Hello lovely friends! I’m so excited to be getting started on my brand new haul…The Biggest Thrifty Haul of them all! Today, I’m starting with this table to show you how to paint a kitchen table!
I scored this awesome drop leaf kitchen table for $15 at the thrift store:
Deal, right?? Especially with good furniture being hard to find these days at thrift stores. I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
I’m also sharing two more things from my new haul!
What I was most excited about when finding this sweet table was the fact that I had these chairs that I knew would go perfectly with it:
This table is the perfect size for an eat-in kitchen. Let’s get painting!
Prep
The only prep your table should need when using chalk-mineral paint is a thorough cleaning. I used White Lightning for this since it is not only a fantastic cleaner, but also a deglosser:
I mixed one TBSP with half a gallon of warm to clean the surfaces of all three pieces. This table didn’t seem that dirty, but look at that water! I switched out the dirty water for clean water and gave everything a quick rinse. You’ll want to wear gloves to protect your hands.
Paint
Then I started with paint. I gave the table a coat of Fluff:
I like to start tables that are drop leaf like this one by painting the underside and legs first. (I will paint, sand, and seal before flipping it upright and painting the top.)
For the chairs, I gave them a quick coat of Rustoleum spray primer in my spray shelter just to get a quick coat on them:
This is not a necessary step at all…just quicker than painting the whole thing by hand. Then they only needed one coat of Fluff white chalk mineral paint from Dixie Belle that I chose for this set.
If your table is older cherry or mahogany, you may have issues with bleed-through. I ended up having a couple of areas that bled-though, like on the legs in a few areas where the original finish was worn away:
And also on the underside of the table in a couple of places:
I needed to remedy that situation!
Bleed-through
I did not anticipate that this piece would be a bleeder or I would have started with a coat of BOSS in white. (It is also available in a clear formula and coming soon is a gray version!) However, it is never too late to to apply BOSS to save the day from the dreaded bleed-through!
You can spot “prime” with it in just the areas where you see the tannins coming through if you like, or in this case, I just gave the whole thing one coat:
I let it sit overnight. Allowing PROPER DRY TIME is key.
Then I applied another coat of Fluff the following day.
No more bleed-through!
Sand
Although there is no need to sand your pieces prior to painting, you will want to lightly sand all over after the final coat of paint is dry.
I sanded both the table and chairs with 220 grit sandpaper that I wrapped around an old sanding sponge to make it easier to handle:
Or, if you prefer little to no distressing, these sanding sponges work fantastically to smooth out the finish.
Sanding will give your pieces a super smooth and buttery soft finish. Be sure to wear a mask when you sand so you don’t breathe in all those dust particles.
I cleaned up the dust with my shop vac, and they were ready to be sealed.
Seal
The final step to painting your kitchen table is sealing the paint finish.
For high-traffic pieces like this, I use Gator Hide. It is Dixie Belle’s toughest topcoat, and I apply it with the blue sponge applicator:
Since this will be in a kitchen, I gave everything two coats, allowing them to dry in between coats. *Be sure to use with care for about the first three weeks while it fully cures!*
Here is a video you may find helpful on applying sealer with a sponge:
If you have trouble viewing, find it on YouTube HERE.
The reveal
Are you ready to see how the set looks now?
Much more updated!
But I thought there were only two chairs?
There were only two, but I shared this cute set previously…
And I priced each piece separately. The table sold almost right away, and that left me with two stray chairs in my booth.
You can imagine how excited I was to find the round table so that I could match all four chairs to it!
And that is the reason I chose Fluff for this set, to match the two existing chairs!
Of course, y’all know I love Fluff anyway. It almost always covers in two coats, and you may remember I painted our bedroom set in Fluff almost a year ago and it still looks as fresh as the day I finished it!
The seat cushions were recovered in the same ticking stripe as the first two:
Originally, two of these chairs already had blue and white ticking from my old old kitchen when these chairs still belonged to me. I had a blue and yellow kitchen back then and I had done the other two chairs in a yellow and blue check. My friend eventually bought them from me. Then, sometime early in the year, I believe (I’ve seriously lost all track of time!), she offered them back to me. Of course I said yes!
Ticking is so timeless and I just love the cottage feel of it!
These small blue saucers had been marked down twice to only 15¢ when I found them several years ago at a thrift store and I never use them. I love them so much though, so it was fun to pull them out.
And that’s how you paint a kitchen table!
And that is two projects done!
Many more to go!!
I’ll be back with this rocker:
See ya then!
