Antique Table Makeover With Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

Date
Jun, 02, 2014

TGIM! Said no one ever…except Eric Thomas. And me! I’m seriously so excited it’s Monday because even though I loved every second of The Home Girls Giveaway last week, I’ve been anxiously waiting to share some more projects with you! This little chalk paint table is one of my favorites so far!

As I was shopping around at my go-to local antique store, I found this side table for just $15 and knew it was perfect. I love doing small tables like this because I’m SUPER impatient and they usually don’t take as long to complete as a dresser or larger piece.

ANITQUE TABLE MAKEOVER

antique side table makeover with chalk paint

vintage side table before makeover

I had a small sample pot of Annie Sloan’s Old White, which I’ve never used before but was super excited because I know it’s one of her best sellers. Before I tackled this guy with paint though, I needed to address the top. There was some wood veneer that was starting to peel off which I originally thought I would just glue back down.

The longer I investigated it, the more eager I was to just rip it off. I got my putty knife and started peeling as much of it off as I could. It seemed to be going somewhat easily, minus a few bloody knuckles, but I came to a point when I just couldn’t get anymore off. After doing a few google searches I came across a great technique that worked wonders for me.

How to remove wood veneer

After you’ve gotten as much of it off as you can with a putty knife, it’s time to bring in the big guns. AKA: an iron. So here’s what you do:

STEP 1:

Dampen your table top with some water. I simply used a cup and just dumped it on.

STEP 2:

Soak a towel in water and place it over your table.

STEP 3:

Place the hot iron on sections of the veneer and let it sit there for about 30 seconds. (repeat as necessary)

STEP 4:

Use your putty knife to remove the loosened veneer.

What happens is the water on the wood and towel soaks into the veneer and loosens the glue underneath it. If you have some stubborn veneer (which I did), just keep repeating these steps until it finally loosens. It might take a couple tries, but it comes off SO easily.

Once that was taken care of, I sanded the top to smooth everything out. Apparently I was getting a bit aggressive with the knife because I had quite a few dings and scratches on my table. I actually really liked the way the stain soaked into them and added an aged look, so I left it as is.

Next, I applied 3 coats of Old White. Then I distressed it and used a custom blend of clear and dark wax I got from a friend. I love how it still deepens the white and really brings out the details, but isn’t as harsh as the dark wax can be when you use it alone.

painted antique table

I wanted to do something fun for the drawer but wasn’t quite sure what that was going to be. At first I thought about using fabric, but couldn’t find any that I really liked for this piece. Then I thought about burlap. Perfect. I found this gorgeous burlap at Hobby Lobby that had a lace overlay on it.

Super pumped I covered the drawer using a staple gun, only to find that since it was so thick, the drawer wouldn’t slide all the way in 🙁 womp womp. Maybe I should just stain it? Paint it? I REALLY liked the way the burlap looked with this table and was determined to find a way to use it.

So I simply turn it over (lace side down) and since it was pre-cut there were none of those annoying loose threads that you get when you cut burlap. I stapled it in place and voila! I’m in love, I’m in love and I don’t care who knows it!

Now can we please talk about that amazing little birdie? Hobby Lobby has upped their game folks. They have some incredible new hardware that I was drooling over for a good 30 minutes before picking out this little guy. SO cute.

bird drawer pull for side table

With some fresh lilacs and a bird for a handle, it only felt appropriate to photograph this table outside 🙂

chalk painted side table

side table makeover

closeup of bird drawer pull

Are there any places you recommend to find some good drawer pulls? Let me know! I probably need to branch out from Hobby Lobby, but I just can’t resist! Have an amazing week everyone!

brepurposed

71 Comments

  1. Reply

    Xfinite Radio

    January 12, 2022

    This is an amazing website and we really enjoyed reading it.

  2. Reply

    Sue

    July 9, 2015

    OK so I have to ask, did anyone buy this from you because I LOVE IT!!!!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      July 12, 2015

      Aw thank you! And yes, I sold it last year 🙂

  3. Reply

    Sherry

    June 28, 2014

    Great job. Great redo!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 29, 2014

      Thank you so much Sherry!

