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Pretty Handy Girl: Trashy Coffee Table Finds Her Beautiful Beachy Self

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Trashy Coffee Table Finds Her Beautiful Beachy Self

Okay readers, so the truth is out, I just can't seem to pass up discarded furniture. They look so sad and pitiful awaiting the trash trucks. They plead with me to rescue them from life in the dump. That is how I found this coffee table.


It was resting against a dumpster. The legs and skirt of the coffee table were in good shape structurally, but the top was cheap masonite (compressed and glued fibers of wood.) This type of wood will swell and absorb water like a sponge. I'm one of those unfortunate homeowners who's house is sided with hardboard (essentially the same as masonite.) Now you can see why that isn't a good thing:



Moisture causes mold to grow, and the retained moisture also causes the wood to swell, become misshaped and will eventually rot away. The first thing I did was unscrew the top and throw it away! Yuck.

 Sorry Mr. Tabletop, there was no rescuing you.

I also removed the hardware from the table skirt and saved it with the screws.


I cleaned the base of the coffee table with bleach cleaner to get rid of all the mold.


After it dried, I roughed up all the surfaces on the legs and base.


Then I primed it to seal the wood and prepare it for painting.


I painted the legs and skirt with two coats of Benjamin Moore Impervo white paint.
I always paint the undersides or the hidden side first, then I use a technique for elevating my object and keeping it from sticking to the drop cloth.


Simply tap a nail into each leg after you have painted the foot. Then turn the table over and continue to paint. Some other bloggers have found the Rockler painting pyramids, but I have yet to find any in my local stores to try them out. Hey Rockler, if you are reading this, send me some painting pyramids so I can give them a spin and see if they work better than my nail technique!

After the paint dried, I removed the nails from the bottom of the legs and hammered floor protectors in their place.
 
Now, to replace the masonite top with something with more age and character. I searched through my wood stash and found two discarded boards that I think used to be in a closet or pantry.


The boards fit well on the skirt of my coffee table, but it had a funny cut out on the edge of one of the boards. It was probably a profile cut.


It didn't look very old or interesting to me, so I drew a line diagonally along the board and cut it off with my jigsaw. That looked much better! More like a salvaged board. Then I flipped the cut board to the inside edge.



I distressed my new table top with a heavy chain, pry bar, and hammer (read more here.)

At this point, I went to my "oops" paint stash and chose this gallon of $5 baby blue color.


I know it looks like a nursery color, but I wanted something vibrant to show through after glazing and antiquing. I painted the whole table top this light blue color. Luckily I was able to skip the priming step because the boards had previously been painted.

After the boards were dry, I sanded, glazed and then applied a stain to antique it (more on these techniques here).

Then I turned the boards upside down, and used the screws I set aside to attach my boards to the table skirt.


I decided not to re-use the handle hardware that was originally on the coffee table.  Instead I wanted to give this table a beachy look. So, I added some shells to the front of the coffee table using my new favorite glue, E-6000 glue. This glue holds super strong, I even set the table down on the shell edge (forgetting they were there,) and the shell broke, but all the shells remained glued to the table. Now that is a strong bond!


My last step was to put a protective coating of polyurethane over the whole coffee table. I used an old can of oil based polyurethane that had yellowed. This added the perfect age to my coffee table.


And here is my Trashy Coffee Table turned into a Beautiful Beachy Babe!

Uneven boards = instant character

 Glazed legs and table skirt

Now isn't she beautiful?

One more look at the before and after:


Check out some other stashbusting september projects by other bloggers over at TheTshirtDiaries! And learn more about the challenge Here!

Next Up: More tips on antiquing, distressing and adding age to objects. I hope you come back soon.

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46 Comments:

At September 5, 2010 at 8:27 PM , Blogger Angie@Echoes of Laughter said...

Wow! You really did a fabulous job! Where do you plan to put it?

 
At September 5, 2010 at 8:44 PM , Blogger Deborah@Green Willow Pond said...

That turned out beautiful. I love the color and the uneven board!

 
At September 5, 2010 at 8:48 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

Love the transformation!

 
At September 5, 2010 at 9:29 PM , Anonymous Stephanie@cre8tive said...

