So the other day someone posted a question on my Facebook fan page asking about what route to take when refinishing a dining room table. I am definitely not an expert in that arena and was trying to think who to ask, then it dawned on me! There are so many of you out there that have the furniture refinishing talent, so I thought I would bring the question to you.
So here it is below, would love to hear your feedback in the comments, thanks!
Hi Amanda. I bought a dining room table and chair that has been shabbied up. They didn’t sand the varnish before they painted it. Now it is chipping. What do you think, sand off all the paint then repaint and sand? It will be a pita to do all of that but I don’t think sanding the chips will do it. Too much varnish on the table. The table top is the biggest challenge. The chairs are ok no huge chips. Or sand it more for a really shabby look then poly the heck out of it. Ideas please! Thanks..
Knock-Off Wood’s Ana has some great info on her blog about refinishing!
I’d give it a good sanding, then water down some paint, and then dry-brush it on, using a thick house-paint brush. Make your strokes big, going with the grain, and lift the brush for randomness. And as you’re doing this, have a rag in your other hand, and wipe off randomly as well. You should end up with layered paint. If it’s still not what you want, after it’s dry, repeat, but with a much darker (or lighter) diluted paint color. Giving it layers adds to the look of age and the detail, creating an heirloom-like piece of furniture.
To do it right you will need to completely strip paint and varnish. Then paint layers, sanding before painting each layer. You can paint the furniture all one color; then shabby it up by sanding selectively in areas where wear would be expected: edges, outer curves, etc. Or….choose 3 different colors, e.g.: first layer in sage, second in rose, top layer white. Then sand. The sanding will reveal small amounts of sage and rose layers. Many combos are possible, such as, pine and lilac or sapphire and lemon with white top, cantaloupe
and lime with cream top coat. Lastly, protect with poly top coat. What ever you do, take time to do it right. You will be glad you did.
I understand that the “Antique look” is back in vogue, so the above posts are appropriate.