The Art of Refinishing: Transforming a Study Table into an Antique Masterpiece
Welcome to Miscellany Overhaul, where we encourage you to RENEW, REFURBISH, REIMAGINE and REINVENT!
In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of refinishing a study table to give it a charming antique appearance. Whether you have an old table that needs a fresh look or you want to revamp a new piece, this project will unleash your creativity and bring vintage elegance to your study space.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials To embark on this transformation journey, you'll need a few essential materials:
- Study table: Look for a solid wood table with a simple design that can easily be transformed into an antique style.
- Cleaner: Dixie Belle Paint Co. White Lightening is a great TSP based cleaner and deglosser.
- Sandpaper: Choose varying grits, such as 80, 120, and 220, to ensure a smooth and polished finish.
- Paints: Select a good quality chalk paint like Dixie Belle CMP in a variety of colors.
- Brushes and rags: Have a selection of brushes (this project used all natural bristle brushes) for applying the paint and a soft cloth for applying highlighting wax.
- Protective gear: Wear gloves, safety goggles and use necessary precautions when required
- Top Coat and Wax: Finish off your project with a protective coat of Dixie Belle's Gator Hide and Chameleon Waxes to enhance the antique aesthetic and provide durability.
Step 2: Prepare the Study Table: Begin by removing any hardware or accessories from the table. This includes drawer handles, screws, or decorative elements that might hinder the refinishing process. Once the table is bare, use the White Lightening according to the manufacturer's instructions to remove the existing dirt and left over polishes and waxes. Ensure proper ventilation and take necessary precautions while handling chemicals. Make sure to rinse the entire piece well and allow to dry thoroughly.
Step 3: Sanding the Surface: After cleaning, it's time to smoothen the wood surface. Start with rough-grit sandpaper (around 80) to eliminate any imperfections or stains. Gradually work your way up to finer-grit sandpaper (120 and 220) to achieve a polished and even surface. Remember to sand along the wood grain for the best results. IT doesnt have to look pretty - just "feel pretty".
Step 4: Applying the Paint: Now comes the exciting part of adding an antique touch to your study table. Apply the paint in varius different colors of your choice using a brush, in any abstract matter. Begin with a light coat and add a second coat if needed.
Step 5: (Optional) Adding Texture, Décor, Decoupage or Transfer: You can add character or history to your furniture by adding Texture, Décor, Decoupage, Transfer or anything you can think of, your imagination is the limit. In my project, I used Dixie Belle Crackle to get that aged, cracked effect. The crackle goes on heavy, in varying patterns to create 'different" cracks. Once completely dry, one coat of Dixie Belle's Drop Cloth paint was put on with a natural bristle brush (and Driftwood Gray in the leg detail). Make sure to apply the paint in one "swoop" in one direction and do not over work it. If you do, the crackle will not achieve the desired effect. Once completed, I also added decoupage to the sides and writing surface to add more character to the furniture.
Step 6: Finishing Touches To protect the newly painted surface and enhance its antique charm, apply several thin coats of Dixie Belle's Gator Hide with their applicator sponge. This will not only protect your work, but it will also make it water resistant!! Once your final coat of Gator Hide is dry, look at your cracks. Match the color of the Cameleon Wax with the underlying cracks (blue and purples get Violet, yellows, reds and oranges get Apricot, greens and aquas get Cactus). The Chameleon Wax is very translucent over the Drop Cloth but gives a glowing hue that really amplifies the underlying colors in the cracks and pulls the whole finish together!
Congratulations on transforming your study table into a stunning antique masterpiece!
By following these steps and infusing your creativity, you've successfully revived a piece of furniture and add character to your study space. Remember, refinishing projects like this allow you to showcase your personal style while preserving the beauty of timeless designs. Enjoy your newly finished study table and the delightful ambiance it brings to your surroundings!
If you're looking for a broad collection of furniture paint, paint brushes, sanding pads, stain, wax, gel, cleaner, woodUbend, decoupage, stencils, transfers, antique furniture, or refinished furniture, you can always head to Miscellany Overhaul to find awesome deals at a reasonable price! You can shop online (miscellany-overhaul.myshopify.com) or at our store locations: