I love finding great pieces of older furniture at the thrift store. I recently purchased an end table (or small console, or small buffet, heck I don’t know what it is) for a deal. I struggled to figure out what era it came from and what it was used for. My guess is 1970’s end table? Either way, I was excited to get it (for only $15) and give it a good makeover. They just don’t make small end tables with storage like this anymore.
Here’s a quick look at my new end table (or whatever you want to call it)!
I love the square lines and even the hardware! It all just needed a little boost of modernism.
I also had a set (of 4) legs from Amazon that I knew would be perfect to add to this table. But first…to remove that chunky base. After removing the base, I decided to paint the rest of it with a Benjamin Moore Advance paint, which is one of my favorites.
One of the great things about Benjamin Moore Advance paint is that it is specially formulated for cabinets and other woodwork. This means that it goes on smoothly and dries to a hard, durable finish that will stand up to daily use. Plus, you can have it tinted to a wide range of colors, so you can choose the perfect shade to match your decor.
Make sure to check out 8 Great End Table Makeover Ideas before you leave!
Table of Contents
Why Choose Benjamin Moore Advance Paint
Benjamin Moore Advance Paint is a high-quality paint that can be used for cabinet makeovers. It is a waterborne alkyd paint that provides a smooth and durable finish. I recently did a test of the best white paint for kitchen cabinets. Benjamin Moore came out in the number 1 spot.
Here are some other reasons why you should choose Benjamin Moore Advance Paint for your next cabinet makeover project:
- Excellent Adhesion: Benjamin Moore Advance Paint has excellent adhesion properties, which means it will stick to your cabinets without flaking or peeling. This makes it ideal for use on kitchen cabinets that are exposed to moisture and heat.
- Durable Finish: The waterborne alkyd formula of Benjamin Moore Advance Paint provides a hard, durable finish that resists chipping, scratching, and fading. This makes it a great choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms or even end tables that will take a beating from kids.
- Easy to Clean: Benjamin Moore Advance Paint is easy to clean with soap and water, which makes it ideal for use in areas that are prone to spills and stains. It also resists mildew growth, which is a common problem in damp areas like bathrooms.
- Low VOC: Benjamin Moore Advance Paint has low VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions, which means it is better for the environment and for your health. It also has a low odor, which makes it easier to work with in enclosed spaces.
- Versatile: Benjamin Moore Advance Paint can be used on a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, and even plastic. This makes it a versatile choice for cabinet makeovers and other DIY projects.
Choosing the Right Color
One of the first things to consider when choosing a color is the overall style and aesthetic of your room. Are you going for a modern, minimalist look or a more traditional, cozy feel? The color you choose for your end table should complement the existing décor and enhance the overall ambiance of the room.
If your space has plenty of natural light, you may want to consider a darker color for your cabinets, as it will create a more dramatic effect. On the other hand, if your space is lacking in natural light, a lighter color may be a better choice, as it will help to brighten up the room.
I knew this end table would be sitting next to the couch in our downstairs living room. The space is very bright and open, so I knew I could compliment it with a darker color for the table. I’ve been loving green’s lately, so I decided to go with a Magnolia Home color called Garden Essential.
I had this paint color mixed into a Benjamin Moore Advance paint in satin.
Disclosure; this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price you pay. This disclosure statement refers to the rest of the Amazon links in this post.
Preparation
1. Gather the necessary tools and materials
Make sure to gather all the necessary tools and materials before starting the project. This includes paintbrushes, rollers, painter’s tape, drop cloths, and of course, Benjamin Moore Advance paint.
- End table
- Table Legs from Amazon
- Krud Kutter degreaser
- Benjamin Moore Advance paint in Satin
- Paint Sprayer
- Primer
- Paint brush
- Foam brush
- Rub N’ Buff – I used the color Antique Gold
- QCS by Stripwell
- Scraper
- Sanding block
- Daddy Van’s Beeswax for wood
- Lint free rag
- painters tape
2. Clean and prepare the cabinets
Before painting, make sure to clean and prepare the cabinets properly. Remove all hardware, doors, and drawers, and clean the surfaces with a degreaser to remove any dirt, grime, or grease.
