Library table makeover

Here’s a great library table makeover I think you’re going to LOVE. Well, if you don’t like painted furniture you may not love it. I don’t really have anything against refinishing furniture, except it has been too hot to do all that work!

I got this sweet desk or library table from my hairdresser Marlene. She was cleaning out some items and I just happened to have an appt, so I stopped by to pick up several items. You can see what I got in my post August 2016 Recent Finds.

The library table was a little wobbly, so I tipped it upside down to make any necessary adjustments to make it more steady. These wing nuts had become quite loose.

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There were two pocket hole screws that needed tightening, and while I had it upside down I took the time to clean it up with a small dust brush. I use this brush in the shop for everything.

The top was in pretty rough shape, and was sanded with an 80 grit, then a 200 grit until it was really smooth. At this point I wasn’t really sure what I was going to do with it. I was trying to decide if I would paint it all, paint some of it or refinish it totally.

The top sanded up really nice, and I had to sand that bad spot on the lower shelf, but it just wouldn’t go away. It was a little goopy, so I had to go to plan b.

I used some Citristrip and a cheap chip brush to strip whatever was on the wooden shelf. This table was used in a garage, so it could have been some solvent or stain or something like that. The Citristrip worked like a charm to remove the gook, but it didn’t take away black stain.

I recently picked up some Engine No. 9 from Heirloom Traditions.   I applied it with a chip brush. I always start painting the underneath side of a piece of furniture.

The hardware was removed from the drawer, as I decided that the interior of the drawer was so rough, that it should be painted as well.

This is after one very light coat of Engine No. 9 on everything but the top of the library table.

While I was at the store getting the Engine No. 9, I also picked up some Jet Black Soft Wax  and a couple of applicator sponges from Heirloom Traditions. Dampening the sponge slightly aids in the application of the soft wax. I am loving the look of the black wax over the red, you?

I like to apply wax to corners, nooks and crannies with a chip brush.

It doesn’t get any easier than Minwax Polyshades in Antique Walnut applied with a cheap chip brush. Isn’t it gorgeous?  I’m so happy I didn’t pain the top.

The original knobs were replaced, and I love the new look of this old table. I suppose I’ll be taking it to Glendale (KY) in October for Crossing Days.

Do you love it as much as I do?

I’d love for you to Pin it!

Later this month I’ll show you how I modified the chest of drawers I got at the same time. I love how it turned out as well—after plan “b”. Initially I wasn’t loving it. 

gail