FROM ‘DONATED’ TRASH TO TREASURE – A GATELEG TABLE GETS BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE WITH EASY TO USE PRODUCTS | YOUTUBE VIDEO
Hi sweet SI friends! This little gate-leg table was “donated” to my sister by her neighbor — a kind way of saying it was headed for the trash! 😅 I brought it back to life with a gorgeous new-to-me water-based stain color that has zero smell and is wipe-on-wipe-off, easy. Then I tackled all these beautiful turned legs, painting them with no brush marks using a regular ol’ paintbrush. I’m excited to show you how it all came together!
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It’s also the second Tuesday of the month, and this means it’s Trashy Treasures Tuesday! I’m looking forward to seeing what our TTT crew, Christy at Confessions Of A Serial DIY’er and Nancy at Artsy Chicks Rule, have created. I hope you join me on today’s tour as well! I’ve included their before-and-after links down below.
Here’s the gateleg table Andreas’ neighbor was going to throw away. She generously offered it to my sister for me to work on. These gateleg tables were popular in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, especially in England and Holland.
When the drop leaves are pulled out, it’s impressive how much table surface there is. And the simple design is timeless and so functional. Great for plants, a side table for lamps or books, games, or an afternoon high tea! Although it doesn’t look like I’d want to put any food on it just yet, lol.
THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Gateleg Table – SALVAGED
White Lightning Cleaner
Carbide Scraper
Applicator Pads
Applicator Sponge
Bosch Sander
Sanding Sponge
Black Gilding Wax
Charred Hickory Water-Based Gel Stain
Umber Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint
Gator Hide Water-Based Top Coat
GATELEG TABLE RESTYLE
Here’s how it all came together…
CLEAN & PREP
The first step in this makeover was to clean it thoroughly with a heavy-duty furniture cleaner. I went over this piece three or four times – I lost count. It was filthy! After I removed the ground-in dirt using the TSP cleaner, I went over the entire piece with a clean damp sponge with clean warm water to remove the residue. I let this table dry overnight.
The next morning I came down to remove the painted hinges so I had access to the full table top. Some of the screws were tricky to remove because they had been stripped and were painted and stuck.
STRIP PAINT FROM TABLE TOP
I wasn’t sure what type of wood was underneath all this white paint – or in what shape this wood was going to be in. But I’m really happy I opted to strip it because I’m thrilled with what I found! I started removing the paint with my handy Carbide Scraper – I LOVE this tool! Then moved onto my trusty Bosch Orbital sander. I started the sanding process with an aggressive 80-grit sandpaper and worked my way up to a 220-grit for a super smooth finish.
Pro Tip – To remove any tiny bits of paint embedded into the wood grain, a dental pick tool or a large safety pin works really well!
STAINING w CHARRED HICKORY
I used a water-based Charred Hickory Stain for this tabletop, and I have to say—I’m a big fan! Not only does it have zero odor (which means no headaches or strong smells lingering in your home), but it also dries super fast so you can move on to your next step in no time. I applied mine with a cloth applicator pad, but a shop towel, chip brush, or lint-free rag works just as well. Just dip your applicator into the stain, wipe it onto the surface following the direction of the wood grain, and then gently wipe back any excess. It’s truly that easy—and the smooth, even finish looks gorgeous!
Here’s the comparison between the stained Charred Hickory side on the left and the all-natural unstained side on the right. This is one coat. I really liked the look, so one coat is all I applied.
TOPCOAT AND PROTECT
Water-based stains need protection. And because this table may become a high-traffic piece in its new home, I decided to use my go-to durable topcoat. Gator Hide is also a water-based product, and it’s super easy to apply. I poured some out onto a paper plate and applied three thin coats using this blue applicator sponge.
Using a 220-grit sanding sponge, I gave the topcoat a SUPER LIGHT sanding between coats. For the third and final coat – no sanding is needed. This step is totally optional. I like doing it for a super smooth finish as it knocks down any raised grain from the water-based products.
SANDING GATELEGS
While I was waiting for my GatorHide topcoat to dry (at least 2 hours between coats) I got to sanding the legs of this table. I started by hand-sanding the turned legs to knock off any loose paint and smooth the previous paint finish out. Then I grabbed my Bosch Orbital Sander and got to sanding all the straight edges.
