I want to give a little backstory to this find. Each year our city does a spring clean-up (a junkers' dream!). During our quadrant's turn to dispose, I am sitting at my desk mulling over my calendar of projects. At that time I am also updating my new site and thought to myself...hmmm..it's been a while since I've done a dining set makeover. I look up and there it was on my neighbors lawn.
To be honest, my initial reaction was ughhhh... Why? Well, dining sets are so much work, and I just emptied my house and storage of any extra furniture. We live in a tiny home and I'm tired of living with extra furniture everywhere. Whereas lately I turn things down, I couldn't turn down this project for two reasons. 1) it is free 2) it is totally free, as in costs no money. nuff said.
DETAILS
First, let's take a look at what I'm dealing with. It's obvious this set has been sitting outside for quite some time. I spy mold, stains, water damage and totally parched wood. Plus, one of the chairs is missing a spreader.
However, I see no reason that this can't get some TLC and be made new. It's just gonna take a tub of elbow grease. eep!
*post sponsored by HomeRight (see full disclosure)
When it comes to damage and wear like this, the only way to get it back to life is to take the time needed. There's no quick fix, but rather a beneficial process that can actually be fun.
DIY TIME
First, as you can imagine, I begin by using my orbital sander to work on the chairs. This Windsor classic style of chair has always been a favorite of mine because it works in many different decor situations. In addition, you can see the difference in this other dining room table makeover I did a few years ago.
The finish on these chairs comes right off with minimal effort. However, while the sander can hit most easy-to-get-to spots, hands are still the best for tight spots. I'm thankful for my two awesome helpers to take care of spindles and fine-tuning sanding.
I've also added the spreader I was able to find online and have shipped to my home.
Next, the farmhouse dining table is the focus of my attention. This time, however, I tackle this job with my belt sander. Also, not to mention we are in the mid 90's here and making the most of it.
NEXT STEPS
Now it's time to break out my sprayer. You can see my video demo of the setup below.
Definitely, no one I know relishes painting spindles by hand, so this is definitely the best way to tackle them. Also, notice I'm using a basic black paint in eggshell finish with start with the chairs facing down. This allows me to hit the legs without getting up and down to check my coverage.
Then, I flip them up and finish quickly. In less than 30 minutes, I've given the chairs their first coat.
Next, it's the tables turn. Again, this is pretty simple to do. It's just a matter of having the paint the right consistency, having the spray flow set properly, and using correct lapping technique for even coverage. Always practice on scrap if you want to check your setup before beginning.
Likewise, you want to let the paint cure between coats to ensure proper layering. Once my two paint layers are dry, I apply several coats of a satin poly to both chairs and table.
THE REVEAL
I'm so stoked to see this once unloved farmhouse dining table set made new again.
This classic black looks good in most any style and will stand the test of time. What say you?
Finally, I can step back and see my patient work has paid off. I'm doing a happy dance over here! My hesitation to pull this set off the curb has been put at ease. Trashure is definitely work, but also so fun.
If you'd like to make this farmhouse dining table set a part of your home, you can find it available in my online store.
In addition, pin and share my farmhouse dining table makeover to inspire others. You too, can create your own home story.
Up next, this broken garden art is awaiting a new life. See the after HERE.
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