You may have seen this table before in my living room. It was next to my old chair. It looked nice in black and from far away seemed okay. But up close this is what the top looked like. Not so pretty. It had one neat lions head knob and one random knob on the other side. The claw feet were in good shape so those got taped off.
I decided to try to strip the top to see what shape the wood was in. I used Motsenbocker's Lift Off which is a good stripper that does not have an overwhelming smell to it. It is not a fast stripper though and did take several coats.
Here it is after one removing one coat and after I applied a second coat. It had black, then gold, then some green under there before I hit the wood.
I'm getting down to some wood now! It was goopy coming off. But what is good about this stripper is that you just let that goop dry and it's safe to just throw out. That I liked.
It's all off now and here is what I was left with. A dark ring. My plan was to try to lighten it. I knew I could not sand a lot since it was a veneer and not solid wood. So, I sanded it some and then decided to bleach it.
There are wood bleaches out there for problems like this. I just went with household bleach. I didn't want to buy more stuff and I just needed it to lighted somewhat since I was staining it dark. I let it sit for awhile, then wiped it off and repeated a few times. I then rinsed it with some baking soda and water because I read something about neutralizing the bleach. I figured it couldn't hurt. I let it dry overnight before sanding lightly again and then staining with a dark walnut stain. That is a simple wipe on wipe off process. I did two coats.
The drawers need a little work. The random knob left an indentation on the drawer front. So I filled it along with the chipped veneer with some wood putty and then sanded smooth.
Plan A was to paint the base a creamy white without any primer. I was going to sand back to let some of the black show through. I used my brand new Purdy 1 1/2 inch angled brush. See how you can get a nice clean line with a good quality brush? So very important. And look at those smooth bristles. I know it's new but as long as I wash it well it will stay like that and keep it's edge. Keep the wrapper it comes in to store your brushes.
When you have a good brush there is really no need to tape off edges. Like around windows and doors. It saves so much time. I do use tape for some things. Like stripes or on the feet for this table. But that was to keep me from dripping stuff on them. I could have easily painted right up to it without a mess.
Okay, here is where Plan A went wrong. There are some woods that tend to bleed. This being one of them. There were some spots on the base that the black paint had chipped away. I had sanded them down and it left some of the wood showing. I had a funny feeling this would be a problem but I tried anyway and thought I'd show you what NOT to do. Below is with the paint only.
This picture below was taken within seconds of applying a water based primer. It's coming through again that fast. You can click on the pic if you can't see it well. So I went with Plan B, which I knew was going to happen. I had to run out and get an oil based primer. I went with Zinser's Cover Stain. It worked great and I just primed the whole base with it since I had more then this one little spot. No more bleed through.
The base was top coated in a SW creamy sample I had. Then the next day I used a coat of clear briwax on the top and lightly glazed the base. I mixed burnt umber with a glazing base. You want to make sure everything is thoroughly dry first. I didn't glaze a lot, just mostly in the groves. I used a light hand and wiped off with a dry or damp cloth depending on how much I wanted to take off. You can see it better in the close ups.
I'd like to find another lion's head ring. For now these make a great stand in. The color is great with my rug. Which you can't see, but it does.
At first I was unsure of the wood grain on the top. I can always change it down the road but I'm liking it more and more. The ring disappeared with the stain. I wish I had done this sooner. I really love the results.
Linking up with:
Miss Mustard Seeds Furniture Feature Friday
Savvy Southern Style Before & After
Primitive & Proper Piece of Work Wednesday
Miss Mustard Seeds Furniture Feature Friday
Savvy Southern Style Before & After
Primitive & Proper Piece of Work Wednesday
Anita,
ReplyDeleteYour table makeover looks outstanding...come by and check out a new party that a friend of mine is having...your table would make a wonderful post for her party.
Blessings,
Linda
Anita..what a great job!! I think I would have given up when the bleeding came through! The table looks stunning!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
What an adorable table!
ReplyDeleteUnbelieveable! Sooo pretty. And I know it was a pain, but I love when folks show their 'oops' stuff. Makes me feel oh-so-normal :) I love the top with the grain pattern.
ReplyDeleteGlad you could Mi4M!
I had a table like that and gave it away to my cousin. Man, now I wish I had it back. It looks great and I really like the wood grain on the top. It's different and interesting. The knobs are great too! Good choice.
ReplyDeletePhew...you put a lot of work into this table. Your results were well worth it. The two toned look is one of my favorites. It's a stunning piece! Timeless...
ReplyDeleteOh that really did turn out great. I love the dark stained top and the white base. I remember you telling me you were going to tackle this.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and I love the wood grain top! I have two smaller versions of this in the garage and am now thinking I need to work on them SOON! One is missing the little foot so I'll have to come up with something for that! Thanks for sharing this beauty.
