Norma Oliver’s Furniture Rescue:
Went crazy with colors on this table!

Sometimes it’s very difficult for me to limit myself to just one or even two colors when I have so many luscious ones to choose from. So, I just have to give in and go with it, grab the ones speaking to me and use them!

I bought a sturdy and primitive style small table from an online auction. It was just painted plain ole’ white and where tape had been removed, it left some chipping and layers. Since this was an imperfect piece to begin with, my thought usually is to embrace it, and even create more imperfections.

In fact, I slathered and layered on in random fashion five gorgeous colors, mostly in the blue/green family. These are Annie Sloan Chalk Paint colors, the new Florence, Greek Blue, Louis Blue, Antibes Green and a little Graphite. Each color was applied in a totally reckless manor, although I did carefully dry each color with a blow dryer. Since the paint was applied thickly, the blow dryer caused a wonderful crackle appearance.

So then I had a crazy vivid sort of camouflage thing going on. I know when my husband saw the in-between stage he wondered if I might have been tripping on some psychedelic drugs or something. It was bold, very bold. Next, these bold colors were toned down using Minwax® Express Color water based wiping stain in Ebony. I used the product like a wash, applied thinly and most of it wiped off with a damp cloth.

A coat of Pure White refreshed the legs of the table and a slightly diluted mix of Pure White was applied over all the crazy colors. You could barely see the colors through the white. Next was the most amazing part! After the white had dried, using an old rough washcloth, I “wet sanded” the white paint. Taking off just enough to show the now muted colors, but leaving plenty to fully draw attention to the amazing texture created by the thick layers of paint and crackle finish. Wow! I can’t even describe how elated I felt seeing the results! “Love it” is such an understatement, perhaps “amazing” is better.
Two coats of my new favorite product, Varathane Satin Floor Finish were applied giving it great protection and a nice satin sheen. I may be using a lot of this; it’s so easy to use and water-based makes for easy cleanup. The satin finish looks and feels so satiny.

This little table could be used anywhere; besides a sofa or bed, in the hall or wherever you decide. The extra little shelf below will come in handy as well.

Before

After

Norma Oliver, owner of Norma’s Kentiques, is a happily married empty nester who has raised six children. She loves to hunt down ugly and rejected furniture that is still valuable and sturdy. Each piece is given a distinctive look, often through a professionally applied chalk paint and wax finish process. These bargain accent pieces are then sold at her booth within the Georgetown Peddler’s Mall (inside-far left). See more of Norma’s Kentiques on her Facebook page and visit her blog at www.normaskentiques.com.