UPDATE! No need to come back! See how this sweet rocker looks now HERE!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Mary Kaiser says
Wow, I love that set, it is so adorable. I would so buy the whole set together if I lived near you in Virginia. It would be so sweet in some ones cottage. I loved those two chairs when you redid them before, now you have 4 and the table that matches hits it out of the park!! Once again you have kept your title as QUEEN of DIY!! Their is NO ONE that does it better than you do! Thanks for sharing your talents with all of us followers!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend!! I always appreciate your encouragement! Have a fantastic day! XOXO
Christina says
Oh my stars, I adore this table and chairs! So sweet and, you are right, cottage-y! 🙂 Fluffy is perfect. SO glad you still had those two chairs. I bet the set sells very quickly in your booth!! Great job as always!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Christina! I’m so glad those chairs were still there lol…I ran by and nabbed them this weekend for the pictures lol! XOXO
Nella says
I am looking for a kitchen table and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve passed this style of table up on Facebook Marketplace. It’s always in wood but seeing how you’ve painted it white it’s exactly what I want. I didn’t think I was up to the challenge. You’ve made the directions easy and clear for me to follow. I think I’m up to the challenge! I’ll think twice next time I see that style of wood table! I hope mine will turn out half as nice as yours😉 Thank you!
Christy says
Oh no, Nella! You better grab the next one you see ha ha. It’s sometimes hard to see past the look when it is still wood, but paint can work some magic for sure! XOXO
Denise Zdziennicki says
Super updated and super cute! Can’t wait to see what you do with the rocking chair. Have a great day Christy! 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Denise!! Enjoy your day too!! XOXO
Denise says
Gorgeous and great job as always!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Denise! XOXO
Janice Holt says
The table and chairs are so pretty and fresh looking. Another great job; never disappointed. Now I have a question, my daughter-in-law rented a booth locally and is painting furniture so for Christmas I wanted to get her some Dixie Belle paints, etc (she’s hard to buy for and know she would love this). Do I order directly from you? Also, what products should I start with besides paint? Thanks for your help.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! Oh that would be a great gift! You can always find my shop in my sidebar or in the tabs across the top of my site (in the dropdown menu at the top on mobile), but you can get there directly here: https://theserialdiyer.etsy.com. You don’t really need much to get started. Besides paint, you would want a sealer. I recommend the Clear Coat in Satin as I use that the most, grab a blue sponge to apply it. I would also pick up a jar of BOSS in case she runs into bleed-through with older pieces. The white formula is great if she does a lot of lighter pieces, or the clear if she likes more colorful or dark pieces. You can see my guide for Dixie Belle products here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/dixie-belle-product-reference-guide/ That might give you some ideas of other things she might like! Reach out if you have any questions! XOXO
Denise Cox says
WOW!! But, no surprise there, is it.. 🤔😲😛😋😍?! I love it!! No surprise there, either… 😉.
Christy, please give me your shop’s address. Maybe someday I’ll get there.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Denise!! My shop is located in the Virginia Beach Antique Mall at 3900 Bonney Rd in Virginia Beach! XOXO
Maryellen Webber says
This table looks great! I really like how you can you can use Boss on the bleed through parts. One of these days I am going to paint something, I just have too many craft projects to finish! Have a great day Christy!
Christy says
Thank you, Maryellen! Yes, BOSS works so well!! When you’re ready to paint, I’ll be here! Enjoy your day too! XOXO
Jackie C says
Oh my GOODNESS!!
I simply ADORE this redo! Just beautiful 😍
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jackie!! XOXO
Priscilla says
Love this! I’ve been looking for a small table for my kitchen and this is exactly what I want. Need to make sure I save all your directions, but I always do anyway!
Christy says
Thank you, Priscilla! Good luck in your search! XOXO
Bev W says
Oh I wish we were closer! I was in a thrift shop and saw an OLD heart shaped picnic basket. If course I thought of you!! I didnt buy it as I’m trying desperately to downsize. But I sure had at least 10 ideas of what I would do with it thanks to you! ….then I put it back….
Christy says
Aww, I bet it was such a cute basket!! I wish you were closer too! XOXO
Jennie says
Hi Christy,
Very cute dining set! Coincidentally, I am currently working on a drop leaf that will be used with the sides down as a sofa table. I am going to use French Linen with a white wax on top. Question though…the paint is VERY thick. I have used DB many times but for some reason, this container is exceptionally thick. It’s okay to thin it with water right?
BTW, I love, love, love your makeovers…all of them…both smalls and large!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jennie! Great idea to use yours as a sofa table! Yes, you can definitely water down your paint a bit. Another option is to have a cup of water handy while painting, and dip your brush into the water before dipping it into the paint. Do this about every third or fourth dip and it will help the paint to glide right on. XOXO
Deanna Casto says
Love, Love, Love following your work. I’m an artist myself and my friends think I’m a magician with furniture and decor. I always say “you think I’m good, look up this chick!” And then I send them to your site. Keep it up!
Christy says
Aww you are the sweetest, Deanna, thank you so much!! It really is amazing what we can do with a little paint!! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Wow, someone is going to have a beautiful kitchen set soon! (Side note: I just watched your most recent shakedown video and I have to ask, again, what’s up with you and the underwear, Christy?!?😂)
Christy says
Yes, they are! And ha ha…I think it is because the first time we saw underwear while thrifting together, Nancy was in disbelief that they actually sold underwear lol. So, it is always a laugh to point it out! XOXO
Debby Burroughs says
What a timely feature as I’m getting ready to paint a kitchen table. The diameter is a little larger than yours without a drop leaf feature. Thinking about Haint Blue and wondering if the 16 oz size will cover and give me 2 coats? Am planning to use Gator Hide due to frequent use.
