I love coffee tables! They are such a versatile piece of furniture, providing a place to rest your coffee or tea, display books or decorative items, and even serve as a place for games and puzzles. However, sometimes a coffee table can look a little too new and out of place in a vintage or rustic-themed room. That’s where antiquing comes in! Antiquing a coffee table is a great way to add character and charm to an otherwise ordinary piece. In this article, I will guide you through 5 simple steps to antique your coffee table like a pro.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you get started, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Sandpaper
Sandpaper is essential for preparing the surface of your coffee table for antiquing. You’ll want to start with a rough grit sandpaper, around 80 or 100, to remove any existing finish or rough up the surface. Then, you’ll switch to a finer grit sandpaper, around 220, to smooth out the surface and create a nice base for the antiquing process.
2. Paint and Primer
Next, you’ll need paint and primer. Choose a paint color that will complement your room’s décor and the look you want to achieve. For an antique look, muted and earthy tones work best. You’ll also need a primer to ensure that the paint adheres properly to the surface of your coffee table.
3. Antiquing Glaze
To give your coffee table an aged and distressed appearance, you’ll need an antiquing glaze. This glaze will be applied over the painted surface and then wiped away, leaving behind a subtle, aged effect. You can find pre-made antiquing glazes at your local home improvement store, or you can make your own by mixing a small amount of brown or black paint with glazing liquid.
4. Brushes and Rags
You’ll need a variety of brushes for the different steps of the antiquing process. A paintbrush will be used for applying the primer and base coat of paint, while a small brush or sponge brush will be used for applying the antiquing glaze. Additionally, you’ll need rags or old T-shirts for wiping away excess glaze and creating the desired distressed effect.
5. Protective Finish
Finally, you’ll need a protective finish to seal and protect your newly antiqued coffee table. Choose a finish that matches the sheen of your paint, whether it’s matte, satin, or glossy. This step is crucial to ensure that your antiquing job lasts for years to come.
Prepare the Surface
Now that you have all your supplies ready, it’s time to prepare the surface of your coffee table. Start by removing any hardware or accessories from the table, such as knobs or drawers. Use your rough grit sandpaper to sand away the existing finish, making sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain. This will create a smooth and even surface for painting.
Once you’ve removed the old finish, switch to the finer grit sandpaper. Sand the entire surface of the coffee table, again following the wood grain, to create a nice base for the paint. Be sure to sand any edges or corners as well, as these areas tend to get missed.
After sanding, wipe away any dust or residue with a damp cloth or tack cloth. This will ensure that your paint adheres properly and looks smooth and professional.
Apply Primer and Paint
With your coffee table prepped and ready, it’s time to apply the primer. Use a paintbrush to apply a thin, even coat of primer to the entire surface of the table. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step. This usually takes about 24 hours, but be sure to check the drying time on the label of your specific primer.
Once the primer is dry, it’s time to apply the base coat of paint. Again, use a paintbrush to apply a thin, even coat of paint to the entire surface, including the edges and corners. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Create the Aged Effect
Now comes the fun part – creating the aged effect! Take a small brush or sponge brush and dip it into the antiquing glaze. Start by applying the glaze to the edges, corners, and any other areas where natural wear and tear would occur over time. Then, working in small sections, apply the glaze to the rest of the table’s surface.
Once the glaze is applied, use a clean rag or old T-shirt to wipe away the excess glaze. This will create a subtle, aged effect and highlight the natural texture and details of the coffee table. Don’t be afraid to experiment here – you can always add more glaze or wipe away more if needed.
Seal and Protect
The last step in antiquing your coffee table is to seal and protect your hard work. Apply a thin, even coat of protective finish using a paintbrush or foam brush. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time and any additional coats. Once the finish is dry, you can reattach any hardware or accessories that you removed earlier.
Enjoy Your Newly Antiqued Coffee Table
Congratulations, you have successfully antiqued your coffee table like a pro! Step back and admire your handiwork – you have transformed an ordinary coffee table into a unique and charming piece of furniture that adds character and style to your space. Enjoy using your newly antiqued coffee table for years to come, and don’t be surprised if your friends ask you to antique their tables too!