I attended a conference recently and a speaker talked about why she loves to redo furniture. She said it’s because she believes in second chances- in life and for furniture. I love that! So when I needed a table for a project and only found a dated 90’s pine table, I figured I could breathe new life into it. Here’s what it looked like when I bought it-
I grabbed it for $20. I loved the shape of the legs and top and could see so much potential! Want to see how I gave it a DIY white washed driftwood finish?!
DIY white washed driftwood finish
Let’s start with the video tutorial so you get an overview on what I did. Then, I’ll dive in with more details below:
If the video doesn’t work here, you can watch it on YouTube here. P.s. I’m trying to build that page up, so if you’d subscribe, I’d really appreciate that!SUPPLIES
step 1
Start by sanding the old finish and stain off the table. I used a palm sander with course grit sandpaper. It took a few hours and probably 7 sheets of sand paper. This step was a TON of work, but it made a massive difference!
step 2
Next, use a wire brush and scuff up the wood. Pine has soft portions and by using a wire brush, it raises the grain. This step is key in achieving the white wash finish! It’ll leave allow the finish to penetrate the wood.
step 3
And now for the white part of the white wash finish! I used white stain and rubbed it all over the end table. Shake the bottle well, get some on a rag, and rub the stain with the grain. Let dry for one hour.
step 4
Once the stain is dry, rub some brown glaze over the entire end table. Dip a rag into the glaze and then apply it to the wood. Again, go with the direction of the grain.
step 5
Finally, finish with waxing the furniture. This was my first time using the spray wax and I loved it! You just spray it all over the piece and then rub it in with a rag. This gives it a silky smooth finish. It doesn’t change the color at all and there’s no sheen. Love!
Also, make sure to switch out the hardware to really update the piece. This one was $6 from Hobby Lobby.
after
Ta da! I think it looks like more of a French antique now! Honestly, I’m really thrilled with how it transformed!
You can see the finish a little better here. I like the variety of tones and how it is naturally darker at the seams (which helps highlight the curves).
see the tutorial for this framed Chinoiserie Wallpaper mural here
There you go! How to make your own driftwood finish. What do you think? Would you try this on an old piece of furniture? I think it looks like a Restoration Hardware piece. Mostly I like that I could give this table a second chance.
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