We’re thrilled to have Denise from Salvaged Inspirations here today to share an incredible transformation! In this post, Denise walks us through how she took a thrifted hallway table and gave it a stunning makeover using Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint and a paint wash with Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, this project is packed with tips and techniques that will help bring new life to your favorite thrift store finds. Let’s dive into Denise’s creative process! 

(The following is an excerpt from Salvaged Inspirations. Read the full article here.)    

Hi family, I hope you’re doing amazing. I picked up this side table from my local Restore thinking I was going to paint it, but once I brought it home and saw how gorgeous this wood was, I just couldn’t do it. I wasn’t crazy about the finish though… so let’s strip this finish off to show off this lovely grain and give it a modern new look! 

Here’s the Restore wood table I started with.  

"Before" picture of thrifted brown table sitting on a brown floor, in front of a white wall

When I bought it, I planned to paint the entire table but once I saw it was a solid wood piece from Heirloom Of Canada furniture makers, I changed my plan. This furniture manufacturer has been around since 1909! I’m guessing this table was made in the 50’s or 60’s. 

printed information about the table attached to the inside of the brown wooden drawer

WHAT YOU’LL NEED 

Solid Wood Side Table  – SALVAGED
White Lightning Cleaner
Sand Pads | Shop Towels
Bahco Carbide Scraper (14% OFF as of writing!)
Bosch Sander
Paint Brushes
Art Brushes
Anchor Silk All-In-One Paint
Sand Bar Chalk Paint
Dried Sage Chalk Mineral Paint
Gator Hide Topcoat 

CLEAN/PREP 

The entire table was cleaned with this White Lightning.  I wiped it down a few times and then used clean water to remove any residue. 

A hand wearing a white rubber glove cleaning the top of a brown wooden table with a yellow sponge

PAINTING 

I decided to let the details on this wood table dictate the design. I painted two coats of this Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint in the Anchor which is a true black. 

A paint brush painting Anchor Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint onto a brown wooden surface

Also because the primer and topcoat is included in this formula, I saved a step of priming before painting the legs and details. 

Anchor Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint being applied to brown painted wooden table legs

PAINT WASH TO LIGHTEN WOOD 

I loved the natural color of the wood, but if I had just top-coated it, it would have brought out the natural orange tones, and I wouldn’t have been happy with the result. To keep this light-toned wood color, I created a paint wash. I used a few teaspoons of this neutral Sand Bar and added a little bit of Dried Sage Chalk Mineral Paint. I played around with the water ratio until I was happy. This was pretty darn close to keeping the natural light color of the wood. 

Chalk Mineral Paint wash being applied to the table top by a hand wearing a white rubber glove with a white cloth

It would also guarantee when I top-coated, the wood would not turn orange. In the pic below, the long top skirt has been painted and wiped back with the wash, the short skirt on the side has not. 

White washed table top sitting on its side

FINISHING DETAILS 

For the finishing details, I sprayed a topcoat. The bottom painted part didn’t need a topcoat, but since I had the spray gun out, I sprayed three coats of Gator Hide topcoat letting each coat dry for two hours in between each coat. I know I’ve said this before, but if you’re new to the #siblog, Gator Hide sprays beautifully. It’s water-repellant and tough enough for a high-traffic piece! 

Gator Hide being sprayed onto white washed table top from a paint sprayer

THE FINISHED LOOK 

Here’s the finished look. It doesn’t even look like the same table! 

Picture of table with black painted legs and white washed top sitting on a brown wooden floor, in front of a white painted wall. A green plant in a white pot sits to the left of the table

The contrast between the blonde wood and black base is striking! 

Picture of table with black painted legs and white washed top sitting on a brown wooden floor, in front of a white painted wall. A green plant in a white pot sits to the left of the table

And here’s a close-up look at the finish with all this lovely natural grain on display! 

Picture of table with black painted legs and white washed top sitting on a brown wooden floor, in front of a white painted wall. A green plant in a white pot sits to the left of the table Picture of table with black painted legs and white washed top sitting on a brown wooden floor, in front of a white painted wall. A green plant in a white pot sits to the left of the table

I’m so happy I left part of this wood table exposed rather than paint the entire thing. I’m also pleased that I followed my gut and highlighted the natural details on this piece.

Picture of table with black painted legs and white washed top sitting on a brown wooden floor, in front of a white painted wall. A green plant in a white pot sits to the left of the table. Before photo of table is in the upper left corner of the photo

What an amazing transformation! Denise has shown us how with a little imagination and the right products, even a simple thrifted table can become a standout piece. If you’re ready to tackle your own furniture makeover, Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint and Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint are perfect choices to get started. Be sure to follow Denise at Salvaged Inspirations for more inspiring projects, and don’t forget to share your own creations with us! For another fabulous hallway table makeover by Salvaged Inspirations, check out our blog, Magnolia Painted Makeover.

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About the Author

Salvaged Inspirations

Denise is a blogger, self-taught furniture artist, writer, photographer and the owner/creator of Salvaged Inspirations. She is a lover of all things vintage, repurposed and restyled. A thrift enthusiast, she’s always in pursuit of the next creative upcycle.

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