Porch Project #2 - Table ReDo!

Welcome to Quince Cottage! As promised, here's our follow up post to Porch Project #1. Our last porch wasn't big enough for a dining table, but the one we had in Maine was and we've really missed summer meals in the semi-outdoors. That table from Maine was sitting right in our garage, taking up much-needed storage space. The solution was obvious.

We didn't want to spend a lot of time and effort (we've got TONS of projects happening) rehabbing the table; therefore, this redo was quick and pretty easy. Once we removed the oil cloth cover and fixed the not-quite-broken leg (courtesy of Daughter #1), it was time to decide on a "look".

Thanks to the pillow project, our porch has a lovely, nostalgic, shabby chic but not too sweet, vibe. A fresh paint job with a simple stripe seemed just right.

We stuck with two paint colors we've been using on other DIY projects: Milk Paint and Scandinavian Sky, both by Olympic Paint purchased at Lowes. Tip: those little tester jars are great for small projects like this!

© Rhiann Wynn-Nolet

Milk Paint

Scandinavian Sky

In addition to the paint, all Ron needed was one 2" paint brush, one artist's paint brush, painters' tape, a ruler or yardstick (metal is ideal), an X-Acto knife and a can of clear coat finish. We used Minwax Polycrylic water-based eurethane.

Since we wanted the table to have a slightly worn, but not heavily distressed, appearance, Ron applied a thin coat of the Milk Paint. You can see the brush strokes clearly.

Next he measured carefully and taped off the placement of the stripes. This is where the X-Acto knife and straight edge came in (cutting the painters' tape to make a thinner stripe).

Once the pattern was laid out...

Ron brushed the Scandinavian Sky on, first going the length of the stripe, then applying a second light coat brushing in the opposite direction. This makes it look "almost" like fabric, like say an old dishcloth or grain sack?

When the paint was THOROUGHLY dry, he removed the tape, and applied clear coat to make the finish last longer and help protect against mold and mildew.
We're pleased with the finished product!

© Rhiann Wynn-Nolet

And here's the first dinner we had on our "new" table. Dining al fresco, in the shade, without bugs.

© Rhiann Wynn-Nolet

Porch life is wonderful, don't you think? Here's Buster, checking out the paint job (well, that's what he said he was doing, I suppose he could have been checking to see what was for dinner...)

©Rhiann Wynn-Nolet

Thanks for stopping by Quince Cottage! We've got plenty more DIY projects, recipes, gardening stories, and design ideas for you. We might even throw in some real estate tips for those looking to buy or sell a home.