ReplyDeleteI love the results too! Love the color, the wood top and the pumpkin knob! Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteLooks great! I love the knob you chose!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! It's a lot of work stripping! Gosh I just did a project like that. I vowed to never try it again. HA. Yeah right. Yours turned out beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI so love it!! This is what the top of my sewing stand looks like. I love how much hard work you put into it, it was well worth it:)
ReplyDeleteAnita that is beautiful!!! You did an amazing job bring the wood on top back out!! It looks like a brand new piece!! Love it!!!
ReplyDeleteAnita, It's gorgeous! I love the refinished top (you make it look easy) paired with the white. Great job!
ReplyDelete;)
Roeshel
All that hardwork really paid off....the table is gorgeous!!!! love it.....
ReplyDeleteKristen
Fabulous transformation! I would love to a table like this :D
ReplyDeleteThat is gorgeous Anita, I love the wood top, good on you for working so hard to strip it back! I am working on a pedestal dining table at the moment, just did the light glazing last night and it looks alot like yours :)
ReplyDeletexx Karen
Anita, I learned something new from you. I didn't know you could use regular bleach to lighten wood. Thanks for the tip. Your table looks wonderful and I really like the contrast of the dark wood top and the creamy colored base.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Sherry
looks awesome! love that gorgeous wood top. and you will have something for my party this week- woo hoo!
ReplyDeleteIt's so lovely - I want it!! LOL! Thanks for sharing how you changed it...I have some furniture which could use to renovating.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week. :O)
That is GORGEOUS! The grain on the top is so pretty. I love the color on the base~it's exactly what I wanted on my table, but didn't get.
ReplyDeleteYou did a fabulous job on this, Anita. It's just beautiful.
Great job! My parents have this exact same table, except with the lion drawer pull. Luckily when they acquired it, it was already stained and ready to go.
ReplyDeleteAnita - you did a GREAT job with this. I love this table. Especially the feet.
ReplyDeleteWow...so pretty!!!! What a lovely table:)
ReplyDelete*Sigh* Someday I'm just going to bring you down here and I'll just pay you and let you go to town. I just don't have this in me and I so admire your talents.
ReplyDeleteThis looks so good! You did an amazing job. I would have quit just at the thought of stripping the paint off :)
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I love the wood, bravo getting through those layers of paint and bringing it out. The feet are really pretty too.
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible makeover. I wouldn't have looked at this table twice in if I'd seen it in a shop from your Before pictures.
ReplyDeleteI'm only just learning about redoing furniture so I'm completely in awe of anyone who does it this well!
Thank you so much for your encouraging comments about my bedside table. It was my first attempt so it means a lot.
Sarahx
Good call to strip the paint off the top and leave the wood exposed. Tables can take a lot of abuse over time and the paint would likely have needed to be touched up often. You might want to consider having a piece of glass cut to protect the top of the table.
ReplyDeleteThe wood grain is beautiful! I think it came out great.
ReplyDeleteAnita
ReplyDeleteThis is breath-taking!
You must be thrilled with it...I love the two tone look.
You persevered and came out with a table that is truly gorgeous!!!!!
Deborah :)
So Pretty!
ReplyDeleteYour table turned out great, Anita! Looks like alot of work, but so worth it! I have one very similar to yours, but without the drawer.
ReplyDeleteI am in the process of painting a table that's very similar to yours. All the little grooves were a challenge to get fully covered. Yours turned out really nice; I like the two tone effect!
ReplyDeleteThat table top came out amazing! Who would have thought it could ever be that pretty! Great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely comment!;)
ReplyDeleteYour make over is stunning!
LOVE your blog!
Guess who`s your new follower;)
Lovely greetings...
That's amazing!!! I never heard of that stuff but I'm gonna right it down for future reference. I love how that beautiful table turned out!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Kim
Anita, that is a fantastic new look for that table. I see we were on a similar page this week. I started to leave my top brown, but changed my mind. I love the way yours looks. Thanks so much for joining the party!
ReplyDeleteAnita, this is beautiful. It appears the bleach took care of that ring? I LOVE dark tops with white bases and could do that combo over and over again. You really did a great job.
ReplyDeleteChrista
Looks awesome Anita..so fresh now!
ReplyDeleteHi Anita,
ReplyDeleteThis is a phenomenal transformation! You did a great job and I appreciate all of the information that you shared with us. It is one gorgeous table! I'll keep my eyes open for a lion's head ring when I'm out hunting for treasures.
