HOW TO PAINT A REALISTIC FAUX DRIFTWOOD FINISH | SALVAGED NESTING TABLES MAKEOVER
Hi sweet #sifamily. I’m so excited about today’s makeover! Not only because these tables were FREE… and you all know how I love a good curb-shopped makeover. But also because this Faux Driftwood Finish turned out so darn gorgeous! I can’t wait to share how I created this look using 2 paint colors, shop towels, and some water!
I’m also joining my Furniture Fixer Upper friends today. Woot woot! I’ll be sharing their makeovers at the bottom of today’s post so you can check out their before and afters as well.
Here’s what I started with. My sister found these nesting tables curbside and hauled them home for me. Aren’t sisters the BEST!
The orange stain and dark tops had them looking a little dated — but check them out now!
THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST::
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- Nesting Tables – SALVAGED
- Paint Brushes
- Water | Paint Sprayer
- White Lightening
- Shop Towels
- Buttercream
- Gravel Road
- Gator Hide
HOW TO CREATE A FAUX DRIFTWOOD PAINT FINISH
I started by cleaning these tables REALLY well. I used TSP and water being sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Tip ~ If you have a plastic sheet or designated area to work on your painted furniture makeovers, using a spray bottle and the large auto sponge is a quick and easy way to clean your furniture. For these nesting tables, I flipped them over to expose the underbellies. I sprayed. Cleaned. And then made sure I wiped them down with a clean wet sponge.
The key to using heavy-duty cleaners like TSP or similar products like DB White Lightning is to be sure ALL the residue is wiped clean. After I cleaned the bottom/underneath, I lifted the tables to sit upright and repeated the process. I find using the spray bottle a much easier way of disinfecting and cleaning furniture.
For the basecoat, I used this Buttercream Chalk Mineral Paint. I used my paint sprayer to spray two coats, but this finish would work just as well if the base was brushed on.
Here’s what the tables looked like while they were being sprayed.
To create a driftwood finish, I took this Gravel Road and mixed in some water. I mixed a 50/50 mix but depending on the color of the finish you’d like, this can be customized. Less water for a darker finish. More water for a lighter finish.
I brushed on the wash working in sections. I started with the top. Then the sides. Then worked on one leg at a time.
Working in sections keeps the paint wet enough to wipe back. Below I’m wiping back the wet paint using these shop towels which I always have in my studio.
These shop towels are great to have on hand for ANY painting project. They are super durable and are lint-free, unlike fabric rags.
For the top, I used a ragging technique. I wiped the wet paint back and then bounce the shop towel up and down in different directions until I achieve the desired effect.
There is no right or wrong way of doing this. I just keep on “playing” until I get the look I like.
Here they are down in my studio. One table with the base coat. The other with the driftwood wash. What a difference, right!?
I didn’t get a chance to topcoat these before my photoshoot, but they’ll be sprayed with a few coats of this super durable topcoat. Gator Hide will keep the flat/matte driftwood finish and because it’s so durable, make them super easy to clean.
They’ve come a long way, don’t you think?
And now for some FURNITURE FIXER UPPER FUN!
I know you’re going to LOVE what this creative team of girls do. Below are their BEFORE photos – visit the links underneath to see the amazing AFTERS and to learn how they did it! I’m heading over to take a peek right now myself! x
1. Petticoat JUNKtion
2. Salvaged Inspirations (So Happy You’re Here!)
3. Confessions Of A Serial DIYer
4. Girl In The Garage
Here’s one more look at the before and after…
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THESE FAUX DRIFTWOOD NESTING TABLES… OR FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. IT MAKES MY DAY! 🙂
ALSO IF YOU GET INSPIRED BY ANY OF MY MAKEOVERS AND GIVE THEM A TRY, BE SURE TO TAG ME ON IG OR FB WITH #SIBLOG — I’D LOVE TO SEE WHAT YOU’RE UP TO AND POSSIBLY FEATURE YOUR WORK!
Happy furniture painting my friends!
Denise x
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Stop Bleed Through When Painting
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The tables turned out beautifully. They went from dated to something that looks like they came from RH. Really great work.
Thanks you Lizzy!🤗
Hi!!-
Can this technique be done on laminate furniture?
Hi Renee! So long as you properly prep the laminate – for sure!
