FARMHOUSE TABLE & CHAIRS MAKEOVER

​On my search for the perfect farmhouse dining table, I scoured various outlets, only to find that the ideal piece came with a price tag way beyond my budget. Determined not to skimp on quality, I broadened my search to include new, solid wood tables that I could transform. That's when I stumbled upon a newer table with potential, but the glossy, orangey finish, that didn't align with my vision whatsoever!

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Before:

After:

Here's the materials list for this Makeover:

• Drill

• Drill sanding attachments with various grit (I used 40, 80, 120, and 220. Using the 80 and 120 most often)

• Wire brush drill attachment

• Sanding sheets

• Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint in Caviar Matte Black

• Minwax English Chestnut Penetrating Wood Stain

• Jolie Black Finishing Wax

• Brushes to apply stain and paint

• Face Mask

• Eye wear

• Work gloves

• Rags

• Clothes to get dirty in!

So, one morning, armed with determination and sandpaper, I put on some old clothes, gloves, and embarked on the journey of getting rid of the table's original coat. After some elbow grease (okay, a lot of elbow grease), the table stood before me, its raw pine boards gleaming with newfound potential. But a mere newness wouldn't be enough; I wanted the weathered charm of aged wood. With a variety of sharp and blunt tools, I set out to distress the surface, leaving behind various dents, dings, scratches, and intentional clusters of pinholes resembling wormholes.

Also, I used the wire brush and went with the grain of the wood (so horizontally across the table) and made long "scrapes" into the wood. This made it resemble tiny cracks all over the tabletop. Once the stain and wax are applied later on, that's where the magic of this process will be evident!

Before I finished the top, I had to tackle the legs. I applied the Chalk Paint which provided the perfect look. Once that was dry, I followed it by a strategic sanding to achieve the distressed effect of a Farmhouse look.

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Meanwhile, the table's top needed a different treatment. To give the wood a rich look, I applied the penetrating stain, allowing its rich color to seep deep into the wood. With penetrating stain, you have to work quickly! Brush on and wipe with a rag within seconds or the brush marks will stay. Once you get started, you'll understand immediately what I mean.

You can see the gorgeous richness the stain gave the raw, bright pine. Once that was dry, I began applying the antiquing finishing wax. Simply, apply with a rag, working in circular motions, switching directions, working the wax into the grains, scrapes, dents, etc. Keep buffing until it feels "clean". It will have a slight sheen to the surface.

As excess wax was wiped away, a simulation of age, wear, and character emerged and offered an instant transformation.

​The great thing about black Antiquing Wax is its simplicity—a single application serving as both technique and finish. With just one coat, buffed by hand, the table had a smooth, subtle sheen. Though not overtly glossy, the buffing process accentuated its newfound character. I'm overjoyed with the final result!

For the chairs and bench, I used the same technique as for the table legs, using the Chalk Paint. Once that was dry, I followed it by a deliberate sanding to achieve the distressed effect of a Farmhouse look, trying to glance at the table legs to attempt to not over-sand or under-sand. 

I'm extremely happy that I went with the chairs and bench in matte black and distressed. They match up seamlessly. In the end, I marveled at the transformation, what was once orangey, kind of cheap-looking and now has the timeless appeal of a well-aged Farmhouse set. 

(Chairs still drying!)

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As a DIY enthusiast, I’m thrilled that you’ve followed along with this project. My hope is that it has left you feeling inspired and ready to embark on your own creative journey. Dive in and let your imagination run wild!

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