Do you remember those two rose back chairs I did last month? I found a small pedestal drop leaf table to go with them from the same booth. However, the table cost twice as much as the chairs.
The table wasn't perfect, and it was way over my limit. But I was looking for something small, and this fit the bill.
This is our Thrift Store Day, be sure to check out all the projects below.
How to Prep Thrift Store Furniture for Painting
There were a few scratches I noticed upon closer inspection. So, before I could clean it, I sanded it smooth to the touch. Then I used my deglosser on this table as a prep.
But I also use Krud Kutter for really hard core cleaning. See How To Prep Furniture For Painting.
Visit the My Repurposed Life Amazon Store to shop my favorite items.
Degloss Furniture for Painting
To degloss furniture, simply brush on the deglosser with a chip brush, and then use a scrubby to clean it. Wipe dry with a cloth.
As I was cleaning the table, I noticed a couple of screws missing. Someone must have tried to add a larger one because it split the underneath side of the drop leaf.
How to Paint a Drop Leaf Table
There really is an order to the way you should paint a drop leaf table top. First, you want to make sure you don't lay the paint on too thick in the "fold" of the table.
To begin, I put the table top upside down on my work table. I used a small brush to paint the edge of the table.
Work in Sections
Next, I carefully painted the fold with a light coat of Weathervane. (See more Weathervane projects here) I placed a scrap board under the edge to help raise the table top off the work surface.
While that part of the top dried, I started on the pedestal. I chose to use this mall brush on my first (very light) coat of paint.
Allow Each Coat to Dry Thoroughly
Resist the urge to paint with a heavy hand on the first coat. Many light coats of paint will really give you a more durable coverage. This is after one coat.
Now, it was back to the table top to finish the first coat. The leaves are folded over to the back for this step.
Now that the leaves and folds are dry, it's time for the middle of the table to be painted. I rested the drop leaf table top on the same tote I used above for the deglossing. A foam trim roller makes this job really easy.
Not shown: I went back and forth from the pedestal drop leaf table top, to the base until I got 2 Ā½ coats of paint on everything. The last Ā½ coat is more of a touch-up coat of anyplace I missed.
I brought the pedestal drop leaf table into the house and reassembled it for it's final coat of paint. Again, I painted it with the leaves down. I didn't want a build up of paint in the folds.
Pedestal Drop Leaf Table
This small pedestal drop leaf table is perfect for an eat-in kitchen, or a single person.
Do you prefer it with both leaves up? I think I like it like this with one down, up against the wall. The Bless the Food sign still hangs in my kitchen all these years later. I have a large wall, and really like the large distressed sign.
Why not pin it now while you're thinking about it?
Fun Fall Thrift Store Projects
- Broken Vintage Stool Makeover
- Easiest Thrift Store Wreath Makeover for Fall
- Pedestal Drop Leaf Table Makeover (you are here)
- Hello Fall Sign on a Casserole Dish Holder as a DIY Loom
- DIY Multi-Colored Mercury Glass
- Customize Your Pumpkins
- Wooden Stool Makeover With Oven Cleaner
- Personalized Beverage Tub
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Sue at Blu
Gail this is the perfect table for those chairs! Great eye. And great tips on painting the fold. Perfect set for a little nook.
Gail Wilson
Thank you Suzanne! I was lucky to find the perfect table!
gail
Naomi Shelton
Gail, the table combined with the chairs make a stunning set! It's exactly the kind of small table with chairs I've been looking for to use in my small dining space. I'm inspired to hunt for something similar.
I would love to sign up to receive your posts but for some reason my computer (which is ancient, I might add) will not send my information. Is there a way that you could sign me up with the information here?
Gail Wilson
Thank you so much Naomi!
I have subscribed you, let me know if you don't get anything confirming it. I hope you enjoy receiving weekly updates. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link at the bottom of any email.
good luck finding just what you're looking for!
gail
girlfromwva
that looks SO good! awesome!
Gail Wilson
Thank you Nova!!!
gail
Nadine Gurto
Looks like they belong together! I like it with one side down and against the wall.
Gail Wilson
I agree with you Nadine. It looks best like that!
thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment
gail
Sheryl Danner
This table is perfection. I love that you are using Heirloom Traditions All-in-One Paint! Iāve been using it for about three years on many of the furniture pieces I sell in my antique booths. Best paint ever!
Gail Wilson
Sheryl,
Thanks so much! I love HTP paint (and Paula) It's made locally, so I enjoy supporting she and her biz. What's your favorite color for projects you sell? Do you find that people buy colorful furniture? Or do you stick to the neutrals?
gail
Sarah @ Sadie Seasongoods
I love that you completed the set- looks fabulous!
Gail Wilson
Thank you Sarah! Can't wait to get it out of my house into the booth!!!
gail
Cindy
Gail, I am loving this color! It's gorgeous on the table. Thanks for the tips for painting a drop-leaf table! Pinned š
Gail Wilson
Cindy,
Thanks for pinning! I guess some people just jump right in and start painting, but I generally think it out first. š
gail
Carlene @ Organized Clutter
Beautiful makeover Gail! Pinned!
Gail Wilson
Thanks friend! I appreciate it!
gail
Kristin salazar
Gail, this turned out super cute! I had a table identical to that from my grandparents, I think I painted it white if was not easy to let go of. Love the sign too!
Gail Wilson
Thank you Kristin! This table wasn't very old, so I was worried about bringing it together with the vintage chairs. But I guess it will work for someone's small area. I just don't think I'll ever tire of that sign over my table. š
gail
Janette
Absolutely gorgeous make-over, I love to see something so neglected come back to life.x
Gail Wilson
Thanks Janette! The poor little table was abused for sure.....
gail