  4. Reply

    Handyman, Crafty Woman

    June 18, 2014

    Congratulations! You’ve been featured on Wicked Awesome Wednesday! I never knew you could remove veneer until today! THANK YOU for sharing! And feel free to stop by the website and grab your “I’ve Been Featured!” button.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 18, 2014

      Aw yay, thank you so much!! Made my day 🙂

  5. Reply

    mindfulshopper

    June 13, 2014

    Hello! This project is darling! I would have never thought of adding the burlap- but it is awesome! Such a great detail! Thanks for sharing. Fun finding your site.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 13, 2014

      Hi There! So glad you stopped by and thank you 🙂 Hope you stick around!

  6. Reply

    Mimi Doan

    June 11, 2014

    What did you use over the paint?? Dark wax or light wax?? If so what brand and type. Ie: dark or light wax or a finishing paste. And how did you apply it. Thank you. I love what you have done to the table. I need all the help I can get, I’ve never done this before

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 11, 2014

      Hi Mimi! Over the paint I used Annie Sloan’s wax. I used a mixture of both her clear and dark waxes (about half and half). I applied it with one of her wax brushes, wiping it off with a cloth as you go. There are many waxes out there similar to hers, which are cheaper and will have the same affect.

      Let me know if you have any other questions! <3

  7. Reply

    chiccalifornia

    June 9, 2014

    Great makeover! I love the power of paint, and elbow grease when it comes to removing that veneer. Great tutorial. Thanks for linking up to the Be. YOU. tiful link party. I am going to be featuring you as my fav this week. Come on back this week and Wow us with more! Pinning 🙂

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 9, 2014

      Thank you so much!! I always love linking up to your party 🙂 Have a great night!

  8. Reply

    eric thomas

    June 8, 2014

    Nice read. I love listening to some of Eric Thomas’s motivational work.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 9, 2014

      Thank you! He is very inspirational. My husband got me into him 🙂

  9. Reply

    Katherines Corner

    June 6, 2014

    I love it!!!!!! Thank you for sharing your sweet blog at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop. Your participation helps to make it extra special ♥

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 7, 2014

      Thank you Katherine!! Your party is fabulous, I’m so happy to share 🙂

      • Reply

        Katherines Corner

        June 8, 2014

        Thank you and thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. Watch for your feature on Monday xo

        • Reply

          brepurposed

          June 8, 2014

          Aww thanks! Can’t wait 🙂 Hope you have a great night!

  10. Reply

    Emily

    June 6, 2014

    Wow! Beautiful! Great transformation! Thanks for sharing with us at Your Designs This Time!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 6, 2014

      Thanks Emily! And thanks for a great party 🙂 Have a great night!

  11. Reply

    Marie @ The Interior Frugalista

    June 5, 2014

    Hi Bre, I adore what you did with this table – very creative! I’m featuring it this weekend at the DIY Sunday Showcase Party.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 5, 2014

      Aw yay thanks so much Marie! Can’t wait 🙂 Hope you have a great day!

  12. Reply

    Atta Girl (@AttaGirlSays)

    June 4, 2014

    You quoted Freebird! Love it. And love that little table. I have those knobs, too, and I love the touch of burlap on the drawer. Great makeover.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 5, 2014

      Haha you bet! Aren’t the knobs the best?? Thanks for the kind words. Hope you have a great day!

  13. Reply

    Kristi

    June 4, 2014

    LOVE it SO much I’ll be sharing it with my favorites from the week this Friday morning! xo

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 4, 2014

      Aw yay! Thanks so much Kristi! Hope you’re having a good day 🙂

  14. Reply

    JaneEllen

    June 4, 2014

    I am in love with your table, color, burlap on drawer and of course the star of the table, birdie. That was such a great idea putting that on there over the burlap.
    When I put burlap on something I sew edges with a zig zag stitch then that stuff that stops raveling. Can’t think of name of it darn it. Really helps to do both to avoid thread raveling on edges. I use burlap quite often so had to find way to stop that problem.
    I have couple of older end tables out in shed I bought last year to redo. Been waiting til lightning bolt hit me with ideas. Think your table has helped me immensely to decide. The tips on getting veneer off were exceptionally helpful. Thanks for sharing that. Found your post on Hit me with your best shot party. Happy days
    pinning

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 4, 2014

      Aw this just made my morning! I’m so glad you found my post both helpful and inspiring! And thank you for sharing your tips on stopping the raveling with burlap. Great idea.
      I would love to see what you end up doing with your old end tables. Be sure to share when they are finished!
      Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a great day 🙂

  15. Reply

    Debbie refresh resytle

    June 4, 2014

    Love it! The bird hardware is my favorite! Thanks for linking up to Inspiration Monday, I pinned this awesome makeover!
    Debbie

