Well, I guess we’re a week into 2019 and it’s borderline to be shouting it out — but Happy New Year friends! Whatever this year has in store for you, I hope you take the time to be thankful and grateful and enjoy all your present moments…. like I’m doing right now with you — it’s great to be back with my SI family. [big smile]
So to kick off the year, let’s start with a salvaged gate table before and after. And if you’ve ever wondered how to get that gorgeous Restoration Hardware Weathered Gray Stain Finish I have something fun for you!
I’ve found a product that’s easy to use and gives an amazing weathered gray stain — and it’s waterbased to boot!
My go-to stains have always been solvent based. Minwax, Varathane and General Finishes are what I’ve been using up till this point – love them, they work amazing. So I wasn’t sure what to expect with a waterbased gel stain, but I have to say I’m really impressed.
Here’s what I started with. A salvaged vintage gate table which is just another way of saying a vintage drop leaf. The neat thing about these; the legs swing out (like a gate) to prop up the two wood leafs.
I’ve had this table for so long I don’t even remember where I got it but the top was in really rough shape.
Take a look at her now! She’s being used as a sofa table behind my loveseat. Check out this perfect weathered gray stain!
THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST::
-
- Vintage Gate Table – SALVAGED
- Sponge + Water + Shop Towels
- Sandpaper + Tack Cloth
- Dewalt Sander
- BIN Shellac Primer
- Paint Brushes
- Cotton Chalk Mineral Paint
- Voodoo Up In Smoke Gel Stain
- Satin Clear Coat
DIY WEATHERED GRAY STAIN | RH GATE TABLE::
Step #1:: Clean & Sand
I started by giving this dresser a good cleaning. Then I gave the entire wood top a sanding with this sander – which if you do a lot of furniture makeovers – treat yourself this new year because it’s a must-have! It makes stripping and sanding furniture soooo much easier.
Step #2:: Prime & Paint
The legs and inside of the wood leafs were primed with BIN (to kill bleedthrough) and then painted with this cotton white paint. If you’re not into using smelly shellac primer, here’s a great waterbased alternative.
Step #3:: Weathered Gray Stain
Now for the fun! To create this Restoration Hardware look, all it took was 3 easy steps.
- Wet Raw Wood with Sponge
- Apply Voodoo Up In Smoke Gel Stain
- Rub Off With Shop Towel
Here was the Restoration Hardware Weathered Gray Stain I was after.
Pretty close match, don’t you think?!
Thanks for joining me today. I have some exciting things planned for 2019 which I can’t wait to share! I even tried shooting a video for this post but I haven’t figured out how to edit it. If/when I do, I’ll upload it for you. Update – Done! 🙂
I’D LOVE TO HEAR WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THIS GATE TABLE MAKEOVER. ALSO, IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR HAVE EVER USED WATERBASED GEL STAIN — FEEL FREE TO CHIME IN WITH ANY TIPS… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU.
Happy furniture painting my friends!
Denise x
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I’m assuming that you didn’t prime the top and the drop leaf’s. Did you have any bleed thru coming through the stain? Or is it not really an issue with stain?
Hi Denise!
I’ve seen so many of your posts and follow you. Just subscribed today though.
I’ve used up in smoke on oak before and it came out perfect because you could still see the brown undertones underneath (which I adore).
I have a cherry headboard. I used the 2. part wood bleach to get the pink out, but I had wondered if this would just look gray on cherry wood since there are no brown undertones. Then I saw this post. It’s hard to tell from the pics, but is your table cherry or oak? It looks like it could be cherry. I hope you know and I hope it is cherry because this is EXACTLY the color I want for my headboard.
Suzanne
Hi Suzanne and a BIG WARM WELCOME to the #sifamily! I believe this table was maple. But I’m guessing if you bleached the cherry wood, Up In Smoke will give a very similar look. Is there any way you can try a “test patch” on the back of your headboard? That’s what I like to do before diving in. 🙂
I was lazy and didn’t sand the back but I can sand a patch to see what happens. Thanks! If it comes out too gray and not enough brown (which up in smoke has done to me before, would you recommend adding a glaze? Brown wash? Or doing something with a light brown first (don’t know what your table looks like in person but it’s that lively brown gray in my pics.
If there is a process you could recommend I would greatly appreciate it! I’m worried if I try Tobacco Road first it would be too dark.
