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Thursday, April 25, 2013

Craigslist Dining Table Transformation

Craiglist Dining Table Transformation

You really can't go wrong with something that was FREE to begin with!

There she was, in all her former glory. If you don't know about the "Free" section in Craigslist, you really should check it out! A lot of times there's just junk listed, but there are many times when people just want to get rid of something ASAP because they're moving or getting new furniture. But things in this section go fast, so you need to check back often and act quickly! 


With this piece, I was immediately drawn to the pedestal base. Our current round kitchen table has the standard four legs, and whenever you have more than four chairs around it, someone is always straddling or banging against a leg. I figured paint could cover up any blemishes, so I jumped on the offer...
and we picked up this baby (by "we," I mean my husband, somewhat begrudgingly). I didn't like the finish at all, so that's what I decided to change.



Pictured here are some of my main supplies (how cute are my pink work gloves?!). I love Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. I doubt there is anyone who's used it and doesn't love it. And this can of duck egg has made its way through several entire projects, and there's still some left. 

My vision: I knew I wanted the top of the table to be a different color than the base. But that's where it got complicated. Originally, I painted base in duck egg and I painted the top in bright white. I had an image in my mind I was trying to attain, the white was a big mistake. It was so offensive, I stripped it off right away and went a new direction: stain (should have taken a pic, I know). But onto my first attempt at staining.

At the hardware store, it was fun looking at all the stain color samples, and decided on this one: Minwax Polyshades (color: Mission Oak). This line is a "stain and finish in one step." I thought that would save me some time, but it really just confused me. At first, I was wiping it off the way I understood you should apply traditional stain... but it was too light, and I couldn't understand why the directions said I needed to wait 6 hours to apply another coat! I applied one sooner, because it had dried... and not much luck with that one either. DUH. I wasn't supposed to wipe it off, I was supposed to apply an even coat and simply let it dry! Which I did, when  finally realized that. But that "even coat" was really hard to achieve. Especially hard for a novice, and I'll be the first to admit that my tabletop is certainly FAR from "even coated." But I really like the color, and I can live with the mistakes, and it was a lesson learned. Would I use the Polyshade again? Maybe... but I'd need more practice, which means more time... and I'm sorta an instant gratification kind of gal.

Anyway, this is what I ended up with. This pic is without the leaf in the middle (we'll use the leaf when we have guests) but I like the perfect circle look better.


This was a great learning experience project for me. It's certainly not perfect, but it's a big improvement over what we are currently using (and over what it was when I picked it up free from Craigslist, I think)!

Does anyone else have tricks for a more seamless staining experience? Please share! I love the look of the stain, and want to continue experimenting with it, but I'm on the hunt for more tips!

You can also check it out on Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch!



craftionary




 

51 comments:

  1. Kristen, your table looks great! I love ASCP! I did my kitchen island in Duck Egg and it is so fab! I will putting out a post on it soon. Check out my console table that I painted with ASCP.

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    1. I can't wait to see what your kitchen island looks like. I am considering redoing some kitchen cabinets ins ASCP but I'm a little nervous!

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  2. I think it looks gorgeous! From the pictures, I love the highlights and low lights of the wood. Stopping by from The Shabby Creek Cottage.

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    1. Thanks! I was unsure about the finish of the stain, but I'm happy with it. All I knew was that I definitely needed something different than the original color!

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  4. Ahh, accidentally deleted my own post! Trying again...

    Love your table! I have an entire room full of furniture that needs some serious love. I've been too afraid to start, but we have a table just like this and you might have finally given me the courage to do something with it!

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    1. Thanks so much, Jessica! I hope you try it! Will you send me some pics if/when you do?

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  5. Hi Kristen,
    I'm Erin from a brand new blog called Piers and Chandeliers. I found your blog on Karen's Find a Friend party and love it! I share your sentiments on shopping - I have champagne taste on a beer budget - therefore must get creative! I did not know about the free section on Craig's list but will certainly check it out! I am working on my first furniture transformation from Goodwill and hope to finish painting this weekend. I am glad I found your blog for inspiration! Thanks!
    Erin at piersandchandeliers.blogspot.com

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    1. I can't wait to see your Goodwill transformation! I'll be checking your blog to see some pics!!!

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  6. The table is beautiful and would fit well in my dining room! :) Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks, Vickie! That's the ultimate compliment! Have a great weekend.

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    1. Thanks Shannon, I'm happy with how it turned out. Have a great weekend!

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  8. I love this! I turned out amazingly:) The aging you did on the bottom looks perfect! I have an old table in my basement waiting for some chalk paint love too... maybe I will get to it in the summer:) Thanks for the inspiration!
    Krista @thehappyhousie

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    1. Thanks, Krista! Send me a pic if you do end up redoing the old table-I'd love to see what you do with it! The distressing was a bit of a pain. I ended up doing most of it with nail files to get into the angles, but since the wax is so thick, you go thru the files pretty fast.

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    2. Did you distress it after waxing?? I have never tried that... I often use my own DIY chalk paint and have always done my distressing before the wax step... Do you find it works better to wax first then distress??

