Farmhouse Table - Simple up-cycling. Part Three: The Finish.

So, the final and some might say the most exciting part of the whole thing - Finishing.

But what to choose? Paint? Varnish? (Surely not). Natural?

For this particular table I chose to paint the legs and underneath generally with Laura Ashley Pale French Grey, painting straight onto the prepared and perfectly keyed wood. Nothing wrong with that - the paint's made for it.

Alternatively you could primer and  undercoat first if you wish but there's really no advantage to doing this as all the extra under-paint will not add any additional lustre to the Chalk based top coat.

When the paint is dried (and you may need a few coats especially if you have not given the tin a good stir) - you can coat with a clear wax, letting it dry and then buffing - This is what brings out the additional lustre!.

The top has been taken back to the bare wood and then treated to as 50/50 water white wash mix before being 'dragged off'.

Dark Wax is then applied to produce the distinctive Verdigris tint you can see in the photo.

Once dried, the top is then clear waxed to bring out the Brown tint in parts of the now exposed wood grain.

The base and legs are painted in Pale French Grey Using: Laura Ashley.

The Dark Wax is by Rustoleum.

Farmhouse Table - Part two: Preparation.

Having found somewhere suitable to make a right old mess, (and get away with it), we can start the preparation.

I like to get the table top right down to bring out the grain of the wood - and I do this whether I'm going to paint or wax or varnish the finished item.

,,,,and at this early stage too, I really haven't fully decided on the final finish, (unless it's a customers; then it's pretty clear)!

Use a good quality paint stripper and a scraper, following the instructions closely, or hand sand.

On this table top, I went straight past GO and used my belt sander, which brought out the grain nicely.

Whichever you decide on, always sand in the direction of the grain, (not cross ways), and this will start to bring out the grain.

For the drawer front and Knobs and the rest of the table legs etc, use sand paper in hand and hand sand, taking your time and exercising a little patience. You'll get there. Don't worry.

Test a lighter grade of sand paper first and not rubbing too hard. You'll soon get the hang of how much pressure to apply with different grades of paper.

If you've got something to rest the up-turned table on, you'll find it much easier to work on the legs and underside when they're at a comfortable working height. Quicker too!

Well, as they say - "Thant's all Folks" - For now.

Look out for My third and final blog on up-cycling a simple Pine Farmhouse table