I’ll have the full step-by-step YouTube tutorial published for you this weekend. Our #siyoutubefamily has almost reached 59K, so don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t already! So exciting, thank YOU! 🙂

SUPPLIES

French Provincial Tables  – SALVAGED
White Lightning Cleaner
Auto Sponge
Multi-Screwdriver
Sanding Sponge
Bonding BOSS Primer
4″ Roller for Primer
2″ Angled Paint Brush
Heirloom Chalk Mineral Paint
Copper Gilding Wax
Clear Wax Topcoat

PREPPING THE SIDE TABLES

To start the prepping process, I removed the hardware using an inexpensive multi-screwdriver.  Once all the handles were off, the tables got a really good cleaning with a heavy-duty furniture cleaner and a large automotive sponge. Then I let everything dry overnight.

SCUFF SAND

To scuff the furniture before priming, I usually use an orbital sander.  But the first few years of painting, I scuff-sanded all my furniture by hand. I bought inexpensive sheets general purpose 220 grit sandpaper at hardware stores or online. Then cut them into four, and scuff-sanded the surface. I’m not trying to remove the finish. Just give it a light scuff to rough it up a little.

PRIMING & PAINTING

Once I had the entire piece scuff-sanded, I removed the dust and applied this Bonding Primer using a four-inch roller. I like applying my primers with these rollers because the primer goes on smoothly and quickly. I get my 4″ rollers here, but before I started ordering them online, I bought them from the dollar store along with my sandpaper and paint brushes.

This bonding and stain blocking primer needs to dry overnight to take effect. I also like giving it a scratch test to make sure it’s 100% adhered before I move on to painting.

 

HEIRLOOM CHALK MINERAL PAINT

Now for the fun part – it’s time to paint! I ordered another new-to-me paint color called Heirloom Chalk Mineral Paint. I would describe it as a rich jewel green with strong blue undertones. I really like this color yet I was a little unsure if I was going to like it on a pair of FP side tables.

But sometimes you don’t know until you try!

To apply this paint, I used my synthetic DB short brush, but when I first started, I would get my paintbrushes from the dollar store. Then I upgraded to these 2-inch Wooster ShortCut paintbrushes that are inexpensive (under $8) and work fabulous!

Even after all these years, I always like reminding myself that the first coat is always ugly. It looks a little patchy with the primer beating through. It looks uneven. But coat number two is where the magic happens.

FLORAL DESIGN TRANSFER

These tables have lovely curves and design, so to highlight this, I decided to add some floral design to the drawers. I chose a furniture transfer named Chinoiserie, but I’m not sure it is still in stock because when I went in to link it for you, I couldn’t find it. You can find something very similar here, though.

FINISHING TOUCHES

To protect this Heirloom paint finish on these tables, I used a beginner-friendly topcoat – clear wax. You can’t go wrong applying wax, and no fancy tools are required. An old sock, a ripped-up t-shirt, any lint-free rag or shop towel will work. I used my wax brush, and in this weekend’s YouTube video, I’ll also demonstrate how to apply wax using a rag. Wipe on. Wipe off. It’s that simple. It doesn’t matter in which direction you apply it either. I like to apply it up and down and then go side to side. This really rubs the wax in before I start buffing it off.

Also, you can apply the wax and wait 20-30 minutes before buffing but I rarely do. I like wiping it on, and then buffing it off right away. I sometimes forget what a beautiful sheen wax gives to a painted piece of furniture!

For the final detail, I gilded the original French Provincial hardware with this gilding wax in Copper. I usually like using an old artist’s brush, but a brush isn’t really needed.  To bring it back to the basics, I add a little of the gilding wax onto my fingertip and rub it on the hardware. Very little is needed, and it dries 100% overnight. The following day, I like taking a soft rag or shop towel and buffing it out before scewing the hardware back into place.

Using the same gorgeous hardware in the existing holes is a beginner-friendly way to update your furniture – especially if you have beautiful vintage hardware like this!

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