Hello beautiful friends, and happy April Fool’s Day! Do people say that? I’m pretty sure they don’t ha ha.
I’m back today with another piece that I’ve had for so long that it moved with us back in 2017. How ridiculous is that?
This is one of the very few pieces I’ve purchased from Facebook. I believe I found it on a local yard sale page and it was $15:
This petite table was a porch pickup, and I didn’t see in the ad for it that it had a chunk of veneer missing from the top:
I ended up reluctantly taking it anyway. It could be a bench also, but the underside has “coffee” scrawled across it, so I’m assuming this is a very petite coffee table.
That tiny piece of missing veneer is what has stopped me from making this piece over all these years. If it were in the center, I would have filled it with Dixie Mud and called it a day, but because it was on the edge, I decided to remove the veneer altogether.
How NOT to remove veneer:
This is how NOT to remove veneer! Seriously, not the most fun way to spend an afternoon, and it will never yield a smooth, gouge-free surface.
In my defense though, I was tricked. The first row peeled right up. And I figured this was such a small surface that I would just keep going, even when the going got tough.
Do NOT do this. Use the method my friend, Larissa of Prodigal Pieces, swears by that uses wet towels. You can see how it works HERE, and it works SO well!
After finally getting all the veneer removed, I gave it a good sanding with my rotary sander:
Then after a good cleaning, I gave it two coats of Fluff:
It’s probably hard to tell in photos, but I added quite a bit of “character” with my expert veneer removal:
It is hard to see, but you can see it in person.
Transfer to the Rescue!
I had planned to try out one of Dixie Belle’s brand new transfers on this piece. I chose one that would cover more surface that would be perfect for camouflaging the imperfections.
This is the Lace Transfer:
Isn’t it perty?? It has four sheets total that can be matched up to make one larger 32″ x 22″ design, or you can split the pieces up to use on several smaller projects.
How to Apply a Transfer
Be sure your paint is good and dry. I have applied transfers after just a couple hours and they have done great.
- First, line the transfer up where you want it:
- Then, fold one edge under about 2-3 inches, and press lightly to hold it in place:
- Unroll the rest of the transfer, slowly removing the protective backing, while using your hand to smooth the transfer across the surface:
(Imagine my hand smoothing it into place lol.)
- Trim any edges that may need trimmed with a razor blade/exacto knife:
- Use the burnishing tool provided with the transfer to apply pressure evenly across the surface of the transfer:
- Peel up one edge and begin to remove the clear top layer. If any of the design sticks to the front, lay it back down and burnish with your tool a bit more.
- Each sheet is numbered, so you can lay them in order. This will allow the edges to match up to create one larger design.
I continued adding sheets two and three and finished up with sheet four, matching up the design:
Adding wax
The original table had what appeared to be a glazed look on the legs. I decided to go with a similar treatment for the redo using Grunge Gray Wax. I applied it with our one of our newest additions to the brush family, the La Petite:
(See all our brushes HERE.)
The tip on the La Petite is tapered which is fantastic for pushing the wax into all the details!
The previous glaze left the surface somewhat textured which I couldn’t see until I painted. Instead of trying to sand it smooth, adding wax was a great way to work with those imperfections.
I used a clean soft cloth to buff away the excess:
I believe the instructions say to wait 15 minutes before buffing, but I don’t do that. I apply it in small sections and start buffing almost right away.
When using darker waxes, it’s a good idea to apply clear wax first as the chalk paint will really absorb the color. With the Grunge Gray wax, I chose not to apply the Clear wax first as the color is not as deep.
The after
Here is how this little cutie looks after it finally got its makeover:
The wax highlights all the details, much like a glaze.
And how about that pretty top? I added wax right across the transfer also:
Waxes are a great way to subdue bold colors also.
What imperfections?
Ha ha! Shhh…that will be our little secret!
See what other transfers I have in stock in my shop HERE!
You know I’m thrilled to cross this one off!!
Only FOUR pieces left!!! I need to go shopping!
Missed any so far? See them here:
$6 Thrift Store Mirror Makeover with Decoupage Paper
$5 Thrift Store Chair Makeover
$5 Child’s Coastal Chair Makeover
$8 Thrift Store Box Makeover & How to Apply Decoupage Tissue Paper
How to Properly Paint a Mirror
Painted Thrift Store Lamps & How to Cover a Lampshade
$20 Thrift Store Desk Makeover
$5 Thrift Store Chair Makeover & How to Use Silk All-in-One Mineral Paint
Unfinished Wood Cabinet Makeover
Painting the Smalls, Holiday Edition (Five of these pieces are in this post!)
