DIY Club May 2010 Project: Table Touch-Ups

 

Here it is! 

The simple DIY Club project that took nooooooo talent...but lots of guts!! In this case, it was all about our coffee table below. It was purchased about 10-12 years ago. It was discounted because its original marble top was broken. I had a glass piece cut to fit the top (Please ignore the dust!!).

This table has made several moves...a couple being cross-country...while being carelessly toted in the back of a moving van. As shown below, there are lots of dings and scrapes that demonstrate it's use and abuse...

Well, when I was looking at the DecoArt paint products for this month, I was drawn to their metallic paints and glazes. I thought they might be perfect for showing my dear coffee table some love. But while I am quite familiar working with paint rollers and spray paint, the idea of doing a crafty, detailed painting project concerned me. I didn't know what products to buy or when to use a paint or glaze. 

No better way to learn than to jump in and try them both! I decided to get the paint in Rich Espresso and the glaze in Renaissance Brown. I knew from the start, however, that this was going to be a trial and error project!

One of the most exciting parts of this project was opening the jars. The DecoArt metallic products are so rich and beautiful. I started by dipping the corner of a foam brush into the Rich Espresso metallic paint. I applied it to the area. I tried the glaze over the top of it but soon figured out that a glaze was not going to give me the effect I wanted. Like I said...trial and error. :)

I also soon realized that this area was more of a "chip" than a ding and that there are so many other colors and textures going on in this table than I realized. Oh, Miss Mustard Seed, where are you....?

Well, with the glass back in place, it is much less noticeable than what I started with. That is an accomplishment, right? I think I will need to reexamine DecoArt's paint colors and see if I can get appropriate colors to complete the stipple effect that is found on the rest of the table.

So, here is the overall effect and the products that I used...

For my first foray into painting on this scale, I am happy to say I survived. DIY is about stepping out of your comfort zone and doing those things that you might not be skilled at...yet. Scared as I was, I made it through and am excited to figure out how to make this first attempt even better. Then I will continue the process on the rest of the table.

Any tips for the decorative painting novice?

Do you have your DIY Club project ready?
Link up here Friday, May 7!