An old and damaged coffee table given a makeover with fresh paint and giant popsticks arranged in a herringbone pattern.
The project
I found a very sturdy but old and damaged coffee table on Facebook Marketplace and thought I would refurbish it for my son and his girlfriend who have just bought a house in the country. Although it's not really country cottage style, it turned out to be more of a coastal-look piece. The kids love it and I'm so glad.
I also thought I would try a herringbone popsicle stick hack I had seen on YouTube. Although the first attempt was a real fail, the second try turned out really well and just makes the piece pop.
I knew when I saw this that there was potential for a lovely makeover.
Unfortunately, it looked like their dogs had used it as their chew toy.
I sanded the corners back and put some wood filler on, then repeated the process. It wasn't perfect, but once painted, the damage was virtually unnoticeable.
I deglossed the surface by using a sanding block and Sugar Soap, then wiped it over with a wet rag.
The first coat is always the worst, especially when you don't use primer. I used five coats of paint on this, six on the top, so yes, I think I'll invest in some primer next time.
I lined the bottom of the drawers with some rattan-look vinyl film.
I used the back of a big picture frame as a base to make a decorative insert for the side of the table. It fitted perfectly.
I saw some tutorials about using popsicle sticks to make a herringbone feature for furniture.
The first time was a failure, but if you don't succeed the first time, try again, and it worked.
I had to cut off the overhang with a Stanley knife.
I filled the gaps with white Timbermate wood filler, then sanded it back. It gave it a lovely, whitewashed appearance.
I love balsa wood and have used it in a lot of projects. For this one, I used it to make a border around the herringbone panel to neaten its appearance.
I used a matte varnish to seal and protect the herringbone panel. I was glad to have reached this point and have finished these pieces. Applying the varnish was very therapeutic.
Love the beeswax.
As an extra personal touch, I decided to add some special messages in each of the drawers. I don't think they'll expect that.
After trying to stick the panels on with PVA glue which did not work, I resorted to my Maxi nails glue which I love and use for everything. It's only a bit more than $2 and it lasts forever.
With the leftover balsa wood pieces, I made some herringbone coasters to match the coffee table sides.
I think it's adopted more of a relaxed coastal vibe.
I'm now a bit addicted to doing this herringbone and I am thinking now of other things I can make with it. Placemats might be on the cards.
Here's a video showing how I did it.
And here is a video on how to do the herringbone.
