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Beneath My Heart

Side Table Makeover with Chalk Finish Paint

DIY projects

11 Feb

Today I am going to show you how I made over a $20 side table with DIY chalk finish paint!

Since last fall, I haven’t had any side tables to place beside our couch or loveseat.  That drives me crazy because I like to have a lamp and a place to sit my drink while I am sitting on the couch.

Honestly, I just haven’t had the extra money to buy a new side table, so I have been looking for something inexpensive to re-do and use.

I was so excited when I found this little side table at a local antique mall for $19.99.  I liked the shape, and it was well made with solid wood, so I decided to buy it.

Here it is sitting by our couch just a few days ago with the glass lamp full of Christmas ornaments in it that I kept forgetting to take out.

side table makeover with chalk finish paint

I instantly knew that this would be a great piece to paint with chalk finish paint.

side table makeover with chalk finish paint

To make my chalk finish paint, I used my favorite white latex paint and Plaster of Paris.side table makeover with chalk finish paint

I stirred together 1 cup of paint, 1/3 cup of Plaster of Paris, and 1/3 cup of water in a plastic measuring cup from Lowe’s.

 

side table makeover with chalk finish paint

Then I was ready to paint.  You can see what the top of the table looked like here…

side table makeover with chalk finish paint

I love that I didn’t even have to sand the table before I painted it.

That small amount of paint was enough to do three coats on this table.

I forgot to take a picture of the final coat, but you can see the first two coats below.

side table makeover with chalk finish paint

For the drawer, I removed the old hardware to make room for some new ones.

side table makeover with chalk finish paint

Then I filled the holes with wood filler and let it dry.

side table makeover with chalk finish paint

After the wood filler was dry, I sanded it down until it was smooth.

side table makeover with chalk finish paint

After painting the drawer with three coats, I lightly sanded it with some fine grit sandpaper.

side table makeover with chalk finish paint

I sanded all the edges of the table as well.  You could skip this step if you do not like the “worn” look.  Smile

side table makeover with chalk finish paint

To make my white side table not look quite so “white,” I decided to add some glaze to it.

I decided to make my own glaze.  I mixed together about 1/2 cup of Valspar’s translucent glaze and 2 tablespoons of “Liberty Bell” {ar721}  paint from Lowe’s. {I only purchased the sample size.}

diy glaze

Now for this next step, I had to channel my inner Mr. Miyagi.

source

When applying the glaze, you wipe it on with a clean rag, and wipe it off with a another clean rag.

Wipe it on.

side table makeover with chalk finish paint

Wipe it off.

side table makeover with chalk finish paint

Wipe it on.

Wipe it off.

Repeat until you have covered the whole table with the glaze.

Lastly, I applied the Wipe-On Poly from my well-used and well-loved can.

side table makeover with chalk finish paint

I applied two coats of wipe on poly, lightly sanding between each coat.

Then let it dry and STYLE! Smile

side table makeover with chalk finish paint

I bought two new handles from Hobby Lobby for 50% off.  They are wrapped in jute string, and I just used Gorilla Glue to attach them to the drawer.  {They didn’t come with screws, so I will add those later.}

side table makeover with chalk finish paint

Aren’t they cute?!!

I used a basket that I already had to place in the middle of the table.  Eventually, I will probably get a different basket that is a lighter color and maybe not quite as tall.

side table makeover with chalk finish paint

But for now, this basket is fine.  I am loving how the table turned out!  And did I mention I only paid $20 for it?!

 

It looks perfect next to my slipcovered couch from Ballard Designs.

side table makeover with chalk finish paint

I wasn’t sure I would like making my own chalk finish paint, but I loved it.  It is thicker than regular paint, but it dries very quickly, and I love that I didn’t have to sand the table before I applied it.  I really like the “look” of the chalk finish paint, and I love that I can make it any color I want!  The skies the limit!  Smile

side table makeover with chalk finish paint

Have you ever made your own Chalk Finish Paint? 

 

Did you like it?

 

I created this project as part of the Lowe’s Creative Ideas Team.

