Side Table Remix

I found this cute little side-table at GW a while back for under 10 bucks.

I loved the clean lines and the way our magazine basket fits perfectly underneath. However, I did not love the cracked and peeling varnish look.


So, I spent some time working on it this weekend and transformed it!


It was really easy, but it did take some time because I had to remove all the old varnish before I repainted it. Here's what I did:

Step one: Remove the varnish


I used a chemical stripper to remove the old, nasty varnish. I painted it on using an old paintbrush, and of course I wore gloves as well!


You "paint" it on the varnish, and then after it starts to bubble you can just scrape it all off.


I had to repeat that a couple of times to get all the varnish off! Then, I gave it a good sand-down.



Finally, I spray painted on about 3 coats. I used a glossy paint so the surface is easier to wipe down.


And voila! I love easy, cheap makeovers!