I am proud to be a 3M sponsored blogger, and, as part of my responsibilities, I get the opportunity to evaluate ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape. Opinions are my own and additional products used in the farmhouse table makeover were selected by me.
I’ve been wanting to update our dining area for some time now. It’s a space that has NEVER felt complete to me no matter how many times I move things around and I’m determined to get it right. So over the next few months I’ll be taking you through a process of making sublet changes that make a huge different. Ready for the step 1?
After years of contemplation, I finally gave my dining room table a complete makeover using sand paper, stain, paint and ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape! That’s all it took for this Farmhouse Table Makeover. The whole project cost roughly $85.
farmhouse table makeover – tired of your old kitchen table?
We bought this table back in 2008 with money that we received as a wedding gift. It was also one of the first big furniture purchases we made as newlyweds so it definitely holds some sentimental value. BUT, over the years it has been through a lot. A dog, two kids and two adults and one of those is a very messy crafter (can you guess who?). And if you were thinking it was my three-year-old, you are wrong. Let’s just say it was in need of a major facelift.
I am a huge fan of two tone pieces and I knew right away that’s what I wanted to do on this table. I love the rich dark wood mixed with the rustic white. It’s heavenly.
farmhouse table makeover – supplies
– ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape for Multi-Surface with Advanced Edge-Lock™ Paint Line Protector 2093 EL
– 50 grit and 220 grit sand paper
– white chalky paint
– clear soft wax
– paint brushes
– dark walnut stain
– semi-gloss polyurethane (Polycrylic is best to use as it has a hard protective finish that allows the water to bubble up)
farmhouse table makeover – sanding
So this is what the table looked like when I started. Yup, here it is in all its glory. It was definitely in need of some love.
I started by sanding down the entire table top with 50 grit sand paper. Then I went over it with 220 grit paper to create a really smooth surface. This worked really well. It look me about 3 hours to strip the tabletop and prep it for staining.
PS. Make sure you wear a respiratory mask and glasses while sanding!
farmhouse table makeover – staining
Next up, staining. I went with a Dark Walnut stain. It’s my favorite and matches everything else in my house. Typically, I only do one coat of stain on my projects because I love seeing the woodgrain, but this time I went with two coats to really richen the look.
I waited 24 hours and then applied a layer of water-based semi-gloss polyurethane to seal it.
farmhouse table makeover – painting
Because I went with a two-tone look I really wanted a crisp line to distinguish the stain and the white paint so I used ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape for Multi-Surface withAdvanced Edge-Lock™ Paint Line Protector to create that really clean line. This type of tape is perfect to use on wood projects. Its really gentle on the surface but still creates a perfect line.
I taped the top and then gave the table two coats of a light chalky paint.
To give the table a rustic farmhouse style, I gave it a chippy look by taking sand paper and roughing up the edges. And I finished off the piece with clear soft-wax on both the chalky paint and over the top of the table top. I love the finish with the wax, it is so smooth.
farmhouse table makeover – the chairs
For the chairs, I did the same technique as the table. Sand with 50 grit, then 220 grit. Stain with Dark Walnut. Seal. Tape with Tape with ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape. 2 Coats of Chalky Paint. Distress. Wax.
I seriously love how clean the lines are between the two tones. This tape rocks.
Look at that difference! I’m so glad I removed the existing finish, not just because it was so scratced but because it looked too manufactured. Now you can see the wood grain and it is full of character.
I’m so excited about this first step in the dining room makeover project. By refinishing the table and replacing the rug I can already see a transformation!
We chose to get rid of the original bench that went with the table. I loved the look but no one in my family seemed to like sitting on it, so I thought it was time to switch it out. I’d love to find metal accent chairs for either side of the table, I just can’t seem to find the right size!
