Detailed sanding and a varnish finish were all took to transform this table found at the side of the road.
Final happy table
The project
I found an old coffee table on the side of the road that was being thrown away, as it had definitely seen better days. It was made of wood so I could see that it just needed a good sanding and a coat of varnish to show its true glorious colours once again. I started by using my orbital sander to remove all the old dark varnish, and the scratched surface on the top and the legs of the table. It had a small drawer on two sides so they were sanded too. It took a lot of sanding with both a large orbital sander and then I used my smaller sander with a pointed shape to get into the small areas. Finally, every inch was sanded and the garage and my car were covered with sawdust! After wiping off the sawdust from the table it was then time to start to varnish and stain. I chose a water-based maple stain/varnish and I started slowly with the drawers. The table was next and I slowly covered the legs and then enjoyed the final varnishing of the table top which was made up of four square wooden panels. Three coats on all pieces and the work was complete. There was a small groove between the top four pieces so I applied a tiny amount of black paint to enhance the joins. New black handles were applied to the two small drawers to match. The table was now looking just how I had imagined it would. Just perfect and living room worthy!
Steps
Step 1
The original table needed plenty of sanding which took most of the time. Sanding the four legs, sides of table top and then the four pieces that made the top with the grain going in four directions. Some black paint was added using a very small paint brush in the grooves between legs and on the top of the table panels.
Step 2
The fully sanded and very bald-looking table now ready for its new clothes.
Tools and materials
Materials used in the project:
Tools used in the project:
More inspiration for upcycled coffee tables
One of our newer members JohnP71 made an excellent job of restoring this Upcycled coffee table with timber slats.
Regular contributor daniknight4 used popsticks to create a unique look with this Coastal-style coffee table refresh.
Here also are 10 ways to make a side table, 8 ways to make a coffee table, and 10 furniture projects upcycled with paint.
