Craigslist Side Table Makeover Video Tutorial for Beginners

So, my new obsession is watching makeup tutorials on YouTube. I know, it sounds weird for a late 30's stay-at-home mom of three, but they have opened me up to a whole new world of makeup tricks, tips and products. And for me, they are so much more entertaining than watching Netflix or shows. Lately, they have inspired me to start filming more and ramping up my YouTube Channel.

My latest video is all about using beginner's techniques to update a Craigslist piece of furniture. This is a smooth finish with no distressing or wax. Play the video by clicking the picture below.

It's always best to start small when trying out refinishing for the first time. You don't want to ruin grandma's dining table or your bedroom set. Finding inexpensive items from Goodwill or Craigslist is always a great idea. I got this table for free from a neighbor who had bought a set off of Craigslist and only needed one table. My friends and family know they can always offer me free furniture!

For this project, I used General Finishes Gel Stain in Java for the table top and Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White for the body. I sealed the entire piece with General Finishes High Performance Top Coat in Flat. Don't let the staining portion scare you. It's a lot like painting. There is no need to completely strip the existing finish. There is a little cleaning and sanding involved, but it's a lot less messy and time consuming than stripping the entire top. I really love General Finishes products. They have become some of my favs lately.

Pauly D Foundation Auction Winner

Hi friends! It's been awhile since I have blogged about it, but I have been busy painting this spring. Today, I've popped in to share a reveal with you from earlier this year. This table is one of the most dramatic makeovers I've done in a while, and it was my first time working with the much raved about General Finishes Java Gel Stain.

Last fall, I donated a service to a fundraiser for our dear friends' foundation, the Pauly D Foundation. After tragically losing their son in an accidental drowning, the Pauly D Foundation was established to advocate for water safety and drowning prevention. Their vision is to make a difference by raising the bar on water safety education and awareness. I was happy to donate to such a wonderful cause. The lucky winner contacted me early in 2017, and we went right to work bringing life back to her much used dining table.

The top was in rough shape from years of use and the grandkids had given it their own special touch by carving their names in the apron with a pencil. It was definitely time to show this table some love. My client settled on a two tone look with a dark espresso top and white distressed apron. I have been intrigued by General Finishes Gel Stain for a while now. The way it works is that you can stain right over an existing finish, but this top had a lot of peeling and cracking. I decided to sand down the entire top and work with staining the raw wood for an even, clean finish.