Also I’m wondering if a wash first would help the cherry not to darken over time. Thanks so much!
If it were me (this is just my two cents and there are plenty of ways to get the same or similar results including your brown wash or glaze idea!) I would mix stains or manipulate them with water. If you’re not happy with Up In Smoke try ADDING some Tobacco Road – they are easily mixed. Another option is diluting them with water to get a softer effect. You can always add another coat if the first is too light. Another option is wet the wood with a damp sponge before applying either of the waterbased Stains to soften the look.
This table is so cute! I love it so much. I have been looking for something like this to freshen up our kitchen! We are doing some next week and after that I would love to try and make these. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Denise! I love this makeover!! Have you posted this on your Facebook page before? I don’t remember seeing it. Saving this one for sure! Always love your work!!
Hi Rita!!! So nice to see you here!!!😃 I have posted this on FB but sometimes FB doesn’t show everything to everyone… actually most of the time they don’t..lol. 😉 Have a super day my friend. XOXO
Hi Denise- I absolutely love this look. I have already painted my dining room table with chalk paint (in white) with a clear matter sealer but am having issues with the wear and tear of every day use. Would you recommend these products for a dining room table?
Thank you-
Michelle
Hi Michelle! I used this Gator Hide Topcoat when I did my kitchen table makeover and I’m SUPER HAPPY with the durability and ease of cleaning. Highly recommend it for high traffic surfaces!
Love this table. Have you tried to replicate the new Pottery Barn furniture color “Seadrift”?
Thanks! And I haven’t but that’s a great idea!
Denise,
I bought a table and chairs at an auction and am attempting to refinish them. I am not opposed to painting, however, hubby is, so I’ve decided to stain them and this gray is beautiful. I had no idea other stains were available other than MinWax! I do have a question, however, could I use a black oil-based stain over the gray gel stain? Also, my chair legs have spindles…ugh. I used an aerosol stripper, which worked great on the flat edges, however, the spindles are a different story. Now, the stripper is dry and I’m kinda stuck…..any suggestions?
How many coats of the gel stain did you use? I just refinished an end table and not happy with how it looks. I did 2 coats and it looks like just paint in some areas. I sanded it down to the raw wood. Thanks!
Hi Violet. It’s been a while since I did this makeover but I believe it was one or two coats. If you’re working with a waterbased gel stain, I find using a damp sponge on the wood before applying the stain works exactly like a wood conditioner. The gel stain goes on much more evenly. Hope this helps.
Could you use the gel stain over white paint on the top? I’ve used darker gel stains over painted pieces before.., but this is much lighter….
Hi Laura. I haven’t tried this technique using a gel stain but I’m guessing it would work. Maybe try on the back of your piece before tackling the front or top.
This is exactly what I want to do to an alder wood dresser. How & when do you apply The satin clear coat? You do incredible work!
Hi Michelle! The clear coat is applied after the stain is 100% dry. You can either brush it on, wipe it on with an applicator sponge or us a spray gun. Have fun with your wood dresser. 🙂
Late to this party, but I LOVE what you did with this table. Were the leafs treated or painted any differently than the “table top” section? They look lighter, but I can’t tell if that’s just the lighting. Thank you!
Hi Liz! The drop-leafs were finished exactly the same as the top. I had nice light coming through my windows when I did the photoshoot so they may look a little lighter but they’re not. 🙂
Hi, I have been wanting to refinish my coffee table in a gray! So glad I found this. Thanks!
Glad you’ve found the #siblog too… WELCOME! And have fun with your coffee table project Janet. 🙂
Hello Denise, The end result of the Gate-legged table is beautiful. My question is what makes you recommend the Dewalt sander over other orbital sanders? I need to purchase one and would like your thoughts.
Thanks, Zoe
Hi Zoe! There are a bunch of good brands like Bosch, Makita, Black & Decker, Porter Cable etc. I suggest heading out and holding a variety in your hand to see what feels most comfortable for you. For me, I have a bunch of Dewalt tools. Price is good for the amazing quality, power and functions, it doesn’t vibrate like some other brands… and I’ve had it for I don’t know how long and aside from being super dusty, it’s like brand new. 🙂
Love it! I’ve been looking all over for a diy ideas for a dark wood buffet. Been going back and forth for a distressed look between whitewashing, bleaching, pickling etc. This seems like the best option, even if I have to sand it down to raw wood. The other methods sound like lots of steps between sanding, putting on a coat for blead through, staining, paintings top coat etc.. thanks for the inspiration!
great post Denise! After showing the table before image especially the top would like to see the top’s after picture
hard to tell with the books and other items.. Thanks and am looking forward to all you have in store in up coming posts!