Repurposed Headboard and Footboard
Vintage Secretary Desk Makeover
$3 Thrift Store Headboard Repurposed
Drop Leaf Table and Chairs Makeover
I’ll be back on Tuesday with this tray:
UPDATE: No need to wait! See how sweet this tray looks now HERE!
Have an amazing, blessed Easter weekend, dear friends!!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Mary Kaiser says
Wow that one was a lot of work for you, but so worth the beautiful finish. I love the new transfers, I put some in my cart, budget won’t allow it this week, maybe . They are so beautiful, thanks for showing us one. You have a very Happy Easter! P.S. I say happy April Fools Day, and I usually prank someone on April Fools Day, I have had so much fun with that over the years! Do not have any pranks this year set up because of COVID!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! They have some really pretty transfers! I’m going to do another giveaway soon to celebrate finishing this haul, so look out for that. And I bet you’ve had fun with the pranks lol…happy Easter! XOXO
Denise Cox says
Ooh, la, la!! Love the lace transfer!! In fact, I’m lovin’ all of these pretty types of transfers you have been showing us. Thanks…
Christy says
Thank you, Denise! They just add so much to a project! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
Lovely. You made it work instead of giving up when things got difficult.
Christy says
Thank you, Rose! Glad I was able to make it work! XOXO
Petra says
Oh I love this 😀 I love little tables. And I love that “fluff” that you paint. Have a lovely Easter xo
Christy says
Thank you so much, Petra! Happy Easter! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! I love this table. I thought the lace transfer was going to be white but I love the gray hue. Job well done. This one is going to sell fast.
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! Oh yes, lace would imply white I guess! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Dee Kelly says
Hi Christy,
I just can’t believe how beautiful that table turned out! You have such a magic touch to every piece you refinish. I look forward to your blog every week.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Dee!! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Great job on this table; never seen one like this but it’s so pretty now. The transfer looks so good. Can’t believe you only have 4 more items left in your haul. You go girl. Have a great Easter week-end.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! I know…my huge haul is finally nearly complete! This makes me so happy since I threw lots of things in there that I had been holding onto for way too long! Enjoy your Easter weekend too! XOXO
Christina says
Super cute Christy! The transfer was a brilliant, beautiful addition. 🙂
I learned the hard way about clear wax first. A couple of the pieces I did need some haalp! lol
You too have a great and Blessed Easter weekend!!
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! Oh yes…the chalk paint really soaks up those darker waxes. Enjoy your Easter too! XOXO
Kathy W F says
This is so pretty. The wax really highlights the details. This won’t last long in your booth. I know I’d scoop it up in a minute. I’ll bet it feels good to cross off one more thing. It IS time for you to have another shopping adventure. Have a great weekend.
Christy says
Thank you, Kathy! It sure does feel good to cross another one off, especially one that I’ve been holding onto for as long as this one! Enjoy your weekend too! XOXO
Betty Bilnoski says
Lovely! Especially the Lace!
Christy says
Thank you, Betty! XOXO
LORRI says
Christy..a job well done!! I love that transfer you chose. I dont know know why you waited so long..chuckle chuckle!!
Enjoy your Easter Weekend 🐣🐰🐣
Christy says
Thank you, Lorri! Ha ha! Happy Easter weekend to you too! XOXO
Joanne D. says
Another successful transformation! You have yet revived another piece to a more beautiful “second life”. Lucky is the person who gets to live with it!
Happy Easter! Happy Spring!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Joanne! Happy Easter weekend to you too! XOXO
Mikki Gilmore says
I LOVE this table! I’m shopping in your store right now and have a question about the La Petite brush you used on the table. Do you see a big difference between this one and the French Tip? French Tip looks a bit smaller, but it also looks like it would perform the same task as the La Petite.
Christy says
Thank you, Mikki! I was also able to use the La Petite on the top, which would not have worked with the French Tip since it is much smaller, and I believe that is the one you went with! You did well! XOXO
Christy says
I just checked, and you went with the French Tip…it is great for all the details! 🙂
Mikki says
Well, the good news is I already have an item to add to my next cart! LOL XOXOX
Christy says
Oh ha ha! Yes! 😀
Deanna says
Oh! I love how this table turned out! I love the transfer pattern and the colors you combined. A lot of work, but huge payoff for your efforts.
