Do you remember my Spring Fling, thrifting with MRL? I saw this table on my dry run, and it was still there a couple of weeks later on our Spring Fling day….so I went back to get it. It was $8.00. I forgot to tell you that the volunteer at the store said it was actually sold in December, but it was never picked up. So, it came home with me.
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She’s a monster, so I put her on my miniature furniture dollies. That made her easy to push around.
Because she had such a shiny surface, I decided to use DIY chalk paint. I mixed up a paste of plaster of paris . I don’t measure anything, but I added some water to the plaster and mixed it well. Tip: put your paint in a laundry jug, no rust, easy to shake, easy to pour.
You can see my exact measurements for diy chalky paint primer by clicking that link.
Then I added some oops black paint.
You can see how flat the paint is, and how well it adheres to the slick finish.
I took the small drawers out to make them easier to paint.
I did two quick coats of the DIY chalk paint. (ignore the total mess of the garage please)
I then brushed on two light coats of wipe-on poly. Although I have waxes, I prefer not to use them. I’ve never had good luck with them, and applying and buffing the wax really hurts my shoulder. You can see the bad news, can’t you? The top of this table had water damage that I didn’t notice until I painted it black. Had I used a lighter color, I don’t think it would have been as noticeable. We ladies LOVE wearing black because it makes us look good, not so much with this big ole gal.
But, her chunky legs look awesome, don’t you think?
Here’s a close-up of the “bubbled” top.
I have posted it on Craig’s List. If it doesn’t sell, I may part her out, or give her a new top.
I’ve been using the oops black paint a lot lately.
Do you remember this piano front that was dropped off to me while I was on vacation in San Diego last year? I really wanted to hang it on my big wall in the kitchen, but I don’t really know how I want to finish it. It’s been hanging out in the basement all winter waiting for me.
So, while I had the DIY chalk paint out working on a lot of other stuff, I painted it black…thinking that the wood tone color was blocking my vision. I liked it 100% better as soon as I got the first section painted. BUT—I still don’t know how I want to finish it off. My thoughts are running all over the place. I have considered putting mirrors on either side, or I suppose I could use fabric inserts? I think it would make a pretty awesome headboard, but I don’t need a headboard. After painting it, I also thought it might look great with a shelf, maybe across the top of it, or the bottom? Of course, hooks would be a great option as well, but I don’t need hooks. So, the first thing I need to decide is where I want it, or IF I want to keep it or rehome it. That would make my decisions easier for sure. If I were to keep it for the kitchen, I would add color to it. I’ve been dying to get some red in my kitchen.
UPDATE: see the Piano Front hanging in my kitchen.
So, whatcha think about the big ole table? Do you think it will sell? Should I repaint it? part it out? put a new top on it? (what color?)
UPDATE on the big ole table. You can see that I put a new top on this table to make it a farm table or craft table.
gail
sharing here:
Kathy Tyler says
June 13, 2013 at 8:56 amFor the piano front, I see a mirror in the middle section with two large hooks in each of the outer sections. Then hang it in an entry way.
Laura Garza says
May 10, 2013 at 12:10 pmYikes, hit the wrong button before I could comment on the piano front. I really like the idea of it being a message center, so chalk in the middle and cork on both sides. I would reconsider adding hooks as you can always add little ornaments or more organizational products that need hooks. I love the idea of painting it red but not knowing what your kitchen looks like/style, i couldn’t make any good suggestions. Good luck!
Laura Garza says
May 10, 2013 at 12:08 pmHi – I’m so sorry about the table. When I work on my repurposing projects, I always consider sanding down the surface, especially if I’m refinishing it. I usually repurpose with mosaic so you can’t really see the surface, but I still sand and prime to get the surface as smooth as possible. If it were my project, I’d definitely sand the top and repaint. It’s such a great piece and an electric sander would make a quick job of it!
