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Thursday, August 23, 2012

flea market table makeover





As promised, here is my other painting project--a small flea market table
that I picked up for $5 two years ago, here.
It was a lovely vintage looking green,
but now that the floors are painted a sage green
the table had to change.
It seemed the perfect project to try some DIY chalk paint ~ so here's what I did:

  1. first I scraped away any flaking paint and coated the table base with some primer...I probably didn't need to since I was using chalk paint, but the primer was handy
  2. I mixed up my chalk paint using an 8 oz sample container of Behr Premium Plus Ultra in Sparrow to which I added 2 tablespoons of NOW brand calcium carbonate powder  {I mixed the powder with a tiny bit of water first, so there would be no lumps, then I stirred it into the paint}
  3. I only applied one coat, and it covered well
  4. I sanded lightly to distress it a little
  5. then I rubbed on some clear wax, buffed, and followed with a darker Walnut shade of wax to age it a bit
It turned out just as I hoped, and I was able to stay within my frugal budget.
Those little sample paint pots go a long way--there is still plenty left for several
more small projects.
And, as I don't have much invested, I won't feel so bad if I decide to change the color in a year
or two  :)
~
Hope you're having a great week everyone.  
I hope you'll please try to stop back tomorrow
for information on a special giveaway!!

Deb

14 comments:

  1. That is a cute table and a great deal too. I love picking up the sample pots when Home Depot has them on clearance for $1. They are great for small pieces, signs etc.

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  2. I think that little flea market table is so cute! The thing is...it reminds me of a child's table, I once place 'tea party' at a table quite similar on my Granny's back porch!

    I love what you've done with it. Pat

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  3. Thanks so much for the instructions--especially using the sample containers! They're just the right size for most of my projects. Your table is lovely!

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  4. Wonderful project, your table looks amazing. Thanks for the chalk paint recipe, I will have to have a try at that. Linda xxx

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  5. Where did you find the chalk paint recipe? I've been thinking of buying the expensive stuff, but I'd rather make it---I even have the calcium carbonate already!

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    1. Sara, there are several recipes out on the internet--just google diy chalk paint or chalk paint recipe--some use non-sanded grout, some use plaster of paris, and some the calcium carbonate. The exact measurements seem to vary a little, so I just started with 2 tablespoons of the calcium carbonate...you could probably use more to get a chalkier effect....Deb

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  6. I'm feeling very inspired to visit some yard sales/flea markets and buy some paint!

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  7. You truly amaze me. I don't know where you find the time to do the things you do. I really like what you have done with the table and your other finds are lovely. I only recently (3 months ago) came to your website/blog and am so glad I found it. I was in a wonderful knit shop in Northville, MI and they had made up a few of your waffle dishcloths. Gave the pattern with purchase of cotton yarn. I try to check out your blog about once a week and look forward to the e:mails. I have been making up lots of the dishcloths to give as gifts w/handmade soap. Hope they like receiving as much as I like knitting...Mary Lea

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  8. I've seen the pricey chalk paints at some of the local shops, but I didn't know you could mix up your own. Cool! I'll have to give it a try on an old bedside table in my daughter's room.

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  9. Hi
    I just dropped in again to read through some old posts. I always find inspiration.

    Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,
    Laura

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  10. Anonymous8:11 AM

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  11. I love what you did with this little table and it looks very nice in your living room. Your floors are very pretty! xx

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  12. I love your chalk paint projects! I will definitely have to try making some for an unfinished bookshelf that I have. Did you use Benjamin Moore Sage green for the floors? I recently saw some painted in that color in Country Living. They look amazing!

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Thank you for taking time to leave a comment--I love reading each and every one! I will try to answer any questions you have in the comment section. Due to the amount of spam, I am sadly no longer able to accept Anonymous comments....Kindly, Deb