Suzanne
Thanks, Suzanne! I’ll see if I have any ‘top-pics’ to upload so you can get a better look. 🙂
Hi Denise,
I love the table. I read through all of the comments and did not see any information about sealing the gel stain. Is that required with this product?
Thank you
Hi Janie and thank you! Yes, I did topcoat with this satin clear coat.
Hi happy new year . Incredibly beautiful. This color is (gray) classical and charming
Happy New Year to you… and thanks Morteza! 🙂
Denise, Thank you so much for your help. When I get it done I will have my daughter help me send you a picture Have a great weekend!! Vickie
I’d LOVE that! 🙂 Have a great weekend. x
Denise, this piece is lovely and one of my favorites from you! I have a beat up old table myself and I’m going to try this same technique on it. Thank you so much for inspiring me!
Hi Jamie! So glad you like it and it sparked an idea. Have fun with you table restyle and I’d love to hear how it all works out for you! 🙂
Love this but I don’t see the video . Where is it posted?
Hi Sara! It’s right underneath Step#3 in this post… under the pic of the Voodoo stain. It’s a shorty but hope it helps. 🙂
Can you achieve this look without sanding down to the bare wood? Thank you
Oh my gosh, just loved that included a video!!!!!! I’m a very visual person and videos just help me so much. Thank you for sharing it all with us! You rock!
Oh, I’m sooo glad Peggy! Thanks for the feedback. Hugs x
Love how it turned out. Thanks for the inspiration and sharing. I would like to give this a try!
Hi Debra! 🙂 Thanks so much. xo
This table turned out absolutely stunning, Denise!! I picked up a similar gate leg table while thrifting last week but it is larger. After seeing yours, had mine been as narrow, I’d be keeping it to use just as you did! Love it! Looking forward to seeing what you create in 2019!
Thanks so much and I saw your ‘haul’ including the table! I can’t wait to see what you create! XO
Can I do this technique over white paint? Just sand a bit and go for it? I’ve used Dixie Belle paint and I like it a lot! Beautiful piece
Hi Maureen! 🙂 I would suggest testing in an inconspicuous area to make sure its the look you want but YES, you can definitely use VooDoo Gel Stain over white paint… or ANY color! It will give a nice rustic, antiqued look. 🙂
This turned out beautiful! Love that you showed the before so people can see what can be done with a little imagination and some Dixie Belle…so glad you tried the VooDoo!
Thanks so much, Teri! Soooo glad I tried the VooDoo too! 🙂
Hi Denise!
Love the look. Can you share where to buy the DB gel stain in Canada? Can I order it online?
Thanks Margaret! 🙂 State of Paint in Hamilton and KC Interiors in Toronto both carry DB but if you’re in another area you can plug in your addy here and it should give you some more locations. 🙂
Denise, I always look forward to your e mails because I love your work. Everything you do comes out beautiful and your staging is excellent. I have a 1940″s Duncan Phyfe buffet that I am re-doing. I striped it and sanded it down. My plan was to stain it (walnut dark) and put a finish coat on it. Now that I have it stained it looks good but something is just not sitting well with me.. Its just too big and brown. It’s a beautiful piece of furniture but it needs a lil character. Do you think if I gave it a light sanding ( I have not put the finish coat on it yet) I could put a coat of clear Boss on it and then the Voodoo gel stain up in smoke? What would you do? Thank you for your advice
Hi Vickie! 🙂 Hmmm, I have a few questions before I chime in with my two cents. 😉 The walnut stain you used – is it oil or water based? Also, is there a reason you need a stain blocker (BOSS) on top of the new stain you just applied… are you seeing splotches, stains etc?