Mary Lou says
July 12, 2016 at 9:51 amDitto on the sanding. I believe that would’ve saved her the heartache as I think the rest of the table is just gorgeous. You mention in your comment about doing mosaic….I have my grandmother’s china – not really china but a remembrance of her of which I have re-purposed a few pieces that weren’t damaged but the rest of the dishes all have a crack or chip in them. I wonder if you have a website or ? to help me put these pieces (small pieces) in a mosaic? If you can, thanks so much. If not, no worries!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
July 12, 2016 at 1:43 pmMary Lou,
No, I’m sorry-I’ve never done mosaic. It’s been on my list for a long, long time. Wishing you all the best with your project.
gail
Larry says
May 7, 2013 at 9:34 amI’d use the piano front as an ellegant place to hang pictures on the wall in a hallway or foyer…
Lisa says
May 3, 2013 at 3:34 pmI LOVE the table … in fact I have one ready to paint that has water damage as well. I had planned to paint legs one color and the top of the table another to try to hide the water damage. I think either adding another color and heavily distressing the top may help hide the trouble spots. The piano top would be awesome with chalkboard paint in the center squares and maybe adding a piece of wood to the very top (attach it by laying it flat against the top – use a 1 x 4 or so)…and/or decorative molding to provide a “shelf”of sorts and to give it a finished look. Possibly add decorative hooks or pegs to the bottom. Hang it in a laundry room or mud room area to catch jackets, gloves, etc – if you have the space available.
Kathy says
May 3, 2013 at 3:34 pmHi there…I would leave the table as is…and just cover the top in all my wonderful”junk”….The piano piece…I see it as a hanging shelf…put chains on each end, one at each corner, and hang it…lots of cool antiques or plants would look great on it…
Enjoy!!!
Cher @ Designs by Studio C says
May 2, 2013 at 10:26 amSo fab! L.O.V.E. the black chalk paint!!
Hollie @ I'm Busy Procrastinating says
May 2, 2013 at 9:52 amHm, I would think black would be a good bet around here. I don’t think I told you that I had a coffee table version of that same table that I sold in my recent yard sale for $8. It was still in its original state. I had thought about painting it but it had so many dents in it (from Hot Wheels cars, etc.), and with it being soft pine, I just thought it wouldn’t look nice even if painted, so I didn’t put in the effort. I hope your table sells!
As for the piano panel, it might look neat with chalkboard in the middle panel and corkboard on the side panels. Obviously the rest of it would need to change from black so the chalkboard panel stands out. Not sure if that’s something you’d need in the kitchen, but I would think it would be great for someone else, whether for their kitchen, an office, or a kids room.
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
May 1, 2013 at 10:54 pmI’d try to work with the bubbles – they add character you know! Sort of like wrinkles, but that’s another story. Just distress the table and the bubbles will suddenly look intentional! Then poly once again. … Just my two cents! … And that piano panel is really cool!
Pat says
May 1, 2013 at 10:50 pmHi Gail…
What a great buy on this table.
I say, try to sell it. If the water damage was so noticable to us, you readers, it will be noticable to the buyer as well. However, You could do a couple of things here…
#1 pass the savings on to a family looking for a great deal…price it and know your bottom price…you did labor on this table.
#2 (if it doesn’t sell) remove the top and do a farmhouse plank wood . (a really nice option)
That’s my opinion about this gorgeous table.
The piano board?
I say cover the center with fabric… and criss-cross ribbons and put pictures of Jamie (and that fella she married…he he he!!!) ANDY …and the pooch and vacation photos and junk on it. A fancy-schmancy inspiration board?
Patricia!
Rachel says
May 1, 2013 at 10:35 pmI think your laundry detergent idea is genius!!! How clever, so thanks for the tip!
When I first saw your piano front, I also thought it’d be a great headboard. How about turning it into a bench? The back may not be too comfy, but it’d look cute on a covered porch.
The big ole girl? Maybe stenciling or some easy (chevron) pattern to cover the water damage?
I am a new blogger and am in the middle of a Garage Remodel Series. I’m not judging!!!! Come over to http://www.I‘llJustPaintIt.com!
