Ugly Duckling turns into a Swan
- By Joan
- September 22, 2016
- 8 Comments
This is my swan. A beautiful solid wood Thomasville side table. He is super sturdy with dovetailed joints, shapely legs, rounded edges and beautiful scroll details.
He wasn’t always so pretty. When I first came upon him, he was somewhat of an ugly duckling. Maybe he wasn’t as pretty as some of the other furniture for sale, but this ugly duckling was only $5.
He looked at me with his pretty brown eyes…take me home.
He really did have tons of potential.
Did I mention that he was only $5?
This was the top of my table. It doesn’t look too terribly bad…
…but if you look closer, the top was filled with water marks, doodles, the alphabet and random squiggles all etched into the tables surface. The graffiti even spread to the sides of the table. Someone, clearly a young’n just learning his alphabet had decided to practice his new found love of letters on the top and sides of this table.
Clearly, the parents did not want to discourage the new found genius.
Do you remember my Vintage Writing Desk Makeover? It too was covered with artwork. Could this table be the same child’s earlier artwork?
What is really nice about well made furniture is that it’s made of solid wood and it takes a sanding really well. This table needed plenty of sanding.
There weren’t many areas on the top that had escaped the artist’s work.
Instead of trying to restore the original finish I opted for a coat of black chalk paint.
A light sanding after the paint had dried, emphasizes the curves and edges of the piece.
All that was left was to give him a coat of clear wax and reattach his original handle.
My ugly duckling is now my beautiful black swan.
Have a great weekend and come back and visit me on Monday. See you then.
If you’re interested in making the post lamp, you can find it here.
Shared at Link Party Palooza, Silver Pennies Sundays,
Between Naps on the Porch, Savvy southern Style,
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Just gorgeous!!
Absolutely gorgeous!!!
Yes you did score a beautiful piece!
I love what you did with the color choice, he
is one handsome looking side table.
Happy Autumn
Linda C in Seattle .
Turned out stunning! Thank you for sharing with us at the To grandma’s house we go pink party! Pinned!
I am just a proud reader because I am also amaze how you’re able to turn an old stuff into a new and enchanting one. I love how it made and the color of it looks elegant. Thanks for an inspiration you shared in here.
Love this! I have almost the same one in my garage right now and you’ve inspired me to paint it black??
Do you know the name of the black you used?
I don’t still have that jar. It was probably from Michaels since I love their coupons and they have several brands to choose from. I haven’t noticed a lot of difference in any of the brands. Have fun with your project, it’s amazing what a little paint will do.
Thanks! 🙂