Comments on: French Provincial Coffee Table Makeover

By: Gail Wilson

Gail Wilson — Tue, 05 May 2026 22:20:41 +0000

In reply to Jessica Atchison. I wish you had your mom's set too. It was probably in better shape than this set. I wish I had the guts to grab the end tables when I had the chance. gail

By: Gail Wilson

Gail Wilson — Tue, 05 May 2026 22:19:41 +0000

In reply to Lizzy. Cool Lizzy! Thanks for adding your two cents. I appreciate it more than you know! gail

By: Gail Wilson

Gail Wilson — Tue, 05 May 2026 22:19:00 +0000

In reply to L. Smith.

Leslie,

Things can go sideways really quick, and then plan b doesn’t quite work either! I appreciate that I keep it real.

gail

By: Gail Wilson

Gail Wilson — Tue, 05 May 2026 22:17:39 +0000

In reply to Tina Batori.

Tina,

I appreciate you comment. I was in a time crunch to finish this piece. So, yes I should have gone to the store to get any product that would have made this easier, including but not limited to a pre-stain conditioner.
Too often, I am an impatient, want it done yesterday kind of gal. 🙂

gail

By: Gail Wilson

Gail Wilson — Tue, 05 May 2026 22:15:35 +0000

In reply to Christy James. Indeed it is a win Christy! I'm so glad this one is behind me. gail

By: Gail Wilson

Gail Wilson — Tue, 05 May 2026 22:14:56 +0000

In reply to Cyndi.

Thank you for your kind comment. I prefer to “keep it real” when I struggle with my projects. There are so many things that can go wrong with any DIY makeover. The key is to “not give up”.

gail

By: Cyndi

Cyndi — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 14:34:50 +0000

Thanks for sharing this! It encourages me to know that there are people like you, people that have worked on a LOT of pieces, that sometimes run in to problems like you had on this one. I love how this turned out and I love the other version too, the light wood. Depends on the look you want, I think. Both are beautiful!

By: Christy James

Christy James — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:41:44 +0000

Although you hit a snag, you still gave this dated piece a much more updated look in the end and that was the whole point, so I’d say it’s a win! XOXO

By: Tina Batori

Tina Batori — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:57:33 +0000

I’m certainly no expert, but I think I would have used a pre-stain conditioner on the raw wood. Would that have made it take the stain easier? I don’t know if all conditioners are oil-based or some are water-based, as I know that would make a big difference on what stain you could use. Thank you so much for being transparent and showing your boo-boos as well as your victories. It really helps us beginners in our journeys!

By: L. Smith

L. Smith — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:45:10 +0000

Thanks for keeping it real! I did love the light sanded top, but even all black, it looks better than where it started. The craft paper sanding is a tip I will remember.