Kitchen Table Makeover

I like a round table. We didn’t have one till recently, so I never knew what we were missing until now. The round table allows you to see everyone and hear everything so much better than our old rectangle table. We eat every meal at our new table, and we don’t have regular seats like we used to. We are constantly moving around and sitting down in different seats next to different members of our family. I love it.

I recently realized I have not shared this beauty with you. We did this kitchen table makeover right before we moved. We knew a circle table would be ideal in our new floor plan. This table was given to us from Matt’s parents. It used to be Matt’s great aunt’s, before his parents got it. There is history in it. I can’t imagine all the conversations, laughs, worries, and memories this table has seen. I do know at one point it was used to stage a Chow named Taz while he was given a hair cut. We saw the deep scratches in the wood top from his protest of his make shift salon appointment.  I wish I had a better before picture, but the best I could find is of Matt starting the transformation by sanding this baby down.

He sanded and sanded until all that varnish/lacquer was removed. It looked brand new. He filled in all the wood knots with wood filler to make them flush with the wood grain. It was beautiful!

After Matt did all the hard muscle work, I started painting. I decided to give the table a fun punch of color, so I painted the bottom the same teal I did to my recycled dresser. Once the bottom was painted, we lightly sanded the base to give it a more vintage look. I then stained the base and top with a dark ebony color.

It was beautiful. I don’t know if there is a piece of furniture I am more proud of than this one. There were so many different steps that required us to be patient and give it time. This piece stretched out for almost two weeks, and that is unheard of for me. I like things to be done quickly and get checked off that to do list. This next step was the hardest for me.

I did four layers of sealing and buffing this table with Helmsman Spar Urethane. I was advised that it being a kitchen table with food, moisture, and different temps this was the finish to use. I couldn’t be more pleased! We have been eating on this table for over three months for every meal. We do crafts and school on it as well. It has held up and looks as good as the day we completed it. I’m not being paid to say that. It really is a good product that I love!

After each coat of Helmsman, I buffed with  a really fine grit sandpaper.

I hated this step. I wanted to skip it. BUT, my professional wood worker brother convinced me to do. I knew I wanted this piece to last, so I resisted the urge to rush through and did what he said. I lightly sanded, wiped away the dust, and repainted the finish four times (making sure it completely dried between coats).

It was worth that extra dose of patience. I love how the table turned out! I thought we would end up eating in our dinning room at our old table, but we all choose this one.

Once the table was finished, I liked the idea of little metal chairs to go with it. I liked the mix of fun color, beautiful stain, with a timeless metal chair. I found these at Ikea in the outdoor furniture section. They are small, so we are able to get six around the table. I like having an extra seat for company, and hopefully foster kids soon. I promise I will have an update soon on our progress to becoming foster parents!

Have you ever painted an heirloom piece? What do you think of round tables? Are you a fan too? I hope you are having a good week! Thanks so much for stopping in!