While I would absolutely LOVE to put alternative flooring in the dining area, it’s just not in the cards for this house. So for now, I’ll have to use a pretty rug to help keep the carpets clean :)
About Taryn Whiteaker
Taryn Whiteaker is the voice of style behind TarynWhiteaker.com (formerly Design, Dining and Diapers) ! Taryn is a previous PR/Marketing professional who got back to her creative roots after becoming a mom and now shares her passion for home decor and design for the world to see. Taryn lives in the greater Seattle area with her husband and three kids and loves coffee, the outdoors, and exploring with her family.
I love the two tones. Makes me want to leave work and go home and do mine!
Seriously stunning job, friend! I love the stain you picked with the white – it’s perfect!
Love it!
I’ve been wanting to do the same thing with mine and am wondering what paint you used for your chalk paint? I have zero experience with the stuff! :-)
I’ve only done a few pieces with Chalk Paint, I generally use Annie Sloan but this time I went with Amy Howard Brand. I liked it, it definitely took some getting used to because the texture was different than AS. But it is a little cheaper. I used Metropolitan Gray, it is pretty much white with just a very subtle tint.
I love the two tone look! I really need to do something like this to our dining room table… maybe when the kids are back in school ;)
I love this makeover! I always love the look of white paint with dark stain. Great job!
Wow, this looks so good! I love the two tone look too. Great job!!
Love this! Where does one find the wax?! And where is that rug from – just what I’ve been looking for!
Thank you! I used Annie Sloan Clear Soft Wax, you have to go to her website to find a retailer near you. And the rug is from Target :) http://www.target.com/p/threshold-annandale-area-rug-safari/-/A-14193961#prodSlot=medium_1_32
I love the new look! Great job. You’ve inspired me!
Leslie
I absolutely love the new updated look! Awesome transformation!
It looks amazing!! Wow what a difference. I love the white and the farmhouse look you gave it. Lisa
That looks fantastic! Great tips.
Gorgeous outcome! I can barely believe that’s the same set!
I love how you transformed your dining table into a farmhouse table. You have given me encouragement to tackle my set that is stowed in the basement. Great job!
This is BEAUTIFUL! You turned that table from blah to a really eye catching piece – love it!
The top of that table is really very pretty, but you couldn’t even see it before! The new finish really brings out the details. Love!
It turned out wonderful. I love the shade of stain you used.
Such a beautiful transformation, Taryn.
Gorgeous makeover Taryn! The finished table looks AMAZING!!
Love how fresh it looks now, and that stain color is perfect!
This turned out so great! I just finished mine too and the white is just so pretty! You did a great job and I am glad you love it!
GORGEOUS!!!!! So much better than before. It fits into your decor so much better too. Love it :)
This is fabulous! Beautiful job, Taryn! Wanna come make me one?
Gorgeous makeover!
I am in love with this project!!!! I just redid my kitchen table not too long ago but now I feel like doing it over! Great job, girl!! XO
Very nice makeover, Taryn! Pinning:-)
Taryn, I’m dying because I have this exact same table and this is exactly what I want to do to it. Like, EXACTLY. You have mad skills girlfriend. It looks amazing!!!
That is too funny! Great minds think alike. Go for it, I want to see how yours turns out. It was a lot of work but worth it.
Do you know what kind of wood the table top is? We have an oak table that I am looking at working on.
Hi Celsey! I’m sorry but I do not :(
Absolutely LOVE this!!!!! Stunning!! Would love to know what brand of dark walnut stain you used?!
Thank you! I used Minwax Dark Walnut :)
Did you also sand the lower portion (legs) of the table before painting or only the top that was stained? Thanks on advance for the help.
Hey John! Because I used chalk paint on the legs, I did not sand them down, I just cleaned them. Chalk paint does not require sanding, but other paint would. Hope that helps!
Do you think doing a whole table including the top would hold up? Looking to not sand much!
Was this table real wood, or was this some kind of veneer on top? Im asking b/c I want to do the same to my table top (the legs/ chairs are already black, but I think its veneer on the top. Thanks in advance
The whole table is solid wood, it didn’t have any veneer. I have never refinished veneer but there are several tutorials online. Sorry!
