The last few days we’ve been staying at “The Cottages” on Salt Spring Island and this place inspires me in so much. In many ways it’s a mix between Comox and Tofino, but it’s also its own little place. I may or may not have already looked into real estate on the Island.
Today I wanted to share a guide on refinishing side tables 101. Refinishing anything isn’t that hard. But there are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years.
Did you know that back in 2012-2013 I refinished furniture for people when we lived on the Mainland? It became super busy and I was painting between naps, bedtimes and weekends – basically any chance I could get! I’ve always been a busy body though, I like to keep busy with projects, work and keep my creative juices flowing!
how to refinishing side tables 101
how to refinishing side tables 101
Just for reference on how far these side tables have come, I wanted to share a trip down memory lane.
We got these side tables in early 2019 from Structube, but they were in a mid-tone brown which wasn’t my favourite. Not only that, they marked up so easy. So about a year after we got them, I painted them black. I looooved the black, but we have a very dusty home and I was constantly dusting them. Then flash forward to last weekend and Rhett decided to paint them in nail polish. It was a perfect opportunity to refinish them again!
how to refinishing side tables 101
how to refinishing side tables 101
How To Refinish Side Tables 101
With any piece of furniture, you want to take a piece of sandpaper and give your piece a light hand sand. This is great to take the sheen off ( if it has any ) as well, to remove any gunk or bumps.
Once you’re done, give it a good wipe down.
You can paint with any type of paint you want, I like to use semi-gloss paint as it is the most durable. I also like to use a small microfiber roller and a angled paint brush for those hard to reach places.
Many have questioned me over the years and have asked why I don’t just use a paint brush and here’s why:
When using a paint brush, there is no way to get a professional look. You will always see the brush strokes. If that’s your look, then yes, a brush is best. I like a seamless and professional finish – as if I was to buy it that way.
Also, you get better coverage with a roller, so you end up saving money in the long run.
I like to paint my pieces in parts. So if I’m starting on the face of the piece, in this case, side table, I will paint all the corners first and then quickly go over it with a roller to even it all out.
how to refinishing side tables 101
how to refinishing side tables 101
Even though you use a semi-gloss paint, it’s still good to put a protectant on them like varnish. This protects from water, mug rings and basically any type of stain. This step can be skipped – but I usually don’t skip it as it prolongs the durability of the side tables.
Here is a link to the varnish I like to use for all my refinishing projects. It’s non-yellowing so it’s great for white pieces.
I hope that explains how to refinish side tables of your own. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments!
Would the same tips apply to painting a bathroom vanity? Or is there more involved for a humid space?
I would definitely purchase a paint that’s meant for bathrooms. But yep – you can totally do all the other steps! Happy painting!