Transforming a Goodwill table

        $25 Goodwill table before makeover. Photo Thrifty Decor Chick

Don't pass up a solid piece of furniture just because you don't like the color or the type of wood. Elbow grease combined with paint can revive a thrifty find.

 

 

 

Coffee table makeover. Photo: Thrifty Decor Chick

 

1) Prep. Gather all the proper tools before starting the project, and work in a well ventilated area. Click here for a list of tools.

 

2) Strip or Sand. Optional, but recommended if your furniture has any finish or wax.  Use a paint stripper or sand by hand or with a sander prior to priming.

 

3) Prime. Always use a primer as it adheres to wood surfaces better than paint. Primer also helps stop or reduce the effects of acids, pitch or tar that can migrate out of the wood and stain through your paint. Primer can be tinted to the color of your paint. Brush with the wood grain as it helps the paint flow more evenly and reduces the appearance of lap marks. Letting the primer cure (dry) for the recommended time between coats is critical to a successful outcome. Paint that hasn't dried fully tends to have higher surface tension and restricts your paints flow.

 

4) Paint. Use a foam roller or brush, and angled brush for detailed areas. Use flat or eggshell latex indoor paint. If you plan to distress your piece, wait at least 72 hours so the paint has time to cure.  

 

5) Distress. If you wish to give your piece a distressed (worn) look on areas, such as edges, that would have worn naturally from use -- lightly sand those areas with very fine sand paper.  Another option to get the distressed look is prior to applying primer or paint, rub wax on the areas you don’t want the paint to adhere.

 

 

Goodwill table $25

Quart of paint $10

Quart of poly $10

Sandpaper on hand

Foam brushes on hand