Hello, gorgeous friends! I am always so happy you stopped by! Today, I’m sharing a flip top game table makeover. This is the third table I’ve come across like this, and they are such cool pieces!
Here is how this one started:
The very first one I redid came from a yard sale in the neighborhood across from mine. You can see that one HERE. It’s a beauty!
And would you believe this one came from the same lady?
Yep! She had it priced at $25, I offered $20, and she accepted.
I knew this to be called a game table, but I just recently learned that it is also known as a Flip Top Table. That’s because the top turns, and flips open to create a larger table, perfect for game night:
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
This one wasn’t quite as pretty as the first one I purchased from her or the second one I redid HERE, and it had some areas where the stain was coming off on the top:
To fix that, I could either sand it all the way down or fill it with Dixie Mud.
Sand
I wanted a stained top for this piece, so I opted to sand it down. I did that using my Ryobi rotary sander, starting with 100 grit sandpaper first:
I then followed up with 220 grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.
Oops!!
I had planned to stain the top of this piece but not realizing the top was not solid wood, I sanded too far on this corner:
Who knew the top would be veneer?? Paint, it is!
Clean
Giving this piece a good cleaning was next, and I did that with White Lightning, mixing one TBSP into a half gallon of warm water:
Sand first or Clean first?
If I plan to use Dixie Mud to fill holes, I always do all the cleaning first. This may sound counterproductive, but the mud is water soluble while it’s curing and sometimes, these pieces are so filthy that I just want to get all the crud off of them. However, if I don’t have any filling to do, I will often do the sanding first.
Paint
I did still plan to stain the inside of this table, and that got sanded down also, but I was sure to be much more careful this time! I then taped it off in prep to paint the rest:
I painted the rest in Dixie Belle’s Cotton:
When sanding the top, I noticed it was a lighter wood and thought it might be immune to the dreaded bleed through, but I was wrong:
Bummer!! That only happened on the top where I sanded. The solution was a coat of Bonding BOSS and 24 hours for it to do its thing! (The good thing about Bonding BOSS is you can always add it even after you’ve already painted.)
I came back the next day and applied another coat of Cotton, and it was good to go:
But guess what? I ended up choosing another color for the top lol! Had I planned better for today, I would have chosen green ha ha! However, I really envisioned a grayish stained look for the top and decided to go with gray paint instead:
This is half Hurricane Gray and half Fluff, both by Dixie Belle. I found that written on the jar at the back of my paint cabinet, but I have no idea what I originally mixed it for lol! I usually use more of the white to get a lighter version, but I liked this with the bright white base.
Once the final coat of paint went on the top, I carefully flipped open the top to remove the tape I had added to protect the sanded surface inside from paint.
Sand
I sanded all over using 220 grit sandpaper to smooth and distress some. The legs of this table had quite a few bumps and bruises, so distressing is a great way to camouflage that.
Seal
I chose to seal with Clear Best Dang Wax this time. I sealed the whole table this way, applying it with my Best Dang Brush:
I then removed the excess and buffed the surface using a clean, soft cloth:
Why did I choose to seal with Wax instead of Clear Coat this time?
While I use wax to seal smaller pieces all the time, I don’t often use wax to seal larger pieces like furniture because it is just more work than using the Clear Coat.
In this case, I knew I would have to flip open the newly painted and sealed top to take care of the inside and that top would need to rest against the base. Even though I laid a soft blanket under it, I figured the wax would be more forgiving in this instance than the Clear Coat. Normally, I would have had more time to let the top dry and it wouldn’t have been an issue, but having to wait that unexpected 24 hours for the Bonding BOSS to work its magic set me back a bit.
Next, I moved on to the inside.
Staining the inside with VooDoo Gel Stain
A newly sanded surface is very dry and will soak up your stain. I always like to hydrate first with a wood conditioner:
Just apply it with a clean cloth and you can stain right away.
I then used a terrycloth applicator pad to apply Voodoo Gel Stain in long, smooth strokes going from edge to edge:
I debated between the Up in Smoke or White Magic, but ultimately went with the White Magic Voodoo Gel Stain:
I let that dry for about an hour and then applied one more coat:
It ended up with a slightly gray tint, which was perfect!
