A month ago, I accidentally bought an antique dining table and 4 chair set. I say accidentally because I made someone on a Facebook garage sale site a really low offer, never thinking they would accept it, and they did!
Whoops. I broke the news in a car ride to the store with my husband . . . “Um, honey, I know I just got a dining room table out of our garage, but I kinda accidentally bought another one today, and I’m going to need you to go pick it up, pretty pretty please?” He chuckled, and as always, gladly offered his help. What a great man.
Also, I think he remembers how early on in our marriage he accidentally bought a laptop off Ebay . . . so my low budget dining room table seems like chump change compared to that. Even though it was a somewhat unintentional purchase, I am glad it came my way.
It had some great potential, and after having such a great time working on the French Provincial dining table, I was anxious to try another one. It was sturdy, although very dingy and covered with a super glossy shellac.
The seat covers were some kind of thick paper, almost like wallpaper . . . strange.
I decided to go the same route as my last table, so I set about to sanding down the top. With my new orbital sander, this was a much quicker process, although it still took me several days of working on it on and off.
I really don’t like sanding, it’s much too dusty for my liking. But I’m always glad I did when I get to this point. Look at that beautiful wood!
This is just the pre-stain conditioner, and it’s stunning . . . by the way, do you all know to always use a pre-stain conditioner? It makes the final stain come out much more even, rather than splotchy. I use a Minwax product that is quite inexpensive.
After staining the top with a Mixwax Dark Walnut, I decided to go with a light grey for the base and chairs. I had some ASCP French Linen on hand, and lightened it up with a little Pure White. It hit a very light sanding on the high points, and some actual fabric for the seats.
Instead of spotty shellac, the top is now buttery smooth and a great contrast to the light grey.
I highlighted the flower detail on the chair backs with some white. They have some great texture now.
Updated, modern, yet still petite and a little whimsical. I’m happy with it.
Next up is this great Basset sideboard I found recently at an estate sale. I was lacking in inspiration for a bit, but I think I know now what direction I’m taking with it now.
It’s gonna be great, stay tuned . . .
Linking up to :
Domestically Speaking Power of Paint
Miss Mustard Seed Furniture Feature Friday
I just bought the exact same Bassett sideboard! I can’t wait to see what you do with yours.
What a gorgeous dining set… love that gray and the fabric! I’m featuring it in this week’s PoPP. Spotlight.
Thank you so much Maryann! I consider being picked as a feature quite an honor.
Admiring the time and energy you put into your blog and in depth information you offer.
It’s awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that
isn’t the same unwanted rehashed material. Excellent read!
I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to
my Google account.