STRIPPED, STAINED, STENCILED.. and SIMPLE!
I've had this end table for a while. Being the horrible blogger than I am, I do not really have a true before picture. I'll tell you this, though, it started as just solid dark wood. Then, I used it as my guinea pig for my first ever paint project. It ended HORRIBLY. I would like to think I have gotten better since then, so I decided to redo it. Here are the steps to how I got this look!
1. Strip top half.
There are a ton of strippers out there (get your mind out of the gutter, folks!), but I usually like to use a spray kind to make things easier. This Klean-Strip Stripper from Home Depot has been doing the trick for me. Just spray it on, leave it for about ten minutes, then use a scraper to scrape off the existing stain.
Remember to wear protective gloves! This stuff is STRONG and you do not want the chemicals touching your skin. Trust me, it burns!
2. Prime bottom half.
I use KILz Original primer from Lowes and Home Depot. Warning: it smells!
Since you just stripped the top half, I would recommend taping the edges of the top, then flipping it onto the top and painting from there. You don't want to get paint on that top you just stripped, or else you will have to strip it again!
2. Paint bottom half white (or color of your choice.)
I used a FLAT shade of white made by Valspar, sold at Lowes. Using flat paint will give the same sort of look as a chalk paint.
Here is a picture of the table after being stripped and painted.
3. Stencil top.
I bought this particular stencil at Hobby Lobby. They have a ton to choose from!
-First, tape the stencil to the surface of the table. It is important that it is tight!
-Then use a small paint brush and carefully color in the stencil. I used the same color that I used on the bottom half.
My husband could not understand why I wouldn't just brush over the whole thing. This is because you have to be extremely careful that the paint does not creep under it.
4. Stain the top.
-Allow the stencil enough time to dry, then slowly take it off.
-If there are any imperfections where you stenciled, fix them. You may need to sand spots where paint clogged.
- Paint the stain over the entire top, including where you stenciled.
I used Minwax Wood Stain in Walnut.
Let the stain dry, then go over it with another coat. I think I ended up doing three coats of stain.
5. Antique bottom portion.
I use Valspar Signature Antiquing Glaze from Lowes.
I ripped up an old t-shirt to do this. Dip the tshirt into the glaze, and rub it where you want it. Then, take another part of the t-shirt and rub it off. Sounds weird, but that is what gives it the faded antique look.
6. Apply finishing wax.
The final step! To protect and seal, I apply Miniwax Finishing Wax from Lowes.
And there you go! I love this table, and it has been a hit with everyone who has seen it.
I will be updating you guys soon with more pieces I have done, as well as an update on our family vacation that I just arrived home from!
