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How to use Retique It Liquid Wood with a Folding Table Makeover

My oh my I never thought I would be using a product like this! From chalk paint to milk paint to white wash, I feel like I’ve used it all. Then I discovered how to use Retique It Liquid Wood. This stuff is so cool! Who would have thought you could blend actual wood into a paint product. Let me show you how with a folding table makeover.

Every day there are new paint products on the market. Friends, this one is different.

When the folks at Retique It reached out and wanted me to create a project using their liquid wood, I figured I would makeover an old dresser. But the more I thought about it, the more I decided I wanted to transform a non wood surface into a real wood surface. Why not right?

Hence the folding table makeover…

Where do we start?

Let me show you the “before” picture of my folding table.

folding table before the Liquid Wood
folding table before the Liquid Wood makeover
folding table before the Liquid Wood makeover

I used this table for so many different projects; mainly as a craft table hence the stains on the table top. Since I use this table even when I film craft videos, I wanted to make it look a little more presentable. Normally I would cover it with a table cloth, but I’m hoping the Retique It Liquid Wood will give it a new look where I don’t have to cover it anymore.

Folding tables can be so functional and I’m about to make it functional and fabulous.

Video tutorial on how to use Retique It Liquid Wood

Before I get into the liquid wood tutorial, let me show you what I did to the base.

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.

I spray painted the legs and base with my favorite gold spray paint!

spray painting legs of table

If you’ve been inside my house you will notice tons of surfaces painted with this spray paint. Like I always say, don’t underestimate the power of paint, even a little spray paint!

It’s looking better now! Or maybe I think everything looks better in gold. 🙂

folding table with a spray painted base
folding table with a spray painted base

Now for the fun part…

Supplies for Folding Table Makeover

You can buy a “graining tool kit” from Amazon here. It includes the Liquid Wood product, stain, graining tool set, paint brush and staining cloth.

After you’ve cleaned the surface, open the Retique It Liquid Wood product and stir it really well. Make sure scrape the bottom of the can to mix all those little wood sediments real well.

How to use Retique It Liquid Wood for a folding table makeover

  1. Apply the Retique It Liquid Wood in long even brush strokes with a synthetic paint brush.

Make sure you use a synthetic brush with the Liquid Wood. Don’t use a bristle brush (the brushes you use with chalk paint).

Let it sit for two hours to dry. Don’t worry about brush strokes.

painting the first coat of Liquid Wood
Painting on the Retique It Liquid Wood

2. Apply the Second coat of Liquid Wood and while it’s still wet use the graining tool.

Applying the second coat of Liquid Wood and using the graining tool
Graining Tool

Grab the graining tool and pull it in long even strokes rolling it while you pull. This creates the “wood grain look.”

Note; don’t press too hard or you will pull up the Liquid Wood. If you do mess up, just roll the graining tool over the same area again. If you still don’t like it, apply another layer of Liquid Wood and then use the graining tool again.

using the Retique It graining tool
after using the graining tool
Still wet but looking good!
Retique It liquid wood applied to a folding table

Once it’s dry this is what it looked like. You can see the wood grain variations a lot better once it’s dry.

graining tool with Retique It liquid wood

3. Put the gloves on, grab a foam brush or regular brush and start to apply the stain in the direction of the wood grain.

applying stain to the Retique It Liquid wood

You can use a variety of stain products like Varathane stains as long as they aren’t penetrating stains. Minwax is a penetrating stain- don’t use a product like this. I would image it’s because there isn’t much to penetrate!

4. Next take a lint free cloth and wipe away the excess stain.

wiping away the liquid wood stain

Repeat this process until you get the desired finish.

adding polyurethane to the Retique It Liquid Wood

5. Add a layer (or two) of your favorite sealer. I’m using the Retique It Polyurethane.

I LOVE the Retique It products because they have virtually no VOC’s, which means almost NO PAINT ODOR! This is huge because I’m guilty of painting inside our house more than I want to admit.

Folding table makeover with Retique It Liquid Wood

How to use Retique It Liquid Wood with a Folding Table Makeover
How to use Retique It Liquid Wood with a Folding Table Makeover
Retique It Liquid Wood with a Folding Table Makeover
Retique It Liquid Wood with a Folding Table Makeover
How to use Retique It Liquid Wood
Retique It Liquid Wood with a Folding Table Makeover

How to use Retique It Liquid Wood with a Folding Table Makeover

how to use Retique It Liquid Wood

Learn how to use Retique It Liquid Wood with a folding table makeover. See how I took an ugly plastic folding table and transformed the top into a beautiful slab of wood with real wood grain.

