An antique console table gets a fresh new makeover with General Finishes Seagull Gray milk paint and dark antique wax.
Last year, I shared my top 10 sources for scoring great affordable used furniture. One of the places I mentioned was local auctions and that's exactly where I spotted this antique console table. It was sitting outside, the top veneer was warped and peeling off, but I could immediately see the potential. It had great curves and old stem cast iron wheels that I couldn't resist. I knew a little Seagull Gray milk paint and gold hardware would give this dated and damaged console table the update it needed. Lucky for me, no one else saw the potential and I was able to get it for a steal.
SUPPLIES NEEDED TO PAINT AND UPDATE AN ANTIQUE WOOD CONSOLE TABLE
Affiliate links have been used
- Annie Sloan soft clear wax
- Good quality paint brush
- Lint free rag
- 100 and 120 grit sandpaper
- Hammer
- Sharp chisel
- Screwdriver
- Paper plate
REMOVING VENEER AND PREPPING THE TABLE FOR PAINT
I've dealt with removing stubborn veneer in the past and thankfully, this was a much easier job. There were a few areas where I had to use a sharp chisel and hammer to get under and lift up the veneer, but overall, it was super easy to remove.
After the wood filler was dry, I sanded the top smooth then gave the rest of the table a good sanding. I then wiped it clean before applying two coats of General Finishes Seagull gray milk paint.
HOW TO APPLY DARK ANTIQUE WAX OVER MILK OR CHALK PAINT
STEP ONE
Apply a layer of clear wax to the entire piece using a wax brush. Having a layer of clear wax on your furniture first is important in being able to control the dark wax later.
STEP TWO
You can add a scoop of dark wax to a paper plate or simply use it out of the container like I did. Either way, dab your wax brush into the dark wax, blot off the excess then apply it to the edges and detailed areas of the furniture.
Using a lint-free rag (or triple zero steel wool), blend the dark wax into edges and groves. This allows details to pop and gives depth to your piece.
STEP FOUR
With very little wax on your brush, lightly go over the entire piece of furniture with dark wax then blend with a rag or 000 steel wool. I applied very little dark wax to my table, but you can apply as little or a much as you like.
*** TIP***If you end up applying too much dark wax you can "erase" the dark wax by going over it with clear wax.
The light gray paint and dark antique wax accents now beautifully match the curves and character of this great console table. Wouldn't it be perfect for an entryway or TV stand?
Your made-over console table looks really nice. It's a familiar design to me as I have a buffet with the same curved legs and the same two drawers across the top. My buffet has a mirror across the back of the top with some supports with the same curve as the legs and a narrow shelf at the very top. It was my grandmother's and I really treasure it. I think it would look good with the same treatment you gae the console table but I will probably never paint it because it wouldn't look like "Grandma's buffet" then.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for the next project!
Question: Couldn't you just have painted it w/o removing the veneer. I have the exact same piece! Been thinking about painting it.
ReplyDeleteYes, you can certainly paint over veneer as long as it's in good shape. Just sand and scuff it up a little before painting. I had to remove the veneer on this piece because it was warped and peeling and was not in good shape.
Delete