Christy says
Thank you, Deanna!! XOXO
Lori says
Oh my goodness! I have this exact table but it is solid walnut but I love what you did and I am going to copy you. I love what you did. Thanks.
Christy says
Thank you, Lori! Have fun with yours!! XOXO
Ruth Anne Buterbaugh says
Love how your petite table turned out! Think I’ll have to try transfers on some of my plain pieces. You certainly do nice work! TFS!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Ruth Anne! The transfers just add so much! XOXO
Denise Zdziennicki says
Super pretty… I love this lace transfer! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you, Denise!! I am so excited that DB finally did transfers. Can’t wait to see what others they come up with in the future! Have a blessed Easter weekend, my friend! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
Turned out so subtle and pretty! Just one thing: are you sure you moved in 2017, cause I swear it seems like it’s only been a year or two!! LOL Time goes so fast nowadays….
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! And yes…can you believe it ha ha?? We moved in August of 2017!! XOXO
Kathy M says
Oh my goodness Christy, this table is just darling! I love this color of wax versus the very dark waxes and it goes so well with the beautiful transfer! I always learn so much from your makeovers!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Kathy! I love this wax too, and it worked out so nicely with this transfer indeed! XOXO
Char says
Love that little table! It always makes me happy to see your blog in my ‘In’ box.
Christy says
Oh I love that, Char!! Thank you!! XOXO
Robin says
So cute. Did you have a difficult time trimming around all the scalloped edges (even with the x-acto knife)? Did the transfer cover the outside ‘rise’ of the scalloped edge or did it stop flush with the edge?
Christy says
Thanks, Robin! It was really easy to cut, but this was also a fairly new razor blade. And I cut it flush with the top. XOXO
Ashley says
Christy, absolutely adore this petite coffee table. 💕
Christy says
Thank you so much, Ashley! XOXO
Deborah Mealus says
It never ceases to amaze me how you are able to take such an ugly (sorry) little duckling and turn it into such a beautiful swan! I love this table now. It’s super sweet and you did an outstanding job!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Deborah! I’m so glad you like it now! XOXO
Michele M. says
WOW!!!
What an amazing transformation, Christy!! That is one beautiful table now!
I absolutely love it! Well done, ma’am!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Michele!! XOXO
Sue says
Another win! I love the results of your hard work! What a treasure now! The transfer and the wax really highlight the table’s curves! “Something old is new again.” As always thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend!
Christy says
Thank you, Sue! I am so pleased to finally have tackled this one! Enjoy your weekend too! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
The scallops on this little jewell caught my eye! You did a great job recovering from the nasty veneer. I just about trashed a metal planter I’m working on but you give me hope! I painted it with Cotton and did a graphic transfer with Decopauge gel. Dang it! I used an ink jet copy instead of laser😱. Then the paint started peeling off! I think the best thing is to shove it to the bottom of the pile for another day! Have a fabulous Easter!
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! Honestly, this blog is what makes me persevere to get things done because I have to have something to share lol. Many things would end up at the bottom of the pile, I’m sure. I hope you are able to get your planter back on track! A blessed Easter to you m my friend! XOXO
Tracey Baxter says
Hi Christy, you certainly have insight, in that you can see the potential and turn a neglected piece into a delicate, lacy thing of beauty, well done. 🐣🐣🐣 Happy Easter from Tracey 🇦🇺
Christy says
Thanks so much, Tracey!! I am certainly glad this one is done lol! Happy Easter!! XOXO
Kaycee says
Hi Christy, you are certainly gettin’ her done, only 4 projects left, phew! What a job this table was, but look at her now, just gorgeous. Have a happy and blessed Easter.
Christy says
Thank you, Kaycee! I am so thrilled to see the light at the end of this haul ha ha! A blessed Easter to you too! XOXO
Becky says
What a beautiful little table! You did a fantastic job on this one!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Becky! XOXO
Mandy says
What a beautiful transformation! I know all too well about the veneer removing fiascos. I learned the wet towel/iron trick years ago which has been a life (and time) saver. Your piece definitely was worth the labor.
Christy says
Thank you, Mandy! Yes, the wet towel method is so much better! XOXO