3. Protect yourself and your surroundings
Safety should always be a top priority when working with paint. Make sure to wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a respirator to protect yourself from fumes and dust. Cover surrounding surfaces with drop cloths to prevent paint splatters and spills.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when working with paint. This includes proper ventilation, application techniques, and drying times.
Removing the Base of the end table
My first thought when I saw this beautiful chunky furniture piece was that if I removed the chunky base it would elevate it immediately. It wasn’t hard to remove either. Check out the video for more details.
Like I said before I already had a great set of 4 table legs that complimented the piece perfectly.
They were easy to install and came with all the necessary hardware (even drill bits) to make sure they were secure and attached to the table. If you want to see more creative DIY table leg ideas, I’ve got you covered.
Since I wanted to paint the legs the same color as the rest of the wood, it was necessary to attach them before I painted the table.
Step-by-Step End Table Makeover Guide
Taping
Using painters tape to tape off all the areas you don’t want painted is a must.
You can see I taped the gold portion of the legs.
I taped the entire top too because I wanted to give it a paint wash. I love a good two toned piece of furniture!
Priming
Priming is a crucial step to ensure that the paint adheres well and provides a smooth finish. Follow these steps to prime your cabinets:
- Apply a coat of primer with a brush, roller, or sprayer starting from the top and working downwards.
- Let the primer dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Sand the surfaces lightly with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any bumps or drips (optional)
Fore more priming tips and tricks as well as the best primer for cabinets, best primer for wood furniture, and why it’s necessary to always prime furniture before painting, check these posts out.
Painting
Now it’s time to paint your cabinets. Follow these steps to achieve a flawless finish:
- Apply the first coat of paint with a brush, roller, or paint sprayer starting from the top and working downwards.
- Let the paint dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For Benjamin Moore Advance, the dry time in between coats is 16 hours! Yep, you heard that right.
- Sand the surfaces lightly with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any bumps or drips. This step is optional.
- Apply the second coat of paint in the same manner as the first coat.
- Let the paint dry completely before reattaching the cabinet doors and drawers.
This is after the first coat. It’s looking good already!
I applied two coats of the Benjamin Moore Advance paint. Most projects will require two coats.
Finishing Touches
After painting, you can add some finishing touches to make your cabinets look even better. I liked the existing hardware, it just needed a little sprucing up. By sprucing up, I mean my go-to gold finish, Rub N’ Buff in the color Antique Gold.
You can see above where I applied the Rub N’ Buff to the left piece of hardware and not the right. This wax is so easy to apply and it makes old hardware look new.
Want to know more about Rub N’ Buff? Check out my post about How to Add an Antique Gold finish with Rub N’ Buff.
Applying a Paint Wash to the top of the end table
The last thing I did was apply my favorite paint wash technique to the top of the end table to mute those reddish wood tones.
I did cover it with a Beeswax product to protect it. You can see more about my side by side comparison of a few Beeswax products here. Spoiler alert, Daddy Van’s is my favorite product.
End Table Makeover
Ready for the final reveal? I love how it turned out.
I love the clean lines and new “feet.”
I’m please, what do you think?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
After flipping furniture for a few years (or twenty) I’ve learned a few things about what NOT to do. Here they are below.
1. Skipping the Prep Work
One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made when painting is skipping the prep work. This can include things like cleaning the cabinets thoroughly, sanding them down, and using a primer. Skipping these steps can result in a less-than-perfect finish that may not last as long as it should.
2. Using the Wrong Tools
Another common mistake is using the wrong tools when applying the paint. For example, using a cheap brush or roller can result in streaks or an uneven finish. It’s important to invest in high-quality brushes and rollers to ensure a smooth, even coat of paint.
3. Not Allowing Enough Drying Time
Benjamin Moore Advance paint is known for its long drying time (16 hours), so it’s important to allow enough time for the paint to dry between coats. Applying a second coat too soon can result in a tacky finish that may not dry properly.
4. Applying Too Thick of a Coat
Applying too thick of a coat of paint can also be a mistake. This can result in drips and an uneven finish. It’s better to apply multiple thin coats of paint, allowing each one to dry completely before applying the next.
Thanks for stopping by. As always, drop a note below with any questions.
Lindsey**
It looks great! You did an excellent job. Well done!