As you can see, any paint that isn’t properly adhered will flake right off.
PAINTING THE GATELEGS
I wanted this table to have a classic look, so I chose one of my favorites – Umber for the base — a rich brown black. To get a smooth paint finish on all these turned legs, I used my slap-it-on technique. If you’d like to see the Slap-It-On-Paint Technique in action, here is a Youtube tutorial. I’m also be sharing how I used it on these gatelegs in the YT tutorial at the end of this post as well.
Keep in mind that the first coat is only your base. It may look ugly/scary but trust the process and the products you are using! The second and third coat (if even needed) will create the magic!
This Umber Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint is a primer, paint, and topcoat all in one. It self-levels and is a wonderful beginner (and pro paint) to use.
HARDWARE HINGES
For the finishing touches on this table, I boiled all the hardware in an old pot filled with water and vinegar. This loosened up the paint and made it easy to scrape off and clean up.
Once I had the hinges clean and dry, I added some black gilding wax to make them look ‘new-vintage’. You won’t see them when the table is in use, however, it looks clean and neat if anyone were to look underneath.
THE BIG REVEAL
Here’s the finished look… what do you think?!
This gateleg table looks amazing with the Charred Hickory stain. All that gorgeous wood grain is on display and the star of the show once again!
This is a shapely table with all those turned legs and table edge detail.
Here’s a close-up of this gorgeous stained finish. I will definitely be using Charred Hickory again! I LOVE it!
Such a beautiful, smooth finish, and I couldn’t leave you without showing you the full top pulled out. These vintage pieces have such a simple design (just pulling out the two legs to support the wood leaf), and I think that’s what makes them so wonderful. They don’t build things like they used to. Solid wood and built to last. This table could go through another half dozen makeovers and still look amazing!
And just for fun, here’s my AI-generated staged and styled table! It looks beautiful in a front entranceway!
YOUTUBE TUTORIAL
Here’s the full step-by-step YouTube tutorial for you. Our #siyoutubefamily has almost reached 55K, so don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t already! So exciting, thank YOU! 🙂
And now for some Trashy Treasures FUN!
Below are the TTT ladies’ BEFORE photos. Visit the links below to see the amazing AFTERS and learn how they did it! I’m heading over to take a peek as well! x
1. CONFESSIONS OF A SERIAL DIYER
2. ARTSY CHICKS RULE
3. SI (HAPPY YOU’RE HERE!)
Here’s another look at this trash-bound Gateleg Table makeover. I hope it inspires you and sparks ideas for your upcoming projects.
Thanks for joining today’s TTT makeover. Feel free to drop me a hello and let me know what you think of this table’s ‘NEW’ look. I always love hearing from you. To my fellow Canadians who celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday, I hope you had an awesome day with family and friends. I celebrated the holiday in the Caribbean for some fun in the sun!
Happy painting, my friends!
Denise x
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HOW TO FIX SCRATCHES ON WOOD
FRENCH VILLA TABLE MAKEOVER
FRENCH PROVINCIAL DRESSER MAKEOVER
OLD TRASHED TABLE BEFORE & AFTER
ROADSIDE FRENCH PROVINCIAL MAKEOVER
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This table turned out gorgeous. At first, I was like “oh leave the legs chippy,” but oh my goodness! It looks like a million bucks!
Once the legs were all cleaned/chippy I thought they looked not bad as well! But yes, i think the Umber gives it a more classic look too. Thanks Jackie! XOXO
Oh, is it ever a beauty! It is so well done & retains the gorgeous look of days gone by. i would love to use this on the indoor side of my front door. The gel stain on it is ancient & looks pretty worn especially around the handle area. It could sure use a pick-me-up.
Thanks Cindy, and yes, I think this would be a gorgeous stain color for a front door!😃
This table turned out beautiful Denise! Great call exposing the wood under all the paint!
Thanks Nicki! I’m so happy there was beautiful walnut under there as well! XOXO
This turned out amazing, my friend! I’d love to know what the original owner thinks of it now! And, I loved seeing Charred Hickory on a piece! Glad you enjoyed your much deserved vacay too! XOXO
Thanks and yes, Charred Hickory for the win — I really like this stain color! And thanks my friend, we had a wonderful time! XOXO
Wowzer! What a fantastic makeover. I’ve passed up many of these tables because of the base and stripping all those nooks and crannies . But the paint color you chose gives it the stained wood look. Gorgeous! 😘 ❤️ Pinned!
