Throw Away Your Tablecloths! Stop Covering Up That Ugly Table.

Alicia W
by Alicia W
5 Materials
$75
2 Days
Easy
Do you have a table that is really unsightly but you don't want to throw it away? Using Heirloom paint and wax, you can turn that table into something that you'll never want to cover up again.
Begin by sanding the table top and legs with a medium grade sandpaper.
Remove any sanding dust with a damp cloth.
For an interesting design element, purchase decorative trim and add it to the edges of the table.
Using a miter saw, cut the decorative trim the correct lengths for all four edges.
Drill pilot holes in the trim so that it doesn't split when it's nailed to the table top.
Place a bead of wood glue along the flat back of the trim.
Beginning at one end, center the trim on the edge and nail to the table.
Repeat nailing until the trim is affixed to table top.
Using a countersink tool, tap the nails into the trim so the head is no longer above the trim.
Apply wood filler to the holes.
Remove any glue from the table edge with a damp cloth.
Remove and paint the legs. I painted mine a glossy white.
Begin painting the table and trim
I used Heirloom Traditions chalk paint in Charlotte's Red. Three coats of paint were needed to completely cover the table and match the trim and the table top.
Allow the table to dry at least 24 hours.
Apply liquid wax to seal and protect the table. I used Heirloom Traditions liquid wax in White Lime. It gave the top a unique finish and really made the trim around the edge pop.
I applied the wax with a paint brush then used a dry cloth to remove some of the wax until I achieve the finish I liked.
The end result is a beautiful table that I no longer want to cover.
Suggested materials:
  • Heirloom Traditions chalk paint in Charlotte's Red   (heirloomtraditionspaint.com)
  • Heirloom Traditions liquid wax in White Lime   (heirloomtraditionspaint.com)
  • Miter box, hammer, drill, countersink tool, paint brush
See all materials
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 5 questions
  • Mary E Rosson Woods Mary E Rosson Woods on Apr 22, 2017

    See the elastic edged tablecloth? Well, it's seen better days. And I've searched and searched for another tablecloth just like it. No luck!!

    I got a super bargain on several rolls of "apple" print contact paper ( about fifty cents a roll, new and unopened ) and am thinking of covering just my tabletop with it. My kitchen is apples, of course. In my head the table will look beautiful but I'm wondering... what should I seal it with for washing it off, etc? My dining room is kind of bland and needs some "pop"!!

    comment photo
    comment photo
  • Judy Judy on Apr 24, 2017

    Question please! How long will chalk paint last on a tabletop? I have never used it and am leary of high traffic pieces.

  • Steve And-Cynthia Kovac Steve And-Cynthia Kovac on May 11, 2017

    Can you seal with polyurethane ?

Comments
Join the conversation
3 of 19 comments
  • Eileen Eileen on Apr 24, 2017

    You ruineda beautiful table

  • Melonnie Johnson Melonnie Johnson on Apr 27, 2017

    Eileen, you are entitled to your opinion, but since it's not your table, it really doesn't matter. If Alicia likes it, it is wonderful. From the before pictures, I don't see how you could possibly think that was a beautiful table. It was definitely passed its prime. I'm sure at one time it was a beautiful table. It was really nice to see it brought back to life.

    • Alicia W Alicia W on May 01, 2017
      Thank Melonnie. Yes, it was way past it prime and instead of throwing it away, why not give it make face lift?!
Next