I just wanted to say, thanks to you, I now have a beautiful restored table. I showed my husband this, and with in 4 days it was done. We had a lacquered pine table, so we had to do a lot of sanding, and my husband being an anal cabinet maker we sprayed the table white and also a top coat over the stain to try and protect it a bit from the kids.
Anyway thank you for sharing this! I now love my table again!
I’m about to embark on a giant dining room makeover…and this is bee-yoo-tee-ful!!! Can I ask what color is on your wall? I’ve been looking (and trying ) several…but can’t find what I want….and yours looks exactly like what I want!
Hi Ceri! Thank you! The wall color in this picture is Eddie Bauer Wicker. You can find it at Lowes :)
I love it and hoping to use the same table colors. Did you add any stain to to the chairs or are they the original color (the seat part) Did you use a brush or roller on the furniture?
Hi- the seat part and the top of the table is Minwax Dark Walnut Stain. Everything I did on the table and chairs is talked about in the post :)
Also, did you make your own chalky paint?
Hi- I used Amy Howard chalk paint in Cosmopolitan. It’s a white with very subtle gray tint.
This is funny!! I have the exact same table and did this exact same thing! Over a year ago now. We have good taste!
Beautiful! I am so in love with how the table came out. I am going to do something similar with my table. I really hope it comes out just as great. The only difference with my chairs is the faux leather, what do you think would be a good option for a cover up in this case?
You could easily recover the seat cushions! Hobby Lobby has a ton of great farmhouse style fabric choices. I would go with something light, like a duck cloth or canvas.
Did you sand the surfaces you covered with paint? Or only the parts that you stained? Getting ready to do my table and chairs and not sure if I can skip sanding parts that will be painted…
Hi! I only sanded the seats and the tabletop. If you use chalkpaint you don’t need to sand the painted parts. I do recommend giving it a good clean though.
Love this and can’t wait to try on my table and chairs that are similar! Can you tell me about how much paint you used? I’ll have to purchase it online and see that it comes in 8oz and 32oz cans.
I am obsessed with your blog! I am starting my own blog, mainly organization, but want to get into DIY as well. Basically, I want to be like you when I grow up! :) What an inspiration and creative person you are, thank you for sharing!
You are super sweet! Thank you so much for your note, it was incredibly thoughtful! Hope you have a wonderful weekend and good luck on your first DIY project!
Love, love how this turned out! Beautiful table and chairs!
This is an incredible transformation! It looks great!
Kate | The Organized Dream
Thank you!
I have this exact table and chairs! I love it but Once we installed our wood floor it made the dining room too dark. Now I have to convince my husband that painting it is a good thing ?
Can you tell me exactly what brands of stain, wax, and gloss you used? Want to do this exact thing but I need everything laid out for me cause I have no idea what Im doing! Thanks!
Hi! For the painted base I used Amy Howard Chalk Paint in Cosmopolitan, with Annie Sloan clear wax on top. On the table top, I used Minwax Dark Walnut Stain with Minwax Satin Polycrylic . Hope that helps!
Beautiful~ can you explain why you used the Clear wax? I redid some stools and used chalk paint, then sanded to rough up the edges, then put on a dark antiquing wax, then finished with clear polyurethane. Chalk paint mentions using clear wax but I don’t understand what exactly it does. Thanks!
Hi Lindsey!There are several different kinds sealing method you can use when working with Chalk Paint, it just comes down to personal preference and how you will be using the piece. When sealing a piece with Chalk Paint, you can use furniture wax or polyurethane or polycrylic. There are several different shades of wax you can use, they all do the same thing just have a different look. Clear wax just enriches the color of the paint but leaves a clear finish and the dark wax will darken the paint and give it more of an antique look. Also, you don’t need to use a polyurethane on top of that, you would generally choose one or the other. I typically use polyurethane when staining a piece of furniture, and I use polycrylic on top of painted or stained pieces that could potentially have water spilled on them because polycrylic leaves a hard protective finish. I hope that helps!