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
May 1, 2013 at 10:31 pmI think your repainted table is a real gem! You are right, she is a real hefty girl! As far as the table’s top… just sand and rough up the whole thing a little and I think it will look fine.
And your piano front is fabulous!!! How about making the panels into a chalkboard? Chalkboards are very popular right now… what a great piece. You have a real talent for turning old things into wonderful treasures!
jo says
May 1, 2013 at 9:31 pmgreat looking table! I am sure it will sell quickly. If you are going to hang the piano piece in the kitchen, I suggest mirrors on the ends and then red fabric insert or artwork in the middle to add the color you are looking for in the kitchen. You have easy access to other chalkboards in the kitchen, but the mirrors and fabric will add a great accent to that one wall. Whatever you decide to do, you will make it look great, as always!
Betsy says
May 1, 2013 at 8:12 pmWhat a shame about the table, and such a bargain too. I still think you’ll be able to sell her, but not for as much. I hate having to re-do something after I’ve spent so much time and effort. Good tip about the paint in the bottle. That piano piece is amazing and I know I’d have a hard time parting with it. A chalkboard would be perfect in the middle part. Does that still open up? The sides are begging for a little stenciling..a little Silhouette magic.
Robin M says
May 1, 2013 at 3:47 pmMy sister-in-laws mothers paino was taken apart and the back portion that is the same part u are redoing was refinished and large old pictures of her and her mother playing at a young age where placed in th square inserts. This was done by her son and given as a Christmas present. Just an idea! Good luck, can’t wait to see the finished product.
nova c. says
May 1, 2013 at 3:17 pmI would redo the top of the table; love the legs on it! great idea about putting the paint in detergent bottles. If you didn’t need to use the piano front in the kitchen, I think a leaning mirror would be neat to make with it.
Holly says
May 1, 2013 at 2:42 pmIf it were me, I’d remove the top and cut it apart for signs or something and put a new top on it and give it that really great farmhouse look with a planked top that was stained. And the piano front, love the idea of adding red to it..a mirror on the side or used to frame out other pieces and adding a shelf to the top would give you more functionality. If you need a chalk board or dry erase board that would be cool too…but I thought you had a chalk board in the kitchen already.
Jo Anne says
May 1, 2013 at 1:58 pmTable: What do you think the chances are of disguising the damage? Let me be clear, I’m not saying “deceiving” since you would note the damage and state what great functionality the table still has. I’m talking about disguising it with faux elements and lighter color in flat paint – if it could be done to still tie in with the black gloss legs (so you don’t have to redo them). Or, let someone be blessed with an inexpensive project of their own! Blessings.
barbi says
May 1, 2013 at 1:48 pmHi Gail! I LOVE what you do and enjoy following you!
I’m curious why you used the homemade chalk board paint? Does it save you from using a primer?
Also, I just finished my first piece of furniture using my new Command Max (LOVED IT!!). I wanted to try the wipe on poly that I see you using. But when I went to buy it the Lowes employee told me it would “yellow” my finish. I painted the piece white. Have you found that to be true on the lighter finishes? If so, what should I protect the finish with?
Thanks for sharing what you do! Very inspirational!
Gail Wilson says
May 1, 2013 at 1:57 pmThanks so much Barbi! how sweet of you.
The homemade chalk paint sticks so easily… no priming or sanding. easy peasy!
So happy you love your Command Max. I’ve been putting mine to work lately too.
ohhh, poly yellowing light colors? probably, because it is yellow in the can, sort of like the shellac of the old days.
I have painted light colors and protected them with polycrylic. It’s water based, pretty easy clean up, and it’s a milky white color. Gives a great coat of protection. Use a good brush so you don’t get brush strokes. You can see my project here: https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/2010/03/simple-changebig-difference.html
have fun, good luck!