Denise, Yes, the stain I used is oil based stain (minwax). I don’t see any blotching. I thought I would need to use the Boss to keep what I did before from coming through. I wish I could send you a picture but I’m not sure how to do that . Something else I need to work on. Thank you for your help
Vickie, I’m sorry. It may be my brain is still in ‘holiday-mode’ but I’m not quite understanding what look you’re after and I don’t want to answer willy-nilly and give you wrong info! Feel free to email me describing the look you’re hoping to achieve and hopefully, I can be of some help. 🙂
I’m sorry Denise I don’t think I’m explain myself well. I would like the look you did on the drop leaf table. I was thinking about it last night and I thought I don’t think I told her what end result I want. It’s not you honey, I get impatient and excited at the same time!! Thank you
We’re like two peas in a pod then cuz I get super excited and impatient with new projects too…lol. Okay, yes the BOSS over the dark stain would be helpful if you want to paint over it in a white or light color because it will stop any bleedthrough. You can also use a waterbased stain over an oil-based stain BUT it has to be 100% dry. That said, to get this RH weathered grey stain finish, I put it over RAW wood. I uploaded a short video so you can take a peek if you like. If you were to apply the Up In Smoke Gray Stain (or any brand of gray) over the walnut, it will look totally different… my guess is it would give a kind of milky look over the dark stain — which may look stunning. but I would test first. 🙂
WOW!! SIMPLY STUNNING Denise!!
RH better watch out…
I will have to research if DIXIE BELLE VOODOO GEL STAIN is available here in Canada. I reside on Vancouver Island in Beautiful British Columbia and more often than not these products do not ship to Canada. I LOVE revamping plain old pieces to give them new life as well. There is nothing like creating one of a kind pieces that will become the focal point and may even be the topic of conversation for the new owners to brag about a little.
You are an amazing ARTIST and I for one am grateful YOU take the time and energy to share Your gift.
Wishing YOU a HAPPY NEW YEAR filled with peace. love, laughter, and prosperity to last the year through.
I look forward to Your next project reveal.
Blessings now and always,
xo Michelle
…. ” I LOVE revamping plain old pieces to give them new life….There is nothing like creating one of a kind pieces that will become the focal point and may even be the topic of conversation for the new owners to brag about a little.”… worth repeating because I LOVE the way you phrased this and couldn’t agree more Michelle!!! I’m pretty sure DB has retailers in BC and they have a retailer locater here. 🙂 Wishing you a Happy New Year as well. xo
Very nice! Feeling super inspired right now.
Thanks Tammy, that puts a smile on my face. 🙂
Happy New Year Denise! Amazing gate leg table makeover as the top looked in quite a bad condition. Once again, nice save and it looks lovely in your home. ~ Nicki
Thanks Nicki and Happy New Year to you as well! And yes, the top was pretty ugly…lol.
Ahh, I passed on the very same table at a yardsale because I couldn’t think what to do with it. Now I’m regretful after seeing this beautiful makeover.
Hi Valerie! 🙂 Ya, well they look kind of cumbersome and old fashion, don’t they? It took me forever to figure out what I was going to do with mine…lol
The table is beautiful. I have used a Dixie Belle chalk paint, but had no idea about the gel stain.
I must put it on something soon.
Hi Nancy, thanks! 🙂 And I had no idea either! DB is really expanding their product line.
I absolutely love everything you do! I love the end results of the drop leaf table!
Thanks so much Donna! 🙂
I LOVE this makeover the color is gorgeous. I have been toying with using Dixie Bell Paint but you’ve convinced me to try now. The way you used this table as a sofa table behind the couch was so creative. Thanks for opening my eyes!
If you give them a try I’d love to hear your thoughts Sue. And ya, I’m pretty pleased with the look behind the couch. I was thinking I could also take the 2 drop leafs off leaving the top center and show off more of the legs. It would be a more ‘airy’ look for spring and summer! 🙂
gorgeous! i am marking this email to do! i am in love w/ all the greys.
I’m decorating my living room with grey being the primary color – so I’m pretty grey crazy lately too. 😉
Hi Denise, your gate table is beautiful , This color of weathered gray is what I have been looking for.
I use DB paints all the time,but have never tried voodoo stains.
Your site is always an inspiration for me. Your make overs are all beautiful .