Hi Taryn,
I love your finished table. I am about to stain the top of my table and I don’t want to mess it up. I’ve read your almost all the comments and replies as well as your step by step instructions and I want to be sure I understand correctly what I’m reading.
First you stained the table top with 2 coats of stain, Second you added the Satin Polycrylic to table top, Third you finished off the table top by applying the Annie Sloan wax
Please let me know if that’s correct?
Thank you so much!
Diana
Yes! You have it exactly correct. You don’t necessarily HAVE to do the wax since you are using the polycrylic, it just adds an extra layer of protection since it will be used so much.
Was your table all wood before you started?
Yes, it was!
I wanted to do this to mine as well, but wasn’t sure about stain on a table/food surface.
Hi! Once you apply the Polycrilic it seals the wood and leaves a hard protective finish where water and food won’t effect the stain.
We have this exact table and chairs set. Your blog post gave us just the inspiration we needed as I was having a hard time visualizing the modern lines in a farmhouse style finish. Yours looks BEAUTIFUL! We are partway into the project. The table top and seat pans are now stained. (So much work! but lessons learned.) Now we need to seal. I’ve seen various opinions on polycrylic vs polyurethane on the stained wood surfaces. As well as polycrylic vs wax on the chalk painted finishes. How many coats of the poly did you do? I’ve seen suggestions of two to three coats. How has your table and chairs withstood the test of time? Is it your every day, heavy-use table with kids, meals, homework, etc? Is there anything you would have done differently knowing now what you didn’t know then? I would love to hear from you!
Hi! I highly recommend using a Polycrylic on a surface that will have water spilled on it and is a piece that will be used often. The ‘crylic’ leaves a hard protective finish that allows the water to bubble up on it and not absorb into the wood. I recommend doing a couple of coats of it. I do know some people who will wax on top of the polycrylic for an even tougher finish, I did not but you can definitely do that. You will probably need to re-wax and buff it every 6-12 months. We do not have this table anymore, we have since moved and didn’t take the table with us, so I can’t tell you exactly how it held up. Sory! I hope that helps!
Thank you, Taryn! I just finished two coats of chalky paint… end in sight!
I am about to refinish the exact same table! I love the stain you chose. I am going to go with cream for the legs as my trim is cream. Thanks for all your tips.
OH that sounds beautiful!
Did your table have a leaf? I have almost the same exact table, but with an attached leaf. Just wondering how much harder it will be to work with that?? :/
Hi! Love it! What kind of sander did you use?
I used a mouse sander but I highly recommend an orbital sander, it will be MUCH faster.
I love this step by step. I am going ti be attempting by table soon, but Im doing as much research as I can ;-) I was wondering you used. Polyurethane over the stain. What are the benefits of also using the AS wax?
Hi, I love this!!! So I pretty much have everything that I need. This is the first time I’m doing this but I’m a bit confused with one thing, did you only sand once right at the beginning?
You didn’t have to sand down after the first or second coat of dark walnut? I’m wondering how you got that neat uneven look!! ( Instead of all same dark walnut color ) please let me know!:)
Thank you so much in advance!!
Did you sand the table”s legs and sides, or did you just apply the chalk paint directly to that to get the distressed look?
I didn’t sand the legs, I did chalk paint directly on them and then gently sanded on top to get the distressed look.
100% fabulous
Did the strain turn out more brown or grey? It looks grey in the pictures, but walnut is usually brown. I love the two tone, but am looking at grey, not brown. Thank you for sharing your tips and tricks!!
Hi! The Dark Walnut is definitely brown! If you want gray you could try Classic Gray by Minwax :) If that is too gray, you can actually mix the two for a darker gray look. I have done this in the past and it works great, you just have to play with the ratio.
Thank you!