Hi there, sweet friends! Today’s makeover is a painted drop leaf side table makeover that I picked up at the thrift store for $15.99.
This Ethan Allen piece started out like this:
It did have some wear on the top, but otherwise it was in pretty good condition.
Clean
I started this makeover with a good cleaning using White Lightning which is a degreaser and deglosser as well…
I mix one TBSP of White Lightning in half a gallon of warm water and use these terrycloth applicator pads to give my pieces the best paint prep possible:
I tried to capture the damage on the top, but it is hard to see here…
Once this table was cleaned, I gave it another wipe down with clean water.
Sand
Some of the imperfections needed to be sanded, so that was the next step, a good sanding on the top with 220 grit sandpaper that I wrapped around an old sanding sponge for easier handling:
The Easiest way to Paint a Drop leaf Table
When painting a drop leaf table, I always prime (if needed), paint, sand, and seal the undersides and legs first! Then, I flip it over and continue on the top.
I was working on today’s table in between working on the smalls for my last Painting the Smalls post, and I forgot to get a photo of it upside down, but here is what I mean from another table, this drop leaf kitchen table, I redid HERE:
Prime with Bonding BOSS
For this table, I planned to use Dixie Belle’s Silk Mineral Paint in Salt Water. The Silk requires some extra prep for adhesion and you have two options:
- Sand all surfaces to add some grip
OR
- Apply a coat of Bonding BOSS
Although I did sand the top already, I decided to go with option two and apply Bonding BOSS instead since sanding can cause some tannins to come through. And, since Bonding BOSS is not only for adhesion, but stain blocking also, it was a no brainier!
I mentioned that I had already primed and painted the underside and the legs and forgot to get photos, but here is the Bonding Boss in white going on the top of this table with my mini brush:
Proper dry time is the magic behind Bonding BOSS, and I always allow 24 hours before painting.
Paint
Then, I gave everything two coats of Silk in Salt Water:
Seal
Unless you want a different sheen other than eggshell, that’s it! Silk Mineral Paint has a built-in topcoat!
Painted Drop Leaf Table Makeover Reveal
It’s seems like it’s been a while since I painted a piece of furniture white, but I couldn’t see this one in any other color!
I like that it has a nice height to it.
And if you open both sides, it is quite large:
This would be an ideal table for two in a small space!
As you can see, I kept the original pull as I really like this classic style. I did touch it up with some gold Gilding Wax though.
Such a simple redo makes such a difference, don’t you think? Saltwater is my favorite white from the Silk Mineral Paint Line.
I chose not to distress this one either and the Silk Paint works great for that clean look.
See more on the differences between Chalk Mineral Paint and Silk Mineral Paint HERE.
The Drawer
Y’all know I like to get fancy with the drawers, but it would have been almost sinful to do anything with this one since it was pristine:
It just didn’t need anything done to it.
One more done! Only 42 to go!
See what’s been completed so far below:
Painting the Smalls Yard Sale Edition
Vintage Cane Chair Makeover
Dated Coastal Lamps
Home Interiors Shelf Makeover
How to Change the Bottom of a Dresser
$3 Yard Sale Wall Shelf Makeover
Plant Stand Makeover
Freebie French Chair
Oak Pedestal Table
I’ll be back here on Tuesday with this mirror:
And then I’ll be back with my Furniture Fixer Upper gals on Thursday sharing the second piece of the two I recently picked up from my Antique Mall. (This armoire was the first.)
UPDATE: This mirror never knew it could be so cute! See it HERE now!
Enjoy your weekend!!
XOXO,
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Mary Kaiser says
Ok, that is beautiful! I love that table, and I LOVE it in white!!! That would be mine, all mine if I lived in Virginia!!! It is the perfect table!! I love that you did it in white!!
Christy says
Good morning, my friend and thank you! I just couldn’t see it in any other color! XOXO
Cecilia says
That style of a drop leaf table must be very popular. I have one only smaller. I like the simple makeover on this one. It looks great!
????Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I think so…they are very versatile! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Fresh and bright, Christy. I can see it in an entry or breakfast nook, perfect for someone who likes the look of vintage without all the age-related dings ????
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie!! Exactly!! XOXO
Amanda says
Beautiful! Total new look and I love it!
Christy says
Thanks, Amanda! Such a simple change can do wonders! XOXO
Cheryl says
Christy I love this table. I love drop leafs and sometimes they can be in pretty bad shape. I’m learning from you what I can do. Also, would you mind giving us an idea of how long it actually takes from start to finish on your projects? Including wait times for drying. Thanks so much for sharing your skills with us!
Cheryl
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! It’s hard to say exactly how long each project takes from start to finish because I usually work on multiple pieces at a time, working on one while paint dries, and then swapping back. etc. But, this little table could easily be done in a couple of days, including the 24 hour wait time for the Bonding BOSS. XOXO
Linda says
The gold handle you kept really makes it pop! A nice compliment. I can also envision the white chair with natural caned seat in ‘warming things up.’ That seems to be the new trend that also seems organic. Great table!
Christy says
Thank you, Linda! I agree the natural cane would be a lovely compliment! XOXO
Lizzy says
It came out beautifully, and I love the pull.
Christy says
Thanks so much, my friend! XOXO
Kate says
Such a pretty color! Love you kept the same hardware:)
Christy says
Thank you, Kate! I’m a big fan of this style hardware, and it’s always a win when I can reuse the original! XOXO
Jewels says
Fresh, sweet and lovely.
Applause is due!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Jewels! XOXO
Mary says
Your intuition was spot on doing this classic piece in white. What a beautiful table! And I’m SO glad you were able to keep that original hardware. My aunt had that pull as did my mother on some of their pieces. The gold, perfecto! 🙂
Christy says
Aww thank you, Mary! It was such a classy piece, that all it needed was a simple redo! I do love this style of hardware and usually keep it when I can! XOXO
Cyndi says
So pretty! I love classics and this is the epitome of that. (And great reminders for painting with Silk! I love that line of paint!)
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cyndi! Very classic, indeed! And the Silk was just perfect! XOXO
Petra says
Very pretty. Love these tables but not so easy to find ☺️
Christy says
Thanks so much, Petra! I agree…I snag them when I find them! XOXO
Michele M. says
I love everything about that table, Christy! Abd Ethan Allen furniture is made sooooo well. I cannot even believe you found that for $16. WOW. And it is the best size! It would make the perfect tea table. Just fabulous.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Michele! It was a steal for sure…I grabbed that tag right away lol. And yes, it would make an excellent tea table! XOXO
Tracey A says
WOW!
Christy says
Thanks! XOXO
p says
Sometimes simple is the best. This is such a pretty traditional piece.
It would (as said) be a great tea table – or entry table.
And yes, it would look adorable with 2 simple chairs. 🙂
Great find – Ethan Allen is definitely a reliable quality piece.
Love it !
Christy says
Thank you, P! I totally agree…sometimes a simple redo is all something needs! I would love to see this in a tiny home with two chairs! XOXO
Lezaly says
Really really gorgeous transformation. You give me confidence to paint white a very fine old mahogany drop leaf with barley twist legs. It’s in much better shape than this table so I hate to paint the wood, but I know it would loolk so much less grandmotherly if I did!
Christy says
Thank you, Lezaly! Paint doesn’t have to be permanent. It’s okay to paint those treasured pieces so that you can love them even more! And if you ever decide you want to go back to wood, you absolutely can! Enjoy that gorgeous table! XOXO
Robin says
Great job, Christy. You can see that I’m waaaay behind with regards to reading & commenting.
Christy says
Thank you, Robin! That is totally okay…it gives you lots of projects to look through, and I’m always happy to hear your thoughts! XOXO