When you say “mineral” chalk paint, what does that mean? Did you mix a chalk paint with mineral paint?
Thanks
Hi Mary! No, nothing was mixed in with the paint. The Dixie Belle Paint Brand that I used is labeled as a “Chalk Mineral Paint”.
Whoa, what a difference, you’d never know they were the same tables! You two sure can find some sweet curbside finds in your neck of the woods.
We do don’t we!!! 😉 It’s a habit for me to keep my eyes peeled though… love bulk days. LOL
wow! love that finish – awesome choice!
Thanks so much, CC!💙😊
Amazing job on the nesting tables! Can’t wait to try this look on a similar style coffee table I’ve had for a while. Just needed the right inspiration. Thanks so much!
Thanks, I’m so glad you like them, Gail! Have fun with your coffee table! 🙂
Such a creative finish, Denise – really cool!! xo
Thanks my friend! XOXO
Hi Denis! I follow you on Instagram and just recently subscribed to your blog. I love how these nesting tables turned out. All of your work is beautiful and you inspire me. Keep it coming and looking forward to seeing future creativity!
Hi Rosie!!!! Thanks so much for subscribing here on the #siblog… so nice to have you here.💙💙💙
Those look fantastic!
thanks, Marcia!!! 🙂
They really look like they are made of old weathered wood. I will have to try your paint and pat technique! It’s right up there with your slap – paint for spindles! Very nice!
They do, don’t they!?! All those wonderful nooks and crannies did all the work for me!😉
Woweeee! Beautiful work! This is my new favorite makeover of yours! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!❤️❤️❤️
Glad you like them, Deb! Thanks so much! 🙂
Perfect update !! I love the color and texture. 🧡
You have a great eye for what’s needed !
P
Thanks so much!💕
You always do such a GREAT job on all of your projects Denise. I look forward every week to your posts!
I have a question – What kind of Paint Sprayer do you use again. Thanx,, Margie~
Thanks so much Margie… such a HUGE compliment and I appreciate YOU being here! This is my paint sprayer. It’s old. But it still works amazing.
Oh my goodness. I am totally in love with these. They make me want to go out and buy a beach house. pairing them with the macrame dreamcatchers is the look I have fallen in love with this summer. I want those tables!!!!. What an artist you are!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Marian and I’m with you! I’ve been stocking Pinterest for Hygge and Danish decor. Bleached out or raw wood pieces with textured decor including macrame… loving the look as well!
These look great! And I remember the 1980’s, so they’re definitely from then! And the driftwood finish looks great and the tops look a bit like worn leather, to my eye. But overall, lovely!
Oh ya, the before was super hip in the ’80s! 😉 I wasn’t really thinking worn leather when I did the top but I can see it! I like it, Liz… thank you! 🙂
You did a super job Denise! These tables would look great seaside, riverside, or in a country woods themed home. Great job and THANKS!
Thanks so much Cate! 🙂
loved these,,would look great on pallet wood
Thanks Linda… and YES it would!
That’s the perfect finish for those tables. Just beautiful! You never cease to amaze me. 🙂
Thanks my friend! Have a super weekend! XOXO
THOSE ARE AMAZING!!! You did a stupendous job! Your little tables are just gorgeous now! I am totally wowed! 😊
Yaaaay! Thanks Becky!😊
WOW That is freaking gorgeous !!!!
Thanks Feriba!!!🤗
They look amazing, Denise! Ya’ll find the best stuff curbside! XOXO
Thanks! And ya, we have bulk p/u every two weeks here. It such a great service for people who don’t drive or are elderly and can’t donate their old furniture. Also great for curb shopping!😉
These nesting tables are one of my favorites of your transformations–great technique matched with just the right project!
Thanks, Susan! 🙂 And ya, I agree. They were the perfect match for this driftwood technique. All the wood ‘nooks and crannies’ took the wash beautifully!
Hi Denise. What a lovely, fresh, updated look for these formerly clunky looking nesting tables. You took them from 1980’s dated to today! Love how they turned out. Absolutely gorgeous:)
Thanks so much… and they were pretty chunky looking, weren’t they…lol. I have to say tho, they don’t make furniture like they use to. These are SUPER sturdy and heavy! Have a great day my friend. XOXO