Aw, thanks Linda. 🙂 Ya, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a water-based gel stain but I’m reaaaaalllly pleased. This was the exact look I was looking for! If you give it a go I’d love to hear your thoughts/results. 🙂
Ohhhhh I love this stain I have a table very similar to yours
Yours turned out beautiful I love it
Jannnetttt! I’ve miss you!! 😉 Thanks, and these gate tables are really neat, aren’t they! I was telling Sue (previous comment) that it would also look really good with the 2 leafs off and all the legs showing. Very versatile. 🙂
Nice results with that stain.. Have you ever tried Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator? It too is water based and depending on wood, gives great results too. Love how you painted the underside of the table top too, gives it a cohesive look from all angles.. Glad you’re back,Happy New Year.
Happy New Year Tracy… missed you!!!! 😀 I recently used a Gray Varathane on this fall table but it wasn’t the Weathered Wood Accelerator. If you say its good, I’ll have to give it a try! I have to admit, working with a waterbased gel stain is waaaaay more pleasant than the stinky stuff. 🙂
Happy New Year Denise. I missed reading your blog over the Christmas holidays. I absolutely love love love the grey stain finish you did on your folding table. It turned out beautifully. I’m also LOVING the peeks you are giving us readers of your home. It looks beautiful.
Aw, thank Monique and Happy New Year my friend! Missed you! 🙂 I hope to work on a few room makeovers this year so I’ll be sure to share them with you. 🙂
Geez, Denise!!! This is amazing. You’ve completely captured the RH look . Big kudos!!! XOXO
Hi Susie!!! 🙂 Thanks so much! If it was the same table in the Restoration Hardware pic – they’d be twinsies. 😉 lol
Denise,
I am new to your site and love your ideas! Did you completely strip the table top? Was the sander able to do this? Usually I have to add a chemical stripper step (which is why I am about to try chalk painting!)
Thanks,
Maureen
Hi Maureen and a BIG WELCOME to you! 🙂 Yes, the orbital sander stripped all the old stain off very nicely. I started with an 80grit, then 120, then 220. I try not to use strippers unless I absolutely have to cuz I can’t stand the smell and the mess. That said, a few #siblog readers encouraged me to try CitriStrip which smells kind of nice, but I’d still rather sand most of the time. 🙂
This is exactly the information I was looking for that I didn’t find in the original post. So you CAN get stain off wood by sanding in the manner you described. I would never have believed it possible but your table top is definitely bare before staining and it’s BEAUTIFUL in the gray.
Thanks!!
I’m curious, if you had tried to apply an additional coat of the Dixie Belle gel stain do you think it may have come out the same exact color as the restoration hardware piece? Don’t get me wrong, it’s gorgeous the way it is but if it were me I would be trying for an exact match. I get so frustrated when I can’t get it exactly as I want it. I love the drop leaf tables and there’s one for sale near me that’s in pristine condition, very cheap. My problem with that is I know once I bought it, I wouldn’t want to change it. It’s definitely the pristine part that bothers me. There’s another for sale that’s in pretty sad shape and they want way too much for it so I wouldn’t buy that either. Anywho…you do such beautiful work and I’m so glad you shared this as I was looking for a color like this to do another piece in, so I will have to get some of these paints and stains and see what happens!
Hi Shirley! Yes, the more coats you add of the Voodoo gel stain, the darker the color will get. So yes. You could darken it up to the exact match of the Restoration Hardware piece. Just as a side note though, the type of wood will play a part in the color of the stain too. Just something to keep in mind. 🙂 If you do give it a try, I’d love to hear what you think. 🙂
Nice table. Nice paint job But it’s traditionally called a “gate-leg” table. Everything is shorter in the 21st century as language evolves. Love your projects.
Thanks and Gate-Leg-Table makes sense! At least I didn’t shorten it to GT….lol.;) Thanks for this MJ. 🙂
Hi denise, Happy New Year! I think the table looks gorgeous. I recently up cycled a table just like this and ended up just using oak stain and varnish for the top. It looked ok but not as attractive as yours. Did you put any type of finish on top of the gel stain, like wax maybe? Or is it hard wearing?
Hi Tania and Happy New Year to you! Yes, I used 3 coats of DB Satin Clear Coat on top of the gel stain. The clear coat is waterbased too so really easy to use and dries fast. It has a VERY subtle sheen and is super durable.
Oh my goodness this is gorgeous Denise. I’m working on a table this week with the Voodoo gel stain. Crossing my fingers it turns out as lovely as yours.
xo, Do
Hi Do! Thanks and I’m sure it will! Can’t wait to see what you create. 🙂