Vintage Table Makeover



We've been in our rented apartment for about a month now, and I've been happily working on making a nest here. When we sold our Colorado home we gave away 90% of our furnishings, so now I'm bargain hunting, and giving new life to old furniture. My first project was this vintage table turned desk that now graces my home office/studio. Miss V.T. and I met at one of my favorite home shops. She sat forlornly in the bargain shed without a price tag. The shop owner and I settled on a price of $50 and she was delivered the next day. Here she is after I gave her a bath to get rid of all the dirt and cobwebs. Still pretty rough, and some might think I paid too much for her, but she's a sturdy gal with great bones, and exactly what I've been wanting for a desk.





Her veneer was totally shot, so after promising her that she would feel a whole lot better with a peel, I began her facial. I was able to pull off the really loose veneer, and then finished the job with these.


I wet the veneer in small sections with my water spray bottle, placed a moistened old rag over the dampened area and pressed it with my iron. The steam loosened the glue and I could then lift off the remaining veneer. (Although my Rowena looks pretty bad here, the brown scorch gunk did come off with a light scrubbing. In hindsight, I will look for an old iron to use for this kind of work in the future.)

After filling a cardboard box with veneer, Miss V.T was feeling and looking a whole lot better.



She had a few deep gouges that needed wood filler.




Then I gave Miss V.T. a light sanding all over to prepare her for paint.


I knew I wanted her to be white with just a tad of distressing. (This cupboard was my inspiration.)

Photo from RSH a catalog boutique, Fall 2012

It took several coats of semi-gloss white to give her the coverage I wanted.


I tend to paint light, multiple coats. And I'm not particular about the brand/type of paint. For Miss V.T. I used an untinted white exterior semi-gloss found in my local hardware store's mistints. This may not be for everyone, but it works for me and my meager budget.  (The paint guy had just spilled a little of the paint when he opened it to do a custom mix, and that means he couldn't use it. I happened on the scene at the crucial retail moment. A gallon of perfectly good paint for $5? Yes, please.)



It took several days of painting, drying and then a light distressing to get the look I wanted. For me it was worth the wait. I'm pretty patient, and used my work time to listen to great music and pray.



I'm really happy with the results of my vintage table makeover, and love working here with Miss V.T.






Hope you're enjoying the Fall days.


I'll be joining:
Share Your Cup at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home
Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life
Shabbilicious Friday link party at Shabby Art Boutique
Link Party at Redoux
Tutorials, Tips and Tidbits at Stone Gable
Frugal Friday at The Shabby Nest
Craft Frenzy Friday at Craft Dictator

16 comments

  1. The table is beautiful ..... I want something to go in my kitchen for a desk and that has inspired me !!!!!

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    1. Thanks, Kath. I can't wait to see what you come up with for your own desk. :)

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  2. Love the table . . . what a fine piece you created. Settling in and starting over must have its challenges, but also its rewards . . . All the best!

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    1. Thank you, Lynne. Your comments are always an encouragement to me.

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  3. You did such a great job with this table! Come link up with us at Craft Frenzy Friday at www.craftdictator.com! I'd love to see these on our link up!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, and for the invitation, Cara.

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  4. You did a fabulous job! I just re-did a table that is almost exactly the same as yours - although mine was in much better shape than yours when I started. I love the end result of yours. It was exciting to find another project so similar to mine.

    If you are interested in checking mine out - link below:
    http://www.bebeandj.com/2013/09/french-graphic-table.html

    Sue
    www.bebeandj.com

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    1. I'm on my way to see your table right now. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate that!

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  5. You have a very nice looking table there! I love tables styled like that! Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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    1. Thanks, Sherry. I appreciate your visit and comment. And thanks for hosting Home Sweet Home. :)

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  6. Nancy! The table is gorgeous - so amazed that you gave away so much! But, what fun to start over - beautifully done! I am delighted that you shared with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  7. Hi Nancy, I didn't know that you had sold your home. Enjoy your new adventure! The desk is gorgeous! I can't believe you got all of that veneer off. What a great makeover. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. It was nice to have something to share. Thanks for visiting, Jann. Have a great week.

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  8. You did a great job! Looks wonderful!

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    1. Thank you so much, Monica. Have a great weekend!

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Your comments bring me joy! Thanks for stopping by.