Active Time 1 hour
Additional Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours
Difficulty Medium
Estimated Cost 50- 80 dollars

Materials

  • Retique It Liquid Wood
  • Retique It java stain
  • Retique It polyurethane
  • Synthetic paint brush
  • Foam brush
  • Gloves
  • Lint free cloth
  • Graining tool

Instructions

  1. First clean the surface really well. Make sure there are no dust particles. You don't need to strip the paint or sealer, just make sure it's clean and smooth.
  2. Stir the Liquid Wood product really well. Make sure you stir all the wood particles at the bottom of the can.
  3. Apply the first layer of Liquid Wood with long even brush strokes with a synthetic brush. Let it dry for two hours.
  4. Apply the second coat of Liquid Wood.
  5. While it's still wet, use the graining tool. Pull the tool in long even strokes rolling it as you go to create the wood grain effect.
  6. Let it dry for another two hours.
  7. Apply the wood stain of your choice. Penetrating stains are not recommended.
  8. Use a lint free rag to wipe away excess stain.
  9. Repeat step 7 and 8 until you get the desired finish.
  10. Add a sealer to the surface once the stain is dry. Apply 1-2 layers of sealer.
how to use Retique It Liquid Wood

What could YOU make over with this fabulous product?

I’m off to find something else to transform.

Lindsey**

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  1. Laura says:

    Fo you think you could use a faux stain (with paint) instead of regular stain? I absolutely love this idea!

  2. Christie says:

    Would this
    Be weatherproof for outdoor use?

  3. Joanna says:

    My little one has one of those lifetime folding tables. And its difficult for homework time because of the bumpy surface, did this product work to smooth out the table? Would applying more layers help to cover the bumpy texture? Thanks!

  4. Beth Coats says:

    If you put 4-5 coats of sealer over this, would it hold up on a countertop?

  5. Kathleen says:

    Years ago, my sister painted my mother’s sewing machine cabinet. What do I need to fo to use your wood paint without striping the whole piece? Also, the top veneer was completely taken off. Do I need to sand it completely?

    • So the top veneer was removed and then it was painted? I would make sure the paint isn’t chipping. This is what their website says about prep work: “Remove any loose paint, dirt, grease, or other undesirable content for best results. Patch any unwanted holes or grooves in your project with putty or non- shrinkable painters caulk. This product will not adhere to silicone caulk.”

  6. Kate says:

    Wow it turned out very nice. Looks like a really cool product to work with. Since completing this project about 6 months ago how has it stood up to use? Has there been any delaminating or separation of the product from the plastic table top or chipping since you mentioned it’s a table used for crafting on? Super cool and potential game changing product.

    • It has held up like a champ! I use it for my craft table so it gets a lot of heavy use (and abuse) and still looks the exact same. On some of the sides where I’ve accidentally scraped it up against a wall trying to squeeze it into a small closet, you can see a small scratch or two. As far as seperation from the plastic top- none. This Liquid Wood adhered to the surface really well. I hope this helps!

  7. Sophie says:

    Great job! The color made a big difference.

  8. Carrie says:

    Amazing! So excited to makeover my tables!!!!

  9. Leah says:

    Do you think this would work with laminate cabinets and painting instead of staining? We are trying to do a large makeover for some special people!

  10. Karen says:

    I love projects like this! Complete make over for sure. I may try this on an old laminate covered dresser and see what happens. Thanks for the great tips and pictures.

  11. Leona says:

    I’m curious of the curing time and how it holds up to Knicks and scratching, heat and cleaning products? I’m thinking of redoing my countertops (again 🤦) …

    • If you are planning to use it as a countertop you need to put a really good (maybe more like 3) sealer or top coats on it. I would reach out to the manufacturer for their opinion on that.

  12. Barb S. says:

    I really like how it turned out, but the cost of $50 to $80 seems pretty steep
    to me. How much of the products of the kit did you have left to use for other similar projects. If there’s enough for multiple products, it might be worth it, but if you only have 1 small item I think I would try something else. Could you use this on a wood piece that just has some bad spots ( like where screws, nails etc were or some damage ? How will this hold up over time? Thanks

    • Hey there!
      I used about 1/8 of the Liquid Wood product for the table top. I have plenty left over to do other projects (currently trying to think of something else I can paint this stuff on). As far as a bad wood piece, that’s what I’ve seen most people use it for; to give an antique or older wood piece a facelift. I hope this helps.

  13. Tammie says:

    Brilliant! I have the same table that my son uses for his gaming computer. Little does he know it’s getting an upgrade soon. :o) Can’t wait to try this!

  14. ld says:

    Great job – It’s looks wonderful. I want to try it also~

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