finished table and chairs
A family table had been stored in our barn for a few years – just waiting for a new life. The two inch oak top showed generations of wear as did the three remaining chairs. My choices were to either spend days stripping old varnish and sanding or try the ubiquitous chalk-type paint and wax technique.
table top – before
chair -before
Deb, Betsy and Carol Lee merrily painting away
Rather than jump in with both feet, I joined friends Betsy M. and Deb O. at a furniture painting class in Dysart, Iowa.
The instructor and owner of Custom Creations by Sheri made the day informative and delightful. She taught us a number of painting techniques, provided materials and instruction for rehabbing pieces we took with us, and surprised us with a delicious lunch. You may have seen some of her fabulous drapes featured in a House Beautiful magazine.
Sheri’s workshop and display room – Dysart, IA
I took a small Eastlake side table to try stain and paint combinations before tackling Grandma’s table.
I liked the finished look of my little table so used a similar process on Grandma’s table. I stripped the top and stained it a rich walnut color. The base and chairs are painted with a cream chalk-like paint, then waxed with two coats of clear wax and one coat of dark brown wax. Sister Sue kindly gave me a near-match fourth chair which is next on the to-do list.
Deb’s table in progress
For her adorable little table and chairs, Deb chose Williamsburg blue Maison Blanche paint finished with a black wax. She is refinishing the beautiful maple table top with a water based poly. Watch for future pictures of her completed projects…