Hello sweet friends! I’m back from vacation and ready to get back to it! We had a great week, and Jack was even able to join us for the last two days!
Today’s project is this petite Queen Anne side table from my latest haul that I picked up at the thrift store for $8 less 20%, thanks to a full punch card:
Clean
I started this project like most with a good cleaning with White Lightning:
I swapped out my water for clean water and wiped it down again to remove any residue. The applicator pads are terrycloth and are perfect for cleaning!
This table wasn’t too dirty at all, but anything that hangs around our garage for any length of time will need a good wipe down!
I failed this one, y’all
I was thinking black with a design in white on the top would be pretty, so I gave the table two coats of Caviar.
Then I broke out a couple of my silkscreen stencils and took my time adding a really pretty design to the top:
That design is from the Butterflies stencil. Unfortunately, that’s the only photo I have of this version since it was just an in-progress shot.
After I was done adding my design and the paint was dry, I sanded across the top to smooth everything out and it was looking great.
The Big Fail
Here’s where this project went awry! In my haste to get this thing sealed and done, I applied my topcoat of Satin Clear Coat, and the white smeared! OH NOOOOOO! If that had happened while sanding, I could have gone back and lightly sanded the areas that had smeared or done some touch ups, but there was really nothing I could do to fix it at that point.
I had used an acrylic craft paint for the stencil that I should have allowed a little more time to thoroughly dry. Much like Silk paint, it dries from the top down. I’m really surprised it didn’t smear when I sanded, but the Clear Coat must have reactivated it. Proper dry time is always a good idea!
It wasn’t that terrible, honestly, but you can imagine how the smeared white stood out against the black. I wish I had taken a photo, but I was already moving onto plan B!
Plan B
It was frustrating for sure, but I decided to go in a totally different direction! I honestly don’t think I was totally in love with the first version anyway.
I sanded the design on top to smooth out the surface and then gave my little table two coats of no-fail Fluff:
I love you, Fluff!
Adding a transfer
Then, I looked through my transfers and picked out this pretty one called Paris Valley:
I love it. All three pages can be matched to make one seamless design. It isn’t that large but perfect for this small table!
I always lightly sand my chalk painted surfaces with 220 grit sandpaper before applying transfers to the surface to make it as smooth as possible.
I’ve found the easiest way to apply transfers is to start burnishing (rubbing firmly with the enclosed tool) in one corner. Then, start pulling the transfer up in that corner and continue to pull as you go:
Photo Credit: The Hubby (He said to make sure I gave him credit lol.)
If any of the transfer sticks to the top, simply lay it back down and burnish some more.
I sanded lightly all over the rest of the table to distress a bit. Luckily, it worked out that I painted it black first, since that is what you’ll see coming through when I sand!
Seal
Finally, after removing any dust from sanding with my shop vac, I applied two coats of Clear Coat in Satin using the blue sponge applicator:
You can see more on how I apply sealer with a sponge in this video:
If you have trouble viewing, find it on YouTube HERE.
The After
After having to give this table two compete makeovers, I’m pleased with the end result!
From the front, it looks like simple white makeover, but when you get a little closer…
It has a lot more personality!
The black and white are neutral enough to fit just about anywhere.
Just a little distressing is enough for me!
I love the top!
And here’s a peek at the top with nothing on it…
Just when you think you have a super easy project ahead of you, you just never know!
I’m so glad I didn’t quit on this sweet table!
I wish I would have taken a photo of the first one before I sanded away the stencil, so you could decide which you liked best, but I think I prefer this version!
Either way, that’s one more project crossed off the list!
See what I’ve completed so far at the links below:
French Provincial Night Table
Repurposed Cigar Box
Antique Oak Chair Makeover
Painting the Smalls #16 (candlesticks, small box, tray)
Stenciled Mirror Makeover
Hutch Makeover
I’ll be back on Thursday with the second of the three boxes in this haul:
See ya then!
UPDATE: No need to wait! See the sweet after of this box HERE now!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
EMAIL * INSTAGRAM * FACEBOOK * PINTEREST
Janette says
I love how this turned out, its a gorgeous makeover it really is.x
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janette! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
I would love to have seen it without the decor items on top so I could see entire top. Looks nice!
Christy says
Thanks, Rose! I just added a photo with nothing on the top if you want to check it out. I took one but forgot to add it lol! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
I love it as is!! I saw a little of the first one and I can say I love this one best! Its white to the rescue and the top is beautiful. Black and white is always such a great combo! Glad you had a nice vacation!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Mary! I do prefer this one too! The other was just a bit too whimsical for me! Have a great week! XOXO
Denise Cox says
So pretty!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Denise! XOXO
Petra says
Totally love this little table. When in doubt, paint it white is what I say 🙂 The transfer is gorgeous and suits it perfectly. Well done.
Christy says
Yes!! I love that motto, and white always gets me back on track! Thanks, my friend! XOXO
Christine says
Love the white anyway!!
Christy says
Thank you, Christine! Me too! XOXO
Robin Simonds says
I wish the black paint and white stencil would have worked out. I love black and white. Or darker colors. But this turned out marvelous. Thanks again for being our inspiration.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Robin! I would paint everything white if I could, but I do try to change it up a bit here and there. The black wasn’t meant to be this time lol! XOXO
Christina says
Christy this table is so pretty! Happy accident with the stencil. Still a lot of work but the end result is so charming!
Welcome home! Glad you all had a great vacation and that Jack was able to tip in for a couple of days.
