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:
For 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.
Yikes, 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!
Hi - 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!
Ditto 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!
Mary 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
I'd use the piano front as an ellegant place to hang pictures on the wall in a hallway or foyer...
I 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.
Hi 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!!!
So fab! L.O.V.E. the black chalk paint!!
Hm, 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.
I'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!