Voodoo Gel stain is water based, so the clean up is super easy and there are no odors at all.
I sealed that with the wax as well, but I think I’ll end up going back after it has fully dried (now that I have time for it sit and cure a bit) with the Satin Clear Coat or even Gator Hide for a bit better protection.
Flip Top Game Table Makeover Reveal
Here is the big reveal of this $20 yard sale find:
It’s so clean and fresh looking now, right?
This one wasn’t particularly pretty in its before state at all, so I think paint really did it a favor.
A closer look at the painted top…
The legs on this one were the best part…
Remember this cutie?
It lives in my office and makes it into photos every so often. You can see how it started out HERE back in 2017.
It holds special things like birthday cards, things my kids have written or drawn for me, and trip mementos.
Let’s see this table folded out!
You just turn the top like so:
And flip open the top:
Now you have a larger surface for whatever!
Here’s how the top looks stained:
The last game table I redid (you can see that one HERE) was painted on the inside, and I had issues with it sticking. I think the stain is a better option here.
These tables would be fantastic if you lived in a tiny space. Just open it up and add a chair or two:
And that is another makeover complete!
Join me every Tuesday and Thursday for a thrifty makeover!
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And the best part…crossing another project off the list!!
Only 16 pieces to go and six of them will be a smalls post…I will need to start shopping again before you know it!
I won’t have a new project for you on Thursday because I am doing a massive reset of my workspace in the garage…I guess it’s a workshop version of spring cleaning? I don’t know if I’ll get it all done by Thursday, but would y’all be interested in seeing my workspace before and after? Let me know in the comments!
I’ll still have something for you though…I’m replaying one of my favorite makeovers, this chest that was given to me:
UPDATE: See how beautiful it turned out HERE now!
XOXO,
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Kimberly Yost says
Hi Christy,
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Your flip top table looks fantastic! I’m always amazed at the work you do. You are an inspiration to me to try new projects of my own. I would love to see the before and after of your workshop! Hope to see you on Thursday!
Take care!
Christy says
Happy St Patty’s Day, Kim! Thank you! I appreciate that so much! Ok I will share my space when it’s done woohoo! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
TOP OF THE MORINING TO YA LASS! Oh, so fresh and beautiful now! I would let you paint me if you could make me look so fresh and beautiful again! LOL! Happy St Patrick’s Day to you! Today is the day 19 years ago on St. Patrick’s day that I met my husband, I truly consider this our anniversary even though we were married on July 12th 2008! I would love to see your workshop before and after!
Christy says
Ha ha top of the morning to you as well!! You are so funny…me too…if paint could make me look young forever, I would paint myself lol. Thank you, my dear friend, and I love that you and your hubby met on St. Patrick’s Day. That’s easy to remember! Heading out to start on my workspace… it might not be exciting, but I will share ha ha! XOXO
Janice Redden says
Christy, cool table and your makeover upped it’s appearance 100%!
Absolutely, show us your work space……
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janice! Ok will do!! XOXO
Cynthia Becker says
I would love to see your workspace area. I am not organized well and I would like ideas!
Christy says
Ok, I sure will. It might not be that exciting of a post, but I like to see others’ work areas as well! XOXO
josee says
Great stuff. I wish you well with your garage reorganization!
Christy says
Thank you, Josee! I was super motivated to dive in but woke up to a temperature drop today. I’m gonna bundle up and get to it ha ha! XOXO
Cheryl Ware says
Love the subtle contrast of the stained top with the white! Before & after of your garage work area would be a fun “field trip!”