Sara says
May 1, 2013 at 1:34 pmFor the piano panel, you could use it as a headboard, but you could also get some “red” buckets to hang on each panel or the two end panels for the pop of red. Put flowers in them, succulents, plants, or use them for pens, recipes, whatever. So many options
Stephanie@cre8tive says
May 1, 2013 at 1:33 pmHmmm…if you put that piece in your kitchen you need to add mirrors maybe to the side inserts. I like the idea of art there, even though you don’t like the painting you got, you could find one you do! I noticed the water marks right away..bummer. I hope it sells.
Caren with a C says
May 1, 2013 at 12:32 pmThe table looks great! On the piano panel, I would put mirrors on either side of a chalkboard in the middle. The piano ledge that held books is great for chalk and an eraser. Then put hooks across the bottom. That would be great for a hall entry. Painting it white, but with the black chalkboard might make it stand out better. If you want to do something more to the table, maybe stencil the top.
Nana says
May 1, 2013 at 12:28 pmIf the damage is limited to just the center part, with the border undamaged, I’d go with just fixing that part and leaving the border to match the legs. Mosaic tile? Modge Podge? Lighter color?
Mindi says
May 1, 2013 at 12:10 pmDang that table is so pretty, if it doesn’t sell you should add another wood layer to the top, stained paint sticks maybe? Just glue or nail them down in a pattern or reclaimed wood, just don’t get too crazy with the nail gun if you go this route, ha ha!
I also vote chalkboard paint in the middle of the piano panel, and some type of message board on the side or a calendar, then add hooks or something, super cute!
I also love the tip on the paint in an old laundry jug! Awesome!
Ruth says
May 1, 2013 at 11:48 amRed would definitely be the color for the piano panel. Chalkboard in center and outlined in red. Table looks great as is, once a table runner is put on.
debbiedoos says
May 1, 2013 at 11:03 amLooks awesome Miss Gail, and yep those are some sexy legs indeed! Black is so slimming LOL. Pinned this pup, great tips!
Pauline says
May 1, 2013 at 10:20 amI LOVE your mini furniture dollies! Very clever. The table has amazing legs. Great farmhouse vibe. Put some rustic lumber on the top and add a “SOLD” tag as it will be a goner! Thanks for sharing Gail!!
Mandy Fradsham says
May 1, 2013 at 10:04 amPiano Panel – I see chalk board paint (obviously black). In the middle on the small shelf, a recipe book opened onto a lovely recipe, sides could have an ingredient list in coloured chalk or a shopping list/memo list. Would look great hanging in a large country kitchen.
Chris says
May 1, 2013 at 9:03 amThat piano front would look great with some French graphics and hooks along the bottom.
cassie says
May 1, 2013 at 8:34 amboth are gorgeous! i see a headboard, too! 🙂 and i have had pieces with a little bubbling- there is nothing you can do, but usually they sell still- just not at the best price you would have otherwise asked.
Terri says
May 1, 2013 at 8:20 amSuch a bummer about the table! Why does there always have to be a small “hitch” in an otherwise cheap re-do. Hope it sells!
Love the idea of putting paint in old detergent bottles…sadly, I don’t use liquid much anymore since I went to front loaders.
Anne@DesignDreams says
May 1, 2013 at 8:12 amI see a headboard!!! Love flat black! Great choices and that table will sell fast.
Cheers!
Tina says
May 1, 2013 at 7:24 amPiano Front= Chalkboard in the middle (book rest is the perfect place for chalk pieces, cork message board on one side, dry erase board on the other, hooks along the bottom for dog leash, scarves, keys, etc. Tada! All-in-one center!
Debra Hinson says
May 1, 2013 at 10:01 amGreat Idea, I was thinking the same thing, but paint it red also for your kitchen..:)
barbi says
May 1, 2013 at 1:36 pmThats exactly what I was thinking. A mirror or mirror inside the outside panel. I love that the lip that use to hold music could hold chalk or markers. Oh my word, I want to find a piano front now!
Kat says
May 1, 2013 at 6:36 amPerhaps you could router out the center–water-damaged–area and place tiles, a sheet of color glass (recycle glass tiles?). I LOVE those big old library tables…but they are rather hard to place in a modern, smaller home.