If you have a smartphone or tablet,  be sure to download the Lowe’s Creative Ideas App to see some unique seasonal project ideas!  {Psst..they featured my craft closet makeover in their January Issue!  Download the app to see it!}Winter LCI Badge Banner-392x240

And be sure to follow Lowe’s on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

 

*Disclosure:  I am a member of the Lowe’s Creative Ideas Team, and I received a gift card to purchase supplies for this project.  However, the project idea and opinions were 100% mine.

63 Comments

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Comments

  1. Tonya @ Love of Family & Home says

    February 11, 2014 at 10:44 pm

    What a beautiful makeover!! I love how this turned out Traci!! And you’ve styled it beautifully! :)

    Reply
  2. martina says

    February 11, 2014 at 10:48 pm

    LOVE IT!!! Great makeover!

    Reply
  3. Lisa D says

    February 11, 2014 at 11:06 pm

    Love it Traci!! I like the contrast with the basket color too. Great job. Thx for sharing!

    Reply
  4. Cheryl says

    February 11, 2014 at 11:26 pm

    Wow! You have certainly made a charming table out of your little Plain Jane (and inexpensive) find!

    And I love that you made your own chalk paint…who knew?! My mind is not spinning with all the possibilities…

    Reply
  5. Gina says

    February 12, 2014 at 6:19 am

    Looks great! I’ve made my own chalk paint too. Mine was not as smooth going on as ASCP but so much less expensive and I only needed a little bit in a custom color. Love the jute wrapped hardware!

    Reply
  6. Cheryl @ The Creative Me and My McG says

    February 12, 2014 at 7:04 am

    The table looks great! I have never tried chalk paint of any kind – because I just can’t justify the cost. This would be a great alternative!

    Reply
  7. Lauren says

    February 12, 2014 at 7:19 am

    Looks beautiful! I have made chalk paint, very similar to yours, only I used powdered grout. It chips more easily than ASCP, but it’s definitely worth it, especially for furniture or other items that won’t get much wear and tear (I wouldn’t use it on a dining table, for example). Those flowers are a nice touch of spring on this icy day in Georgia :)

    Reply
  8. Beth Moore says

    February 12, 2014 at 7:46 am

    This rocks Traci – I love it! And the “recipe” for making chalk paint, when the budget doesn’t allow for purchasing extra paints right now. Hmmmm…. There has to be something around here I can paint!

    Reply
  9. Stacey says

    February 12, 2014 at 9:51 am

    That looks amazing! The table really looks like something you bought at PB and paid a fortune for.

    Reply
  10. Lauren S says

    February 12, 2014 at 10:42 am

    I love the new look of the table! How adorable! I love the twine that is around the door pulls as well. I haven’t worked with chalk paint yet but I CANNOT wait to try it out!

    Reply
  11. Sandy A says

    February 12, 2014 at 10:54 am

    What a darling side table–love the handles!It is amazing what a couple coats of paint can do. I have not tried chalk paint yet–but I have a piece waiting to be made pretty so I am going to use your recipe…

    Reply
  12. Laura says

    February 12, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    Okay, I am sold! I have had a coffee table I got at GW for $10 for a YEAR now — and have gone back and forth about how to paint it. I wanted to try Chalk Paint, but cannot justify the cost of ASCP (at least not for me) — your post about your side table just made my decision on what to do! Now…you know what I will be doing this weekend (and we are due for temps of high 70’s, so it will be a good weekend to do it!) :)

    Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:36 am

      Do it, Do it, Do it! :)

      Reply
  13. Valerie says

    February 12, 2014 at 2:37 pm

    Your Table turned out cute!

    Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:35 am

      Thank you, Valerie!

      Reply
  14. Carla says

    February 12, 2014 at 2:47 pm

    I love it! It’s beautiful.

    Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:34 am

      Thank you, Carla!

      Reply
  15. Shari says

    February 12, 2014 at 2:54 pm

    That is quite an amazing transformation on the end table. Really cute! However… To make sure I didn’t miss the info, I have read this post 4 times now and I’m dying to know where the ADORABLE beach bicycle pillow came from. Pleeeeease share! :)

    Also, which Ballard Design sofa do you have? Have you been pleased with it and do the slipcovers wash well?

    Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:33 am

      Hi Shari!
      I bought the pillow at Garden Ridge.
      My couch from Ballard Design is called the Baldwin Sofa.
      I got the Suzanne Kasler slipcovers and they wash very well. They recommend dry cleaning, but I washed mine in the washing machine. I got my new couch in October, and I just recently needed to wash a few of the cushions. Not bad with 5 boys in the house! :)

      Reply
  16. Lisa E says

    February 12, 2014 at 3:31 pm

    Looks really nice, great job. Will you please share from where that lamp is from?

    Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:29 am

      Yep! I got the lamp at Hobby Lobby. They were half off when I bought them, which made it $34.99.

      Reply
  17. Kim R says

    February 12, 2014 at 4:26 pm

    That table is beautiful! And you styled it so well! I am like you – gotta have a table beside my seat for my iced tea.
    I saw homemade chalk paint on Pinterest but had not read of anyone using it. It sounds like something I could do. Do you have any idea how it would work on raw wood? I have an Ikea Rast chest that I need to paint.

    Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:28 am

      Thank you, Kim. I’m not sure how it would do on raw wood. I think it should be fine, but I have never tried it so I can’t tell you for sure.

      Reply
  18. Bridget says

    February 12, 2014 at 4:35 pm

    Great job. Love the idea of handle instead of knobs. Make the piece look much better.

    Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:27 am

      Thank you, Bridget! I about died when I saw them at Hobby Lobby! And they were only $2.50 a piece on sale. You can’t beat that. :)

      Reply
  19. Peggy says

    February 12, 2014 at 4:56 pm

    Love it! I thought you were going to have a black chalkboard finish on the top – the kind you write on – so this was a surprise. Love the pillow on the couch – where did you get it?

    Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:26 am

      Thank you, Peggy. I got that pillow at Garden Ridge.

      Reply
  20. Cynthia says

    February 12, 2014 at 5:14 pm

    Love it! It looks fresh!
    I’m so behind with the painting technique. What’s the deal with Paris mixed in paint? And wipe on poly? Holy cow! What else am I missing?

    And I want your vintage bicycle pillow! Where did you get it?

    Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:26 am

      Ha! I discovered wipe-on poly about two years ago and I fell in love with it. :)

      Reply
  21. Tammy says

    February 12, 2014 at 5:15 pm

    It looks beautiful and a great idea for using left over paint. I used all kinds of paints and techniques for repurposing furniture for my home. Like you, I love to breath life into an old piece of furniture at bargain finds. I also love using ASCP. I don’t think it’s expensive when you can get several pieces of furniture refinished out of one little quart of paint. It’s so easy to work with too. Like I said, I experiment with many different paints.

    Please keep these great projects coming. I love to read your blog and see all of the beautiful projects.

    Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:25 am

      I agree, Tammy! This diy paint is a great use of leftover paint!

      Reply
  22. Sylvia marie says

    February 12, 2014 at 5:32 pm

    I just paintd our hutch with chalk paint, I truly like the look, I certainly think your sidetable is adrable and just perfect where it resides. Sending oodles of hugs for you today.

    Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:24 am

      Thank you, Sylvia!

      Reply
  23. Angela says

    February 12, 2014 at 6:48 pm

    I love having a recipe for DIY chalk paint! Thanks for sharing it. Your table turned out great.

    Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:23 am

      You are welcome! :)

      Reply
  24. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    February 12, 2014 at 7:04 pm

    You rocked this one, Traci! Trash to treasure, my dear!
    xo Heidi
    PS — loving the tulips… must get some. :)

    Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:23 am

      Thanks, Heidi! I’m really loving it1 :)

      Reply
  25. Jane says

    February 12, 2014 at 7:52 pm

    Looks terrific. I am saving this recipe for DIY chalk paint – absolutely must try!!!

    Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:20 am

      Thanks, Jane! It was my first try with making my own chalk finish paint, but I loved it.

      Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:35 am

      Thank you, Jane!

      Reply
  26. Debbie Dunbar says

    February 12, 2014 at 7:55 pm

    Love that table! Great job!

    Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:19 am

      Thank you, Debbie!

      Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:35 am

      Thank you so much, Debbie!

      Reply
  27. Annette says

    February 12, 2014 at 8:29 pm

    I love the table, has great style!

    Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:19 am

      Thank you so much! I’m very pleased with how it turned out.:)

      Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:34 am

      Thank you, Annette!

      Reply
  28. Shirley says

    February 12, 2014 at 10:35 pm

    I love this table and what a great job changing a bad table to this beautiful one. Great job!

    God Bless!

    Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:19 am

      Thank you, Shirley!

      Reply
  29. Carol says

    February 13, 2014 at 7:23 am

    Gorgeous. You are so talented.

    Reply
    • traci says

      February 13, 2014 at 8:18 am

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  30. Minky says

    February 13, 2014 at 2:07 pm

    Awesome transformation Traci! It looks fantastic, and goes perfectly with the sofa! You’ve inspired me to try making my own chalk paint now…i’m sure hubby will be thrilled, lol, he never knows what changes to expect when he gets home :).

    Reply
  31. Sharon says

    February 14, 2014 at 12:49 am

    Making my own chalk paint is on my to-try list.

    I love the table makeover. It looks so fresh!

    Reply
  32. jen u says

    February 14, 2014 at 4:21 pm

    Love your makeover! It turned out beautiful!! I reallllly love your handles with the jute too!!

    Reply
  33. Pam says

    February 15, 2014 at 2:33 pm

    Very nice looking table after the makeover, but I especially like the excellent step by step detailed instructions with pictures. Thank you.

    Reply
  34. Sand Toler says

    February 20, 2014 at 9:20 pm

    Traci, love your table and chalk paint. Does the wipe on poly provide enough protection to prevent the chalk paint from coming off when glasses, lamps, etc. slide across the top?

    Reply
  35. Joan says

    February 21, 2014 at 3:23 pm

    This is exactly what I need to do to the two side table I just bought for a total of 20.00. Now. Was the left over white paint flat?, eggshell, semi gloss. Gloss? Trying to figure out the finish! Thanks!

    Reply
  36. Lori says

    February 23, 2014 at 12:16 am

    Love this project, Traci. The chalk paint looks fabulous and those drawer pulls are just perfect.

    Reply
  37. Dorothy says

    February 28, 2014 at 11:26 am

    I love this! I have a few pieces that I want to paint with the chalk paint — just need to get up my courage! Can you give me an idea of where you got this little side table? I’ve been looking for something similar.

    Reply
  38. tobeamiss says

    March 12, 2014 at 1:44 am

    the table turned out great. I’ve never used chalk paint but I bought all the ingredients in the hopes I can use it soon. Do you work for Lowes?

    Reply
  39. Christina @ The Frugal Homemaker says

    March 27, 2014 at 12:04 am

    Wow… I am pretty good about seeing the potential in pieces but I don’t think I would have seen that one! Those handles and the basket changed it completely. Love it! and can’t wait to try the recipe for the chalky paint too. Love your styling too, Traci!

    Reply
  40. Katie says

    April 13, 2014 at 5:45 pm

    Why chalk paint? Is this the same chalk paint, I’ve bought many times in black to paint a board or a label to write on it with chalk?? What look does it give to a piece of old furniture? New to your blog, and ur amazing…soooo gotta be some reason to go to all the work and the time to paint 3 x’s and also make your own. And why after all the coats are you rubbing on the last treatment? Rub on , rub off means to me that there is a certain amount of color(??) Like antiquing it but in pic it looks bright white… (?) Obviously, I’m new to the world of D.I.Y. & I’m not patient, dislike to sand, and wait to dry. I love and live for spring time for daffodils, tulips and SPRAY PAINT!! Help a newbie??

    Reply
  41. Mary says

    July 22, 2016 at 8:07 am

    I love a gray find. Yes, I will make my own chalk paint from time to time. My favorite part is the quick drying time. Your table is perfect !

    Reply
  42. Deanna Day Young says

    May 24, 2017 at 9:38 am

    Love this look! I have the same bicycle pillow but only my accents in my living room are turquoise. I love love love this white!

    Reply

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