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! I love that…yes, a happy accident for sure lol! And it was so nice that Jack could join us as this would have been our first vacation without him! XOXO
Lisa says
I love fluff also. Not a pure white fan so fluff does it for me. I would have loved to have seen the entire stencil on the top without the vase. I really like how it turned out. I like Plan B.
Christy says
Thank you, Lisa! I did add a photo of the top unobstructed if you want to see it. I took one but forgot to include it lol. I’m glad Plan B worked out! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Glad to have you back. Love the table in white with the transfer. Do think it probably turned out better the second time. Glad you had a great vacation and Jack was able to join you a few days.
Christy says
Thanks, Janice! I am always glad to be back! I prefer the second redo as well, so it was meant to be! And yes, this would have been our first vacation without Jack, so I’m so glad it worked out that he was able to join us for a couple of days! XOXO
MJ says
The table is gorgeous. How many transfers did you use? Thanks.
Christy says
Thank you, MJ! This is just one transfer. It came with three sheets. It looks like on the tube it has four, but there were only three, and it was plenty to do this table with a bit to spare. XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy!.inhope you had. Great vacation!! That’s too bad about plan A nit plan B looks great! I love that transfer.
Christy says
Hi Cheryl! We sure did, thank you! And yes, thank goodness for plan B! XOXO
Peggy says
Definitely like Plan B better. Refreshing and Spring-y ! 🤍🖤🤍
Christy says
Thank you, Peggy!! I agree! XOXO
Teri Olsen says
I love it that you post your oops projects. It reminds us that we all do it once in a while. And we learn from yours and our mistakes.
Christy says
OH absolutely! Happens to us all lol! XOXO
Cecilia says
Very pretty! I think I prefer the white anyway. Black is pretty but shows dust too easily for my liking. Anyway the transfer gives it a nice look. 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! White always gets me back on track! XOXO
Lilly T says
So much prettier than the black. Are you happy for failures sometimes? Just like when we thank God for unanswered prayers! This plan was better than the one you had in mind. 🙂 Looks lovely <3
Christy says
Thank you, Lilly! Yes! Sometimes plan B is way better! XOXO
Cyndi says
I love this little table! I think I would have had a mini-meltdown when that paint smeared. 😩 Nice recovery! So cute!
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! I did say a few choice words lol, but then I busted out my sander and gave it a piece of my mind ha ha! XOXO
Cyndi says
LOL! Thata way! 😉
Mikki says
I know you think this was a fail, but I think this little table was trying to tell you it didn’t like the stencil. It’s SO pretty with the transfer! The white really is lovely. XOXO
Christy says
I think you’re right! Thanks, Mikki! XOXO
Denise says
Beautiful! I love that transfer 💕
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! XOXO
Laurie Nix says
I’m so glad you shared the “oops” part of this project! This is encouraging for all of us to carry on and make lemonade. Patience is not my virtue and I have suffered similar consequences with projects. I liked the first result with the dark caviar color but the white with the transfer is also beautiful and may sell faster. Thank you for all your inspiration!
Christy says
Oh yes…it happens often for sure, but I usually just keep going until it works out. Sometimes though, a whole new plan is needed ha ha! And I agree that this will probably sell faster! Thanks, Laurie! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
Great save! Can you take a picture of the top without anything on it so we ca see it? I love the subtle transfer on the crisp white table.
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! Oops…I took a photo of the top but forgot to add it lol. I just did if you want to check it out! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
So pretty!
Christy says
Thank you, Debra! XOXO
cheryl acampora says
The table turned out really cute! As long as we learn from our mistakes it’s a good thing. I call them “teachable moments”! I’ve had PLENTY of them!
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! Oh I do too ha ha! Live and learn! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
Thanks for adding the photo of the top!
Christy says
Sure thing! Have a great day! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
I do love Caviar, but it ended up being nice to have it underneath for distressing purposes. The transfer is so pretty, it would be a shame to put anything on the table that would cover it up! Someone is going to love having this versatile table, Christy.
Christy says
Yes, having the Caviar base coat worked out very nicely for sure! Thanks, Marcie! XOXO
Constance Colvin says
Well, Christy, that is so pretty!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Connie! XOXO
Marie B. says
It is gorgeous, Christy! I think that smear was a blessing in disguise because this version is so pretty. I just bought that transfer last week so it was fun seeing it in action. Pinned 🙂
Christy says
Thanks so much, Marie! I agree…that first look just wasn’t meant to be! This is a beautiful transfer! XOXO
Denise says
From a mid century gal. Beautiful
Christy says
Thank you, Denise! XOXO
Marietta says
Isn’t it funny. I love that Paris Valley decal and was really sad to hear they were discontinuing it. It is the best all over design ever and so easy to line up and apply without any spaces between or overlaps of. And of course your table turned out beautiful; both way actually.
Christy says
I love it too! It’s a shame it’s discontinued. Thank you, Marietta! XOXO
Janina says
From the peek at the first version I have to say like the second makeover a lot more! So classy and beautiful, like all your work!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janina! I agree…I think the table was trying to tell me something ha ha! XOXO
Janina says
Yes, I had that same thought!
Sue Duffy says
Kind of glad the first version failed – except for your hard work, of course! Love the new version. TFS
Christy says
Right?? It was trying to tell me something lol! Thanks, Sue! XOXO
Zefi Famelis says
I like it better in white!!! So plan B was a good plan!
Christy says
Yay! Thank you, Zefi!! I think the table was trying to tell me something ha ha! XOXO