How to Update a Coffee Table

Coffee tables endure a great deal of punishment, being one of the most used pieces of furniture in the home. They often get scratched and marked, which can spoil the look of a living area. Consider updating your coffee table with a makeover, rather than replacing it. These solutions also work well for a sturdy junk store bargain. With a little imagination, a small amount of effort and some basic supplies, you can transform your coffee table from shabby to chic. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Preparation and a Simple Painted Finish

1

Remove the existing finish. Put down plenty of newspaper to protect the floor, wear a protective mask and use medium and fine grade sandpaper to gently sand off varnish or paint. If the table is heavily painted, it may be more efficient to use a chemical paint remover. Wipe down the table with a clean cloth dampened with mineral spirits.

2

Apply a coat of primer then paint with your choice of hard-wearing oil-based topcoat. Allow to dry.

3

Seal and protect with two applications of polyurethane varnish if you do not want to add any further decoration. Sand lightly between each coat of varnish.

Decoupage

4

Prepare the table as detailed in Preparation, Steps 1 and 2. Select suitable images for the tabletop; laser-copied is best. You could choose to display a montage of family photos. Or create a witty trompe l'oeil with photocopied playing cards laid out as if there were a game in progress.

5

Arrange the images on the table top. Move them around until you are happy with the display. Adhere images with PVA or craft glue. Let them dry completely.

6

Seal with a minimum of two applications of polyurethane varnish. Sand with fine grade sandpaper between coats.

Chinese-style

7

Liven up the coffee table with a Chinese-style finish. Traditional colors are black, red and gold. The finish needs to be perfect to give a lacquered look, so pay attention to the initial preparation.

8

Paint the table with a deep red, oil-based top coat. Allow to dry. Sand lightly and wipe with a damp cloth. Apply a second coat of red paint.

9

Reproduce a favorite quotation using Chinese characters. Chinese is written from top to bottom; plan your design on paper first. Outline the characters on the prepared surface in pencil. Use an artist's brush and black acrylic paint to form the letters.

10

Apply several coats of high-gloss varnish, sanding between coats with very fine sandpaper. When you have achieved a deep glossy finish allow the table to stand for several days before using.

Shabby Chic

11

Ignore the preparation stage and simply incorporate the old finish. Sand the table with rough grade sandpaper. Make "woodworm" holes with an awl and deep scratches with a screwdriver. Remove dust with a damp cloth.

12

Apply a coat of light colored latex paint. Once the paint is dry, rub the top, edges and legs of the table sparingly with an old white candle. Apply a second coat of latex paint in a different color. When dry, use medium grade sandpaper to gently sand off patches of paint to reveal the first color and even some of the original finish.

13

Rub with the candle again. Apply a third color and sand back to reveal the colors beneath. Rub a little gold wax on table edges and any other areas where natural wear would occur. Protect with flat or semi-gloss varnish.