Oh so pretty! I love the detail of the boards. Really adds to the piece, great decision on the angled cut.

 
At September 5, 2010 at 9:50 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

fantab!! I love this,was just at the beach and came home with zillions of shells, you have any fun idea to share?

 
At September 5, 2010 at 11:46 PM , Blogger Haven said...

So pretty! What a great tutorial! Great job!

 
At September 6, 2010 at 2:05 AM , Blogger All That Glitters said...

you are talented!!! Your table is beautiful!

 
At September 6, 2010 at 6:38 AM , Blogger Renée said...

Love you fabulous find! Another impressive makeover too. Thanks.

 
At September 6, 2010 at 8:14 AM , Blogger Laura's Rose Garden said...

WoW!! Brittany....you go girl!!! that is an exquisite transformation!!! I, too, cannot leave a good piece of discarded furniture at the side of the road or at the dump. After 35 years, I have accumulated some nice pieces of junk!! Keep on collecting and revamping!!
Warm hugs, Laura

 
At September 6, 2010 at 8:42 AM , Blogger CraftyBrit said...

That turned out gorgeous! Great job :)

 
At September 6, 2010 at 12:06 PM , Blogger Megan Gunyan said...

She IS beautiful! Way to save her! What a great table! Love the color and details. Thanks for sharing.

 
At September 6, 2010 at 12:21 PM , Blogger Megan Gunyan said...

I just featured this on my blog. Come grab a button!
alittleknickknack.blogspot.com

 
At September 6, 2010 at 1:04 PM , Blogger Recaptured Charm said...

Fabulous! Just fabulous! I love everything about it. I completely agree that the uneven boards add to its character. The blue is just an awesome shade. I'd love that for my family room!! Amazing job.

 
At September 6, 2010 at 2:16 PM , Blogger Carolyn said...

Fantastic! you rock!!!!

 
At September 6, 2010 at 2:56 PM , Blogger Pine Tree Home said...

Go figure about that blue paint...it looks so custom!

 
At September 6, 2010 at 3:24 PM , Blogger Shay said...

Very nice!

 
At September 6, 2010 at 9:54 PM , Blogger kathie said...

Seriously... magic! You have an eye that not many folks have ~ like you said, lots of people would have just driven right by that table at the dumpster! It is gorgeous, and I hope you are proud of it!

 
At September 7, 2010 at 12:35 AM , Blogger Shelly @Crafty Creative Studio said...

I really liked this! Thanks for posting! Awesome. :)

 
At September 7, 2010 at 8:37 AM , Blogger Amanda @ Healthy House on the Block said...

LOVE this, Brittany! It's so adorable! I love the color you chose, too -- and the shells are a fantastic idea, too! Can't wait to read your tips on antiquing and distressing. Love the new header by the way. :)

 
At September 8, 2010 at 12:01 AM , Blogger Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door said...

You did an AMAZING job on this table! I love how you created the new top. And the shells, the distressing, the color...it's all perfect!

 
At September 8, 2010 at 12:13 AM , Blogger Ashley said...

Oh I am SOO in love with this piece! I love everything about it, but most of all the colors. So pretty!

 
At September 8, 2010 at 12:48 AM , Blogger Karie said...

Love the table! You did a great job. Thanks for sharing.

 
At September 8, 2010 at 2:16 AM , Blogger Michelle L. said...

The shell embellishment - perfect touch!

 
At September 8, 2010 at 6:44 AM , Blogger Biljana said...

Wow!! It is so beautiful, great makeover, bravo:)))
I am your newest follower, come to visit my blog:)
Greetings from Europe, Biljana

 
At September 8, 2010 at 7:44 AM , Blogger A Whole Lotta Magic said...

Looks fantastic! What a great job!

S
xo

 
At September 8, 2010 at 8:59 AM , Blogger Lisa said...

It's gorgeous! I love your color choice and the antiguing technique came out fabulous! The shells are a cute little accessory.

 
At September 8, 2010 at 9:16 AM , Blogger Linda@Coastal Charm said...

WOW...what a beautiful "COASTAL" makeover...love how she looks! Thanks for coming to my NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAYS party!