Thanks for commenting on my post about the spice rack. Your idea for turning it upside down and using it as a towel holder/shelf was brilliant!! I have a second spice rack I didn't show in my post so I'm going to find a place to hang it using your idea. Thanks!
Jane
What a great find. The blood, sweat, and tears, that went into this was well worth it. I love it when I find pieces with the claw feet...
ReplyDeleteGreat job!
Take care,
Lisa
Hi Anita! All I can say is WOW! That table is gorgeous! I can't believe how pretty the top turned out!! Thanks so much for visiting me too. I did a complete post about painting my cabinets. Here is the link: http://erinmccall.blogspot.com/2010/10/before-and-after-kitchen.html
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to explore your blog more!
Just stopping by from Kim's B&A party! This table is beautiful. I just love the grain design of the wood top. Great job on the transformation!
ReplyDeleteHi Anita! I love your little table and how it turned out. The top is gorgeous! I have a table almost like this except my little drawers is a fake drawer but it has the little lion's head. I'm all inspired now and want to tackle it!
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia;)
Your table is beautiful! You did a great job on the finish. Thanks for the tutorial.
ReplyDeleteKim sent me over!
ReplyDeleteWow! what a stunning make-over, the top is outstanding. I hope you feel rightly proud:o)
It turned out beautifully Anita! You really know what your doing!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Marcia
Anita, I love the table, such a great job, love the two toned- SUch inspiratin glad to be a new follower, Love the Coastal charm..
ReplyDeleteGlad to of found you
Karryann
Your table is gorgeous! I love how you took the time to see what was under the paint and then really rehab the entire piece - because it is an awesome table. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHi Anita~ WOW!!! I love how your table came out~it is beautiful! I really like the wood grain top with the white-and the bleach tip is great! Who knew? Well, obviously you and probably everybody else... but not me! So thanks for the tip!! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful job, Anita!
ReplyDeleteIt feels so good when you make a change like that, huh?
:)
Woo I love this! I just did one exactly like it but I painted the whole thing! I took off my lions head ring and put it aside! If you want it and I can find it I can send it to you! I do not want it!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh Anita. What a fab re-do, really. I know the whole pink bleed through thing, I've had it happen to me before. But this time, that would have been enough for me to put it away and quit. I so love the way this table turned out, and the glazing is perfect, just enough. And I love your baskets I can see in the background too. :)
ReplyDeleteAwEsOmE!! Love it Anita... great job!
ReplyDeleteWow Anita! This table is GORGEOUS!! I love the stained tops and white everywhere else. Such a great look. Great job!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning!!
ReplyDeleteLovely makeover! I had the same problem with stain bleeding when I redid my dresser. I had to use B.I.N sealer which did an amazing job.
ReplyDeleteIf you are looking for another lion head handle - check out www.leevalleytools.ca - they have a gigantic inventory of hardware! Check their online hardware catalogue - pg 95.
Good luck!
Beautiful! Just shows what a little elbow grease can accomplish.
ReplyDeleteOh this is marvellous...all those stages..all that stripping..all that work...
ReplyDeleteit was worth it...your table has a been given a new life..and it looks fab!
you have amazing restorative powers!
ciao bella!
Creative Carmelina
Hi Anita! Well here's the thing, I don't have a body like the chick in my sidebar anymore. I did once, but during that time I was very very hungry, and mostly miserable.
ReplyDeleteBut you, YOU have a beautiful refinished table, that I will never have no matter how much dieting I do!
So I kind of hate you a little bit too.
You going to be giving that table away in a giveaway any time soon? :)
You did a great job. I love the top. LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteI love what you did with this piece Anita! It is beautiful!
ReplyDelete-Rene
Hi there, I am your newest followe! Believe it or not I have a table nearly the same as this the only difference is that my drawer is faux and doesn't come out. I have been contemplating painting it but I was scared because it is old. lol. Your project is so amazing it makes me want to go for it! Awesome job girl!
ReplyDeleteI would love to have you follow me also. Your opinions are welcome!
http://dejarenew.blogspot.com.
Wow! What a transformation. We bought those exact same lion head pulls when we had our entertainment center made.
ReplyDeleteCheri
Absolutely expert job you did on this pretty little lady! That veneer top is stunning!
ReplyDeleteWOW, Fabulous and congrats on Making the Top 10 at The DIY Club. Love that table, you did a great job.
ReplyDeleteHi Anita-
ReplyDeleteThis is just BEAUTIFUL. I love the wood top - the contrast bewteen the white and the dark is stunning - I would not change a thing.
My best- Diane
This looks almost identical to one of my tables, except when I stripped all the paint I founf leather hiding underneath! My claw feet are wood where yours look metal. Great job, I love the result!
ReplyDeleteFabulous job!
ReplyDelete