesome look, almost like a crackled finish in some spots.
After the table was all distressed and wiped down with stain, the table was clear coated. I personally like a heavily distressed piece with a shiny clear coat so thats what i did here. It doesnt work with all furniture, but i thought it worked well on this one.
The top was also sanded down and re stained with Minwax in Provincial.
Oh man, look how purdy that finish is! I just love it :)
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Paint – Sherwin Williams Intense Teal
Glaze – Minwax Provincial
Clear coat – Varathane in Gloss
Stain for top – Minwax Provincial
I'm just a semi- regular girl that cant get enough of decorating and then re-decorating! Painting my house and then re-painting my house! Not to mention all the DIY projects, my furniture refinishing business and my family that supports me along the way. 
You are so talented! Thanks for sharing all your hard work and techniques!
your are welcome! And thank you!!
LOVE THIS. No really – love it!
I loved this table too – i thought it turned out great!!
LOVE!!!
Sooo beautiful! You are so talented!
Beautiful, as usual ;)
haha, thanks!!
You do amazing work!!
thanks, your so nice!!
Very pretty, I love the finish and color!
thanks!! Thats one of my favorite furniture colors :)
I love it…and thanks for sharing the techniques…one always wonders how the magic is done.
I love your work. You use so many interesting techniques. Love the color too.
Love the shine!
Hi, love the table. I have a question. I have a very old butterfly table/chairs that was used when I was 2…I’m 60 and proud I might say…hehe…you talk about not taking off the paint. I was told by a furniture refinisher in my town she wouldn’t work on my table b/c it had lead paint on it. Could I do your technique to my table?
Thanks,
Ann
for sure! But, just make sure when you are sanding off any of the possible lead paint, you are wearing a respirator. Plus make sure that you seal it with a clear coat when your done :)
Thank you so very much!
Ann
I LOVE MY TABLE!! Thanks so much for selling it to me :)
I have it down in my basement in a bedroom and my mom is always telling me to bring it out so people can see it.
Thanks
thanks for buying it!! I really do love that table :)
That really is lovely; I’ve a table like this and have been wondering what to do with it. Perhaps a similar job might make it more attractive.
OMG love xx
I have an old secretary that was painted with white enamel oil paint years ago. Its a bit chipped and yellowed. Can I distress it and glaze directly over it w/o a fresh base coat?
Thank you.
I was wondering what sheen you use for your paint??? I am refinishing my bedroom set ad don’t want to get the wrong thing. :) Thanks!
just depends, i do anywhere from a satin to a high gloss