Blessings,
Linda

 
At September 8, 2010 at 2:28 PM , Blogger B said...

This is gorgeous! I really love the detail you put into explaining the whole process. I'll definitely be visiting again. I'm your newest follower!
~Billie Monster www.billiemonster.com

 
At September 8, 2010 at 3:15 PM , Blogger Carriage House Antiques said...

I don't believe this,so you probably won't either..but I too just rescued a coffee table from the trash,it has nice chunky,shapely legs and that beachy look will be perfect for it as well..some teenagers carved their names in the top of the table so I may just add new "old" boards too if I can't fill and sand the graffiti out ! Thanks for the inspiration!
Natalie

 
At September 8, 2010 at 3:48 PM , Blogger Cassie {Hi Sugarplum} said...

That looks great! the shells are a perfect touch for an outdoor table!

 
At September 8, 2010 at 7:37 PM , Blogger decorating diva {aka deanna} said...

that is just adorable! love the beachy vibe! the colors are perfect too! hopped over from popp!

 
At September 9, 2010 at 2:11 AM , Blogger Pegster said...

Beautiful!!! You are very talented! I have all kinds of "junk" find and am afraid to do anything..you are inspiration! THanks!

 
At September 9, 2010 at 9:20 AM , Blogger Nora said...

I wouldn't have DARED to tackle that project because of the mold (I'm allergic), but it looks great. Really love the color combo!
♥hugs♥

 
At September 9, 2010 at 11:24 AM , Blogger TheVirginiaHouse said...

I love it!!! I too am a lover of pulling those poor souls out of the trash and giving them new life. What life you gave that one!! Thanks for linking it up to We Can Do It Cheaper. Now I'm off to see your tips on ageing and distressing!

 
At September 9, 2010 at 2:09 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

Love it! I am visiting from The Virginia House. You did a great job giving this new life! Oh, be so glad you got rid of the masonite, not only does it trap water, it is highly flammable! My father in law burned some once, and it burns really fast, and really hot! I really love your table!
http://kensingtoncottage.blogspot.com

 
At September 9, 2010 at 9:22 PM , Blogger Maureen F. said...

So pretty - love how it turned out

I became a follower- follow me please :)

 
At September 9, 2010 at 11:07 PM , Blogger Katie P said...

This turned out great! And the shells were such a nice pop of beach fun!

Katie P
Food, Wine, & Mod Podge

 
At September 10, 2010 at 1:06 AM , Blogger Okie Chic said...

Don't you just love when it was trash and now it's a treasure!!! love that

 
At September 10, 2010 at 11:00 AM , Blogger Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, that coffee table! Funny, I could have picked up a similar one this summer, but after talking to the home owner who was painting her summer (sometimes rental) home I convinced her to "save" it by painting it! I had done a few tables for my cottage porch and I love them - so beachy! I enjoyed my visit today, when you have a moment, please stop by, visit, and "Follow" my new blog if you like it! I enjoyed my visit today!

Mary

 
At September 12, 2010 at 1:01 PM , Blogger Annie Louise said...

I love it!! Great Job! I am now a follower of your blog. Thanks for sharing.
Jeanette

 
At September 12, 2010 at 1:57 PM , Blogger Holly @ Roller Coaster Life said...

This looks amazing!! Awesome job!! What people throw away boggles my mind!!

 
At September 14, 2010 at 11:32 PM , Blogger Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

This is fantastic - I can't even tell you what I love the best!

 
At September 16, 2010 at 9:06 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is AMAZING!! I wish I had enough time to do all this stuff! You blog is so inspiring!

 
At September 19, 2010 at 10:01 AM , Blogger The Midwest Cottage said...

LOVE IT!

 
At September 22, 2010 at 11:14 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

that is one lovely table. i like finding old junk and fixing it up too. but this is far nicer than anything i've ever done. impressive!

 
At January 12, 2011 at 4:35 PM , Blogger Kirsten Wood said...

Oh my gosh that is absolutely amazing! I have the same basic table my grandmother gave me years ago but has never made a transformation. Mine actually has a wood top but the rest is all the same. I love, love, love what you did with this table. What an inspiration!!!!

 

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