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! Okay, I’ll be sure to share when it’s done! XOXO
Cecilia says
Those tables are so cool! And definitely would work in a small space. Love the stained top on this one and the legs are such a great and unique shape. Did the one you redid sell? I need to go back and refresh my memory on the cute suitcase. I love that one. Yes, please share your workspace! I think most of us will find it interesting! Happy St. Patrick’s Day ☘️
😊☘️
Cecilia
Christy says
They really are so cool! The one I redid has not sold yet, but I do have it tucked in the back left corner of my booth. I worked for hours in the garage yesterday and only got through two cabinets lol…I need to step it up! XOXO
Jackie C says
you always find the best stuff to make over! This table is so versatile, it could be used in so many areas. I was wondering if voodoo gel stain would work on a mistreated (not by me) butcher block countertop. Unfortunately I can’t afford to replace it and it was never cared for properly. Wonder how the gel stain would hold up in a high traffic area? Luck of the Irish to you friend 🍀
Christy says
This really was a fantastic find! Here is what I found for the Voodoo: “VooDoo Gel Stain is not intended for surfaces that directly contact food, particularly cutting boards.” But could you sand your counters down and reseal? Hope you had some luck come your way yesterday! XOXO
Laura J. says
Love the game table – the colors are perfect! I am always impressed with your staging, Christy. You have an eye for beauty! Would love to see the before & after pics of your workspace! 🍀
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Laura! I really appreciate that! It felt like I worked all day out there yesterday and only made it through two cabinets lol, but I’ll share when I’m done! XOXO
Lauren says
Love that you gave this little table such a pretty, new look. I’d appreciate you sharing your reorganization as I’m trying to create a better space in my own.
Christy says
Thank you, Lauren! Ok, I sure will! XOXO
Annabelle says
Love that table!
Yes, I would love to see your workspace.
Christy says
Thank you, Annabelle! It’s slow going so far out there lol, but I’ll share when I’m done! XOXO
Cyndi says
Wow! What a difference. It’s so fresh and pretty now. I love the gray and white. And great how-to tips from you, as usual.
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! Night and day for sure! XOXO
Vicki says
Happy St. Pat’s Day!! I love the transformation of this little table. All of your projects turn out so classy looking!! I definitely look forward to seeing the before and after of your workspace. Hopefully I’ll be inspired to clean up mine 🙂
Christy says
I hope you enjoyed your St. Patty’s Day, Vicki, and thank you so much! Paint and stain definitely perked this one right up! I worked for several hours out there yesterday and didn’t seem to get very far, but I did get rid of two trash bags full, so…progress! XOXO
Lizzy says
It’s so pretty, and functional to boot!
Christy says
Thank you, Lizzy! XOXO
Cathy says
Love the game table!! Yes please show us the before and after of your work space!
Christy says
Thank you, Cathy! Ok, I sure will! XOXO
Petra says
So much better painted ☺️ and those legs are beautiful and stand out more painted.
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! Unlike the other two game tables I’ve done, this one did feel a bit dated, but paint and stained perked it right up, especially the legs! XOXO
Caye says
Amazing, as always, Sweet Friend!
I really enjoyed the trip thru your booths!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Caye!! I’m so glad you enjoyed visiting my booth! XOXO
Michele M. says
Oh I just love that table and love that stain. It looks SO good.
Christy says
Thank you, Michele!! XOXO
Jewels L says
Such a sweet and fresh color combo. You have inspired me to find and fix one of these lovlies!
Ooohhh… yes please for the before and after spring clean project!
Christy says
Thank you, Jewels! Good luck in your search! And yes, I sure will. I worked for several hours out there yesterday and only made it through two large cabinets, but I managed to purge two bags of trash, so yay! XOXO
Geri Davis says
Love the table now!!
Yes to before and after on anything!
Have a great day!
Christy says
Thank you, Geri! Ha ha I’m on day two and it looks like it might take a few more days, but hopefully, I’ll have it to share on Tuesday! XOXO
Debra says
What a sweet little table. Love what you did with it. I had no idea you can go over wax with a clear coat? I always thought wax had to be the last product put on a piece? Would love confirmation as this would be good to know. Those stains work so well. Love them.
Christy says
Thank you, Debra! Yes, you sure can as long as you’re using a water-based wax like Dixie Belle. If it has a strong smell, it is oil-based. I love these stains too…they are so easy to use! XOXO
Debra says
Thank you!