Coffe Table Upgrade

I was given this coffee table for free. I wasn't sure what to do with it, it was in pretty rough shape as you can see. I decided to refinish the top, and paint the bottom and drawers.

This is what the top looked like...it has been well used.

I used a chemical stripping product to remove the varnish and stain. I then sanded it to bare wood. Stripping is not as difficult as it seems...just a little messy. The natural colour was too light for my taste, so I stained it red mahogany. Before I stained it, I roughed it up with a wire brush for added texture...unfortunately, this doesn't show in the photos very well.

I then painted the bottom B. Moore black velvet (to match other pieces I have)...this was a ton of work! Chalk paint would have been a better choice, but I wanted to use what I had. Four coats later, it was finally covered. Please try not to notice the deck finish (or lack of)...next spring!

I then used a clear coat polyurethane on the top...since no one in my house seems to know what a coaster is for.

This is the top while wet...I was concerned because it looked so glossy and I was using a satin finish product.

I was pleased with the final dried finish though.

This is the finished table in our cottage.

Original article and pictures take http://www.hometalk.com/9954795/coffe-table-upgrade site