Once I know the size paint you recommend, I’ll be placing my order with you! Of course, I haven’t found chair yet but am looking. Factor that in so I have enough to finish without running out in the middle!
Christy says
Oh perfect, Debby! Yes, one 16 oz should be plenty to do the table and a couple of chairs! Haint blue is lovely! XOXO
Teresa Farrell says
I love what you did with that. Just looks so fresh and airy. A cool drink of water😀 You did it again.
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! It is just sitting by the door waiting to go to my booth now and I keep looking at it thinking about where I can put it in my house lol! XOXO
Sue Mellette says
Love, love the makeover! I am a fan of Fluff, too. It always look so fresh. Thanks, too, for the tip of painting the bottom and legs first. I will have to remember to that! What a find, to have 4 chairs to make this adorable table. Yes, blue and white, especially a ticking never go out of style! And speaking of style – I really enjoy seeing how you style your makeovers. The styling and photography are, to me, the “icing on the cake.” Thanks for sharing!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sue! I was so excited to find this table knowing that I had the perfect chairs to make it a set! And yes, ticking is so timeless. I love hearing that you enjoy the styling…thank you! It might be my favorite part! Have an amazing day! XOXO
Michele M. says
Ah, Christy. You’ve done it again. That is a fabulous “after” reveal – and informative tutorial. Thanks for that. I need to get busy checking off my many finds that just sit waiting for me to find some extra energy. I seem to have lost it the last few years.
You inspire me like no other in blogdom. ♥
Christy says
Aww your sweet words are so appreciated, Michele, thank you!! Maybe if you gather your to-do projects and make a list of them. Post it on the fridge and start crossing them off one by one. I know the crossing off part is so motivating for me! XOXO
Denise Clemons says
Very fresh! I love it!
Christy says
Thank you, Denise! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
This came out amazing, love the set. I have an old large gate leg drop leaf table that I’ve been debating painting. Now I’m really tempted lol.
Christy says
Thank you, Debra! I love a gate leg table! I bet it would look fantastic painted! XOXO
Lizzy says
It’s so fresh and pretty now, and I love the fabric you chose.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Lizzy! Ticking is so timeless…I just love it too! XOXO
Carol Karl says
Such a cute project. You always find such interesting pieces. Thanks for sharing.
Christy says
Thank you, Carol! XOXO
Patty says
Another beautiful dining set, Christy! You have so many fans who love you & your projects – I could say “ditto” to everyone. You are so patient to give us detailed instructions. I could easily furnish my home with your furniture. Folks in VA Beach are so blessed!! 🙂
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Patty!! I am truly blessed with an amazing blog family, and I am always happy to share! XOXO
Petra says
Lovely Christy 😀 I was surprised it was a “bleeder” but that Boss really comes in handy! Take care 🙂
Christy says
Thanks, Petra! I was surprised it bled too! Maybe it was cherry? Who knows, but thank goodness for Boss! Have a great week! XOXO
ROSE LEFEBVRE says
I really like the new look! Love fabric on the chairs! I might want a pale blue top or the edge of top in pale blue. Can you tell I like blue?
Christy says
Thank you, Rose! That’s how I did the other drop leaf table that I redid the first two chairs for…I love blue too! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Love it! Those chairs are perfect (love the fabric) and how cool you had those left over to go with the table. xo
Christy says
Thanks, girl! I kept hoping they didn’t sell before I had a chance to paint the table lol! XOXO
Judy says
Looks great. Can you address what you do to keep the paint from chipping in the channels of the drop leaf? Does gator hide keep it from chipping? I always hesitate to paint a drop leaf table for this reason.
Thx for sharing.
Christy says
Thank you, Judy! As long as you keep the leafs down long enough for the paint to fully cure, there shouldn’t be an issue. XOXO
Robyn Wright says
Simply beautiful
Christy says
Thank you, Robyn! XOXO
Kathy W F says
You are a magician! Everything you do looks fabulous. Question…I bought 2 painting shelters. Do you use a drop cloth inside them? I didn’t the first time I primed and it got sticky. I decided to go with a drop cloth but I can’t get it secured to the back. Duck tape maybe? Love the set. Its darling. I have a similar table and I can’t wait to paint. You’re such an inspiration to us.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Kathy! Are you referring to the small and medium shelters with the built-in bottoms? I do not use drop cloth in those, but I do usually use a lazy susan to make spray painting easier, and that catches a good amount of the paint. If I were going to put anything down, it would be drop cloth. The bottom does get pretty crusty after a while! XOXO
Ivory says
OMG, I can hardly wait for summer, so I can do this gorgeous makeover to our kitchen table and chairs. As always, your work is breathtakingly fabulous
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Ivory!! XOXO