• Home
  • Suggest A Craft
  • DIY Newsletter

Home and Garden

Ideas For DIY

  • About CraftGossip
  • Our Network
    • Bath & Body Crafts
    • Candle Making Ideas
    • Crochet Ideas
    • Cross Stitch
    • Edible Crafts
    • Felting Patterns
    • Glass Art
    • Home & Garden Ideas
    • Indie Crafts
    • Jewelry Making
    • Kids Crafts
    • Knitting Patterns
    • Lesson Plans
    • Needlework
    • Party Ideas
    • Polymer Clay
    • Quilting Ideas
    • Recycled Crafts
    • Scrapbooking
    • Sewing Patterns
    • Card Making
    • DIY Weddings
    • Not Craft Ideas
  • Giveaways
  • Roundups
  • Store
  • Search

Advice Needed for Redoing Table

April 28, 2011 by Amanda Formaro

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..

Related Posts:

  • Easter Centerpiece And Table Setting Ideas for Spring
  • DIY Easter Bunny Egg Centerpiece – The Perfect…
«
»

Comments

  1. Nicole J. says

    April 28, 2011 at 2:45 pm

    Knock-Off Wood’s Ana has some great info on her blog about refinishing!

  2. jade says

    April 28, 2011 at 3:29 pm

    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.

  3. Kae says

    April 28, 2011 at 4:16 pm

    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.

  4. Mary says

    April 29, 2011 at 10:20 am

    I understand that the “Antique look” is back in vogue, so the above posts are appropriate.

Have you read?

5 Must-Know Secrets to Turning Your Suburban Home into a Profitable, Sustainable Homestead

If you’re dreaming of creating a self-sufficient homestead but feel limited by your suburban setting, you’re not alone. Many homeowners believe that homesteading is only for those with acres of land, but the truth is, it’s entirely possible to transform your suburban home into a profitable and sustainable homestead. Whether you’re aiming to cut grocery bills, reduce your carbon footprint, or even earn some extra income, here are five must-know secrets that will help you turn your suburban space into a thriving, sustainable homestead!

Maximize Your Garden Space with Vertical Growing

In a suburban backyard, space can be limited, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow a bountiful garden. Vertical gardening is the key to utilizing your space more efficiently and maximizing your yield.

You can grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs vertically by using trellises, hanging planters, and vertical garden towers. Plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, and beans do especially well when grown vertically, as they can be trained to grow upwards instead of sprawling out.

Secret Tip: Consider using vertical gardening methods for food that you and your family consume regularly—like herbs, lettuces, and even strawberries—so you’ll have a fresh supply right at your fingertips. Not only does this save money, but it can also reduce your grocery bill over time.

Incorporate Small Livestock for Eggs, Meat, and Manure

Raising small livestock like chickens, rabbits, or even bees can greatly contribute to your homestead’s sustainability and profitability. Chickens, for example, provide fresh eggs and natural pest control, and they can even be kept in smaller, urban-friendly spaces.

Secret Tip: Chickens are relatively low-maintenance, and with a well-designed coop, they can thrive even in a suburban backyard. If you’re interested in expanding your livestock options, rabbits can also be a great choice. They reproduce quickly and offer meat that is lean and nutritious. Plus, their manure can be composted and used to fertilize your garden!

Profit Tip: By selling eggs, surplus poultry, or even honey from your bees, you can generate some extra income. A small side hustle like this can help pay for your homesteading supplies or even turn into a full-time business over time.

Harvest and Store Water with a Rainwater Collection System

Water is essential to every homestead, and one of the easiest ways to become more self-sufficient is by harvesting rainwater. A rainwater collection system can help reduce your water bills and ensure you always have water available for your garden, livestock, and even for household use (if treated properly).

Secret Tip: Set up rain barrels or a larger rainwater collection system with gutters to capture rainfall from your roof. The collected water can be used for irrigation, washing your car, or even cleaning outdoor spaces. Just make sure to use a proper filtration system if you plan to use it for drinking or cooking.

Profit Tip: Rainwater harvesting also reduces your dependence on the local water supply, which could be especially beneficial during dry spells or in areas with water restrictions. You’ll save money while helping conserve natural resources!

Implement Solar Power to Cut Energy Costs and Increase Sustainability

If you’re serious about sustainability, investing in solar power is a must. Solar panels are a great way to reduce your energy costs, and depending on where you live, you may even be eligible for tax credits or rebates to offset the installation cost.

Secret Tip: Start small by adding a few solar panels to power outdoor lights, a small garden pump, or a shed. If your energy needs grow, you can gradually add more panels to your home. Some homeowners even sell excess energy back to the grid, which can help offset the cost of installation and lead to potential income!

Profit Tip: In addition to cutting your electric bill, generating your own solar power means less reliance on external sources of energy, making your homestead more resilient and eco-friendly.

Monetize Your Homestead: Sell Homemade Products and Services

One of the best things about turning your suburban home into a homestead is the ability to generate extra income from the hard work you put in. Whether it’s selling homemade preserves, eggs, flowers, or even hand-crafted items, there are plenty of opportunities to profit from your homesteading efforts.

Secret Tip: Start by making small, high-demand products like jams, pickles, or soaps and selling them at local farmers’ markets or online platforms like Etsy. If you’re raising livestock, selling fresh eggs or meat can also be a great way to earn some cash.

Profit Tip: The key to monetizing your homestead is to identify products or services that you can consistently produce and that have a steady demand in your area. Your local community may be looking for fresh, local produce or sustainable, handcrafted goods—and you can meet that demand while earning a profit!

Turning your suburban home into a profitable, sustainable homestead doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. By using smart space-saving techniques, raising small livestock, harvesting rainwater, and implementing energy-saving solutions like solar power, you can reduce your reliance on external resources and create a thriving homestead right in your own backyard.

And don’t forget the potential to monetize your homestead! Whether you sell homemade products, eggs, or garden surplus, there’s money to be made in homesteading.

Start small, take it one step at a time, and before you know it, your suburban home will not only be more sustainable, but it will also be a profitable, self-sufficient homestead!

Explore

Bedrooms Christmas Craft Ideas Easter Garden and Yard Halloween Holidays Home Decor Kitchens Living Areas Makeovers and Redos More DIY's Organizing Outdoor Decor Porches, Patios and Decks Recycled Crafts Seasonal Trash to Treasure Windows and Walls Wreaths

RSS More Articles

  • Make Your Cross Stitch into an Iron On Patch
  • How to Make a Trendy Capybara Card
  • DIY Valentine Shabby Chic Bookmarks: A Creative and Heartfelt Gift Idea
  • Stitch Stars: Taylor: Over 20 unofficial embroidery patterns for stitchy superfans
  • Bee Themed Mini Scrapbook Album
  • Fun Tank Top Knitting Patterns
  • Books to Get Ready for Back to School
  • Just Feel Festive Shawl crochet pattern by QuirkyMondayCrafts
  • Cozy Up Your Holidays with This Stunning Christmas Blanket!
  • 5 Must-Know Secrets to Turning Your Suburban Home into a Profitable, Sustainable Homestead

Copyright © 2025 · CraftGossip | Start Here | Contact Us | Link to Us | Your Editors | Privacy and affiliate policy