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  9. Oh. My. Gosh! I would die to find something like that for free on craigslist. I feel like the more DIY'ers (more the better), the less available out in the CL world these days. Not complaining, I get my fair share of finds!

    This stable is stunning! I'm in love with the two-tone craze lately, myself!

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    1. Brandy, you are so right about there being less out there on CL! OMG and the second something good gets posted, I feel like it's gone immediately! I swear some people must stalking the free sections constantly... you def have to hit it right!

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  10. Your table turned out so gorgeous! I have an old table that has your inspiration written all over it and this is just what it needs!! I am a new follower and found you through Six Sister Stuff. Have a great weekend!

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    1. Thanks Amber! I would love to see your table when you are done! Glad you got here through Six Sister Stuff-their site is awesome!

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  11. I suspect if the original owners of this table saw it now they would demand you return it immediately! You did a fabulous job on it. I really like the contrast between the top and base. Well done.

    jaime

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    1. OMG jaime you made me laugh out loud. thanks so much for the compliments.

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  12. This is amazing. I just finished a couple projects with AS paint as well. Yours looks amazing! Angela@ HickoryTrail

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    1. Thanks, Angela. I can't believe how far this can of duck egg has gotten me... but i clearly need to try some new colors now!

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  13. Your table turned out great. Such an amazing transformation.

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    1. Thanks, Kymberly! I can't wait to start eating on it ;)

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  14. Craigslist free section is AWESOME (its the buisness)as my kids often say!!!! I did A post about some GREAT stuff I got off craigs free section...I mean some really good stuff. You lucked up also and you did a great job redoing it!

    http://www.according2sharon.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks, Sharon! Always happy to find another Craigslist shopper! I'm going to look for that post now!

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  15. Kristen - - I love this. I have the exact table and want to paint it so badly but am too chicken. My leaf was ruined in a move :( but I still love my table. I got it in a thrift store in Charlotte, NC - cheap!

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    1. Katy, go for it!! It's only paint! I don't think the leaf really matters. If you need extra seating, just pull up another table and make them look pretty with tablecloths. If you do end up painting yours, please send pics!!!

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  16. Got here from naptime creations-- I have a free table just like it-- now I know what to do with it!!! Thanks :)

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    1. Glad you like it, Elizabeth. Please send pics if you do end up painting it! I'd love to see some.

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  17. Thanks so much, Hani! What an honor!!! So glad you liked it ;)

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  18. This is gorgeous! I love the color with the dark stain. Great choice! I apparently need to check out the free section.
    I have used that stain before and had the same trouble getting it even and smooth...sorry I don't have any advice.
    Kelly

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    1. Thanks, Kelly! Good to know someone else had the same issues as me with the stain! I got another freebie from CL today... I've become an official "Craigslister."

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  19. Free....are you kiddin me?! Awesome! You did an amazing job on your table! I love that ASCP color. Staining can be tricky...have you ever used the gel stains? I tend to have better luck with those. Thanks for stopping by my blog :)

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  20. Thanks so much, Becky! No, I haven't tried the gel stains yet, but I saw them there and was wondering about them--thanks for the tip! I'll give those a shot on my next staining project.

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  22. Looks beautiful!!! I have been wanting to try painting something with chalkpaint...guess I just have to dive in...lol

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    1. Carla, I predict that once you use it once, you'll be hooked! I have to be honest, though, it did take me a little while to get over the price, but after using it, it's SO worth it!

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  23. I can't believe that table was free! You did a brilliant job-I've just pinned this!

    Thanks so much for joining in with the Say G'Day Saturday Linky Party. Hope you can link up again this weekend!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha in Oz

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  25. After you sand and wipe down your wood, apply a pre stain. It will help the stain go on evenly. I don't know if it is for the stain/poly combo as I have only used it with just stain. I guess the instructions would tell you.

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    1. Thanks, Mary! I will def try a pre stain next time. I saw them there but I wasn't sure if it would really help. I don't think I'll use the stain/poly on my next project, because I want to play around with different stains.

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  26. That looks awesome! Great work! ;) -Mika
    www.sparrowshaven.blogspot.com

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  27. Kristen, I actually have this exact same table (weird!) that was given to us by my sister ... I want to re-do it, but am wondering how you handled all the 'stenciling' in the side of the table? Did you just paint straight over it? How does it look now that it's painted - can you even notice the lines anymore?

    Great job on the table - I think I may do something similar!
    Thanks!!

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    1. Hi Louise! It's funny how many people I've now heard have the same table! Must have been really popular! As far as the stenciling on the side, I did just paint over it. You definitely still see the design, but it's subtle. Originally I tried to go over the design with Annie Sloan dark wax, thinking that would accentuate it in a nice way, but it just looked dirty, and I removed it. If you want to see more pics of that part of the table, just email me and I'll send some straight to you!

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  28. Your redo looks high end. I am planning to do this myself but paint the top with chalkboard paint so my girls can doodle with chalk with the wait at the dinner table for supper.

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    1. Thanks so much, Kristin! What a cool idea about the chalkboard paint!!! Would love to see pics!

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