I hear ya and same – but I couldn’t pass up FREE!😆 Thanks for the PIN my friend and have a fabulous week! Hugs 🤗
This is an incredible transformation !! I do love old pieces. You are right – they do not make things like this anymore. I’m so surprised the table top is in such beautiful condition. Yay !!
The charred hickory stain is a great color. So warm and cozy.
I love the Umber painted legs with this stain .
You had a perfect vision for this piece. It looks amazing !!
You make this look so easy, but I know it’s your talent and experience.
I always love your tutorials – so thorough – and will be using your video to learn more.
Thanks sooo much for sharing. I hope you enjoyed your well deserved vaca !
I love old pieces tooooooo and yes, warm and cozy is a perfect description for this stain color! I’ll have the video out for you this Saturday P!🤗 And thanks, we had a lovely vacation. It was amazing to hit the ‘reset button’ and get a little r&r. 🙂
What a super cool table, Denise! You poured a lot of love into it, and it shows! Gorgeous! xoxo
Thanks my friend! I’m really happy there was some ‘goodness’ under that painted table top! XOXO
What a beautiful save – good job! Unfortunately Dixie Belle products are near impossible to find on the West Coast.
Thanks Laura! Bummer about the DB products on the West Coast – you can probably tell I’m a fan, hehe. 😉 That said there are SO MANY amazing paint brands out there. I hope you find one you really love working with!💙🤗
Gasp! That wood grain took my breath away. Beautiful job and I’m loving the Charred Hickory.
Thanks Jennie, so glad you like it. I kinda gasped after I applied the first coat as well. 🙂
Hi Denise. What a beautiful little table. I love that you showcased the warm wood top and painted the legs a darker color. Well done. I bet your sister’s neighbor will want their table back now! Teehee;)
Hi Monique! Thanks and so glad you like the painted/stained finish. I was so happy when I saw all that beautiful grain and it’s always fun trying a new product. Have a great week! XOXO
I love, love, love this piece!! And I’m so glad to see someone using BROWN paint. It seems like for so many years people have steered away from it. Too much like the old, stained furniture of the past, I guess, but I love this look! The stain is beautiful too!
I’m so happy you love it Cyndi, thank you! And honestly, I was one of those ppl who steered away from brown paint for many years as well.😆 I’m really getting into it tho. I LOVE Umber. It pairs really well with warm stains and it also makes for a great paint wash. Ohhh, I also really like Coffee Bean but I would say that leans more black/brown rather than a brown/black. Have a great week my friend. XOXO
I thoroughly enjoyed this blog and loved that you linked each product you used so exact item could be purchased! You indicate you stripped table top, did you use a furniture stripping product to strip it or did you just use the stripping tool to take off loose paint then sand with the orbital sander? I have refinished a lot of antique furniture but have always used a furniture stripper, I’ve never used an orbital sander, I really like your way of doing it if you don’t have to use a furniture stripping product!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and the makeover JoAnne, thank you! My workspace/studio is the basement of my home so I prefer not using chemical strippers if I don’t have to. I bought the carbide scraper probably about 2 years ago and haven’t looked back. It’s been a game changer for me and I haven’t had to change out the blade even once yet. I find the combo of scrapping the finish and then sanding works really well – at least on flat surfaces. 🙂
It’s gorgeous! I have been using Charred Hickory for about 3 months on different pieces. It’s my all time favorite!
I can see why! It’s a gorgeous stain color and I’ll be following your lead and using it on different pieces as well! 😃
Love the two toned finish. Beautiful job as always! Hope you enjoyed your Caribbean Holiday!
Thanks so much Jewels! And yes, we sure did. Good food, sunshine, sandy beach, lots of rest… it’s good to relax and recharge!
This table turned out beautiful! The hickory top is just gorgeous.
The brown legs are a perfect contrast.
Thanks Fran! I’m really liking this hickory top too. It’s always fun trying new to me stains and paint colors and even better that I get to share them with you. 🙂