Farmhouse Table Makeover & Happy Accidents

A few months ago I made over my farmhouse table.

It’s a table we have had for about 15 years and the very dark factory finish was in poor shape.  I stripped the entire table and used a belt sander to help me remove some of the stubborn remaining finish.  I knew I needed to use an orbital sander (which I don’t have) to get the wood looking new but decided that I would leave it as is because I kind of liked the rustic, imperfect look the belt sander created.

Here is what it looked like after Makeover #1:

farmhouse table makeover

And here’s what it looks like today:

farmhouse table update

When I did this first makeover, I just waxed the top of the table to seal it thinking that I would eventually use something more durable at a later date.  I really wanted to live with it looking all rustic for awhile before I committed to it.  I was a little on the fence about whether I was going to stay with this look.

Since the only place I can work on a project of this size is in my back yard, I waited all summer to decide what I wanted to do.   Finally, when the weather was cooler, I made a choice to work on the table some more.  I wanted to see if I could get down to the raw wood completely and re-stain it.

I borrowed an orbital sander from my brother-in-law and got to work.  Within a few short minutes (using 80-grit sandpaper), I was down to the bare wood.  

sanding wood with orbital sander

I did make a few dents and dings with a hammer to help it look a little more rustic and then I went over the top one more time with 220-grit sandpaper to prepare for staining.  I wiped off the dust with tack cloth and then gave it a coat of wood conditioner.

I sanded it again with the same fine-grit sand paper and then it was time to stain.  

At first, I used a light brown stain but it appeared very orange and I didn’t like it at all.  I ended up going much darker than I originally planned — I used Dark Walnut by Minwax.

dark walnut stain on farmhouse table

curved edge of farmhouse table

With the new dark top the legs just didn’t look right and I didn’t want the entire table to be that dark so I decided to lighten up the legs with paint.

I had some Annie Sloan Chalk Paint on hand so I thought I would use a shade of gray.  I accidentally grabbed the wrong gray and started using Chateau Gray — it’s a very green gray — not what I was thinking of!

Chateau Gray table leg

After the first stroke I thought, uh-oh, wrong paint!  Then I stepped back and decided I liked it so I kept on painting!

I distressed the legs a little and rubbed and buffed.  I didn’t bother using any wax because the buffing made the paint feel like butter and I liked the finish.

When the stain was dry I applied Minwax polycrylic finish in satin.  Truthfully, I first started with polyurethane but thought the satin finish was more glossy than satin.  Plus, it took forever for it to dry because it is oil based.  I switched to polycrylic and like the finish so much better.  

I gave it three coats and sanded with 220-grit sandpaper in between each coat.  Sanding makes all the difference!  Now my finish is smooth and perfect.  I’m so happy with how it turned out!

farmhouse table with dark stain and painted legs

 

The result is not at all how I envisioned it, yet I love it!  

farmhouse table with gray painted legs

It still lightens up the space but the top is so much richer now. Not to mention the polycrylic finish is so easy keep clean.  

Someday, I’d love to have an authentic farmhouse table with real history, but I’m so happy with how this looks so I’m in no rush.

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On a completely different note, I want to invite you back here tomorrow as I am a new co-host of the Share It One More Time Link Party!

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I am joining Barb from The Everyday Home, Janet from ShabbyFuFu, Tammy from One More Time, Lory from Designthusiasm, Cathy from Vintage, Paint and More and I am very excited to be a part of their team!

If you’re an avid blog reader you will get loads much inspiration all in one place every Saturday.  

If you’re a blogger, you can link up your recipes, DIY projects, decorating, crafts, etc.  There are SIX hosts, so that means you’ll get tons of exposure!  Each of us will choose two features each week and we will share on social media.  The link-up starts at 6 a.m. EST.

I am looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

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14 Responses to Farmhouse Table Makeover & Happy Accidents

  1. Jen says:

    Your table looks amazing! Well done!

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  3. Sherry Myers says:

    I think you did a fantastic job! It is lovely. Now you and your family can make your own history at this farmhouse table. Thank you for the detailed instructions.
    Sherry

    • Julie Julie says:

      Thanks, Sherry! Good point about making our own memories. This table has already been around 15 years so I guess it’ll be “authentic” soon enough! haha!

  4. Carol says:

    I think your table turned out just amazing!

  5. Mrs curtis Lee says:

    I just love your table Julie. I really do.

  6. pauline cordery says:

    Lovely! Look great. Well done.

  7. Dan W says:

    Your home is so gorgeous, love that table

  8. Lanita says:

    Love how your table turned out, especially the top! It has that great farmhouse feel and looks great in your home. Thanks for sharing….
    Lanita

  9. Pingback: Share It One More Time Inspiration Party #45

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