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 4, 2014

      Aw thanks so much Debbie! Thanks for hosting a great party 🙂

  16. Reply

    Maura

    June 4, 2014

    Ahhh, I love that bird! Perfect pop of color.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 4, 2014

      Thanks Maura!! I’m kinda obsessed myself 🙂

  17. Reply

    jeanne

    June 3, 2014

    This table is stunning! Great tutorial on removing the veneer!! Never knew it was that easy!! I love the added elements of burlap and the bird handle. Truly unique and gorgeous! You have such a fun site. Great makeover projects.. great style! I will keep checking it out to keep up to date! Found you today on DIY dreamer!! Have a great day!
    Jeanne
    http://www.idreamofjeannedesign.com

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 3, 2014

      Aww you are so sweet! Thank you so much for the kind words 🙂 I’m glad you stumbled upon my blog! Just spent a little time on your blog, you have some amazing projects! I’m looking forward to following along. Have a great night!

  18. Reply

    Amy @ Homey Oh My!

    June 3, 2014

    B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. Fun fact: I’m scared of birds, but I like that one, lol! And I LOVE the lilacs! I’ll be looking for some now <3.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 3, 2014

      Oh no! haha well I’m glad this one didn’t scare you away from reading my post! I wish I could have lilacs year round, they make the house smell so good 🙂

  19. Reply

    Michelle

    June 3, 2014

    Oh my, you did an AWESOME job!! I would of never thought to use the detail of the burlap 🙂 Michelle

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 3, 2014

      Thank you so much, Michelle!

  20. Reply

    Amanda {Burlap & Babies}

    June 3, 2014

    Love your table makeover! Using an iron is genius!! I never would have thought of that! I’d love for you to share this at my Motivational Monday Link Party that I just started today! Feel free to share other old or new posts that fit the theme as well!

    {http://www.burlapandbabies.com/2014/06/motivational-monday-linky-1.html}

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 3, 2014

      Thanks Amanda! I’ll definitely stop by and link up! Thanks for sharing 🙂

      • Reply

        Amanda {Burlap & Babies}

        June 4, 2014

        Thanks for linking up! Still loving your adorable little table!! 🙂

        • Reply

          brepurposed

          June 4, 2014

          Of course! Thanks for the fabulous party!

  21. Reply

    marilyn1998

    June 2, 2014

    Marilyn from Merry Monday stopping by to say thanks for joining and hope to see you next week!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 3, 2014

      Thanks Marilyn!

  22. Reply

    Jen @ Girl in the Garage

    June 2, 2014

    It’s so pretty! I love what you did with it. Old White is my favorite go-to Chalk Paint color. 🙂

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 3, 2014

      Thanks Jen!! It’s my first time using it but I know it won’t be my last! 🙂

  23. Reply

    Christina

    June 2, 2014

    I love this! The tutorial for removing veneer is greatness!! 🙂

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 3, 2014

      Thanks Christina!!

  24. Reply

    Pure Grace Farms

    June 2, 2014

    Beautiful re-purpose and lovely photos!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 2, 2014

      Thank you so much!!

  25. Reply

    Anna

    June 2, 2014

    What an adorable table. I would have never thought to add a bird as the handle. It really makes it unique. Great job!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 2, 2014

      Thanks Anna! Hobby Lobby has the best hardware 🙂

  26. Reply

    Nicole B.

    June 2, 2014

    OH MY GOSH I love that little bird!!! Super cute! Love the little bit of burlap too! Perfect addition!
    And you are SO lucky to have somewhere to buy furniture for $15!!! There are no thrift shops or antique stores that cheap near me!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 2, 2014

      Isn’t it the cutest?! I love finding unique hardware like that 🙂 I guess I should be grateful for where I live, most antique stores have reasonably priced stuff. Although I know that wasn’t the case when I lived in DC!

  27. Reply

    Kristi

    June 2, 2014

    This is SO cute!!! LOVE that little handle and the burlap overlay! And thanks for sharing how to remove stubborn veneer … I know I’ll be putting that to work for me soon!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      June 2, 2014

      Thanks Kristi!! I couldn’t resist that little bird, I love it! And I hope those tips are helpful for you, it made my life a lot easier!

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Hi, I’m Bre! Follow along as we renovate our current home and share modern DIY ideas.
 

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