I found this table at an auction. I didn’t care for the blonde color of the wood, but I loved the features of the legs and the size of it in particular. I knew that with a little ‘Up-Do’ it could look fabulous once more!
I was seeing beautiful pieces done using APC’s Amber Waves of Grain so I knew that color was going to be chosen for this table. But before I applied any paint, I knew that the varnish needed to be dealt with. I chose to do a light sanding using my palm sander and 120 grit (medium) to remove the varnish and provide a secure footing for the paint.
Once I had sanded it was on to painting!
Tip: For ease of painting, I always place small tables on a taller work surface to give easier access while painting. I usually start with the table upside down and paint the legs and underside first, so when you flip it over to finish painting, you can complete the paint job right side up and leave it to dry.
My “go to” brush is an angled tip brush, which is approximately 1” x 1”, but with the tip cut off to make it angled. I have found this style of brush gets paint into areas that are hard to cover with a flat end brush.
I applied one heavy coat of the base color—Amber Waves of Grain using the textured style technique.
I hadn’t used the color Rushmore much, but had been reading that the color was getting RAVE reviews on how versatile it is with other colors. It is a light creamy taupe, although when placed with darker colors behind, it almost takes on a light colored sandy look.
I wanted the yellow to come through, but not overpower the piece and thought that Rushmore might help bring it out due to the contrast, but also to tone it down.
I distressed back the high points of the legs and table side. The curves and round edges provided lots of opportunity to find interest, gain depth and bring out definition.
TIP: I look for pieces that can get me all 3 of those—depth, definition and interest.
If you look for pieces that give that combo, painting is so much FUN!
I also added a stencil on the top of the table and painted it using Smoke Signal. After that area dried I waxed the entire table using Clear Wax and Pewter Mica.
The end result is a table that has at least 6 different levels of depth, definition and interest.
Going from a blonde oak side table to a table with lots of DEPTH, DEFINITION and INTEREST is a process that is easily achieved by using American Paint Company products. I have found that once people see that a décor piece can be re-loved and up-scaled by using these products they unleash the creative “beast” within. They also tell me that they can’t look at a piece of furniture any longer without seeing how it was finished and notice all of the natural attributes of the piece have been utilized.
Post courtesy of Karen
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