Antique Side Table Makeover

I got this free antique side table from a reader; thank you, Sharon B. She also gave me some bedroom furniture and a desk. Stay tuned for those in the future.

Antique Side Table

The table was in decent shape, with a few veneer issues and a missing brace at the top.

Step 1 Make Repairs

The first step to a good makeover is to check for loose screws etc. The antique side table was a little wobbly, so I tightened the screws. I also tapped in all those tiny nails on the side braces.

There was a broken joint on the leg brace that someone had tried to repair.

After removing the finial, I separated the pieces to get the glue in place.

Gorilla Wood Glue was applied with a silicone brush.

The wood glue easily wipes away with a baby wipe.

Step 2 Clean

An orbital sander with medium grit sandpaper was used to smooth out the broken veneer pieces on the antique side table. Then it was time for cleaning and deglossing with some HTP Deglosser.

Use a chip brush to apply the deglosser, then use a scrubber pad to give it a good scrub.

The deglosser will remove dirt, grease, and grime and dull a shiny finish to allow the paint to adhere.

Step 3 Paint

Now the antique table is ready for its makeover!

Wow! The base of the table was so easy to paint. I forgot to take any pictures. It was a cool morning, and the paint went on like a dream! I used a brush and paint from Heirloom Traditions Paint. The color is Cobblestone. Isn't it beautiful?

I DID SOMETHING VERY RARE because I wanted to do this antique table makeover in a two-toned color scheme! I used painter's tape on the underside of the table.

How to Paint a TableTop

I prefer to use a small sponge roller and a sponge applicator to get a smooth finish. You can find everything on Amazon at the HTP store. Seriously, that sponge applicator is a game-changer!

I applied the second coat with the roller. Here's where I'll be frank with you. Although I LOVE this paint, the weather messed with me in the afternoon. The paint was not going on smoothly. Operator error? Perhaps.

I worked on the antique side table top early the next day before it got so hot. Can you see a color difference? I ran out of the white-ish paint, and switched to my favorite Colosseum color. Yes, the same color I used when I painted my kitchen countertops. It never really looks gray until you put it up against white!

While I was painting the tabletop on the patio, I added some Plastic Wood to help cover up the broken leg. That stuff is so awesome!

Do I Need to Wax the Paint?

No, you do not need to wax this paint. It's "all in one." The paint dries and cures well.

Gray Antique Side Table

What about the missing brace? I didn't do anything about it; I figured the new owner could place it against the wall so it's not noticeable.

Yep, the gray is so light it DOES look white, but now you know it isn't. I wonder if Sharon wants her antique side table back? Do you love the two-toned color as much as I do?