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.
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.
Table of Contents
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.
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I spray painted the legs and base with my favorite gold spray paint!
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. 🙂
Now for the fun part…
Supplies for Folding Table Makeover
- Retique It Liquid Wood
- Retique It java stain
- Retique It polyurethane
- Synthetic paint brush
- Foam brush
- Gloves
- Lint free cloth
- Graining tool
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
- 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.
2. Apply the Second coat of Liquid Wood and while it’s still wet use the 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.
Once it’s dry this is what it looked like. You can see the wood grain variations a lot better once it’s dry.
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.
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.
Repeat this process until you get the desired finish.
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
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.
Materials
- Retique It Liquid Wood
- Retique It java stain
- Retique It polyurethane
- Synthetic paint brush
- Foam brush
- Gloves
- Lint free cloth
- Graining tool
Instructions
- 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.
- Stir the Liquid Wood product really well. Make sure you stir all the wood particles at the bottom of the can.
- Apply the first layer of Liquid Wood with long even brush strokes with a synthetic brush. Let it dry for two hours.
- Apply the second coat of Liquid Wood.
- 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.
- Let it dry for another two hours.
- Apply the wood stain of your choice. Penetrating stains are not recommended.
- Use a lint free rag to wipe away excess stain.
- Repeat step 7 and 8 until you get the desired finish.
- Add a sealer to the surface once the stain is dry. Apply 1-2 layers of sealer.
What could YOU make over with this fabulous product?
I’m off to find something else to transform.
Lindsey**
Fo you think you could use a faux stain (with paint) instead of regular stain? I absolutely love this idea!
Yes I do!
Would this
Be weatherproof for outdoor use?
On their website it says it can be used outside like on decks!
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!
Honestly, I don’t think it would smooth out the texture enough to make a difference. It might smooth it a little, but probably not enough for what you’re looking for.
If you put 4-5 coats of sealer over this, would it hold up on a countertop?
Maybe? I would reach out to the manufacturer to make sure. I think I remember reading about someone who redid their countertop with it. Good luck!
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.”
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!
Great job! The color made a big difference.
Thank you!
Amazing! So excited to makeover my tables!!!!
Great! Good luck!
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!
I do!
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.
This was a fun project and I love the Retique It Liquid Wood! Good luck with your project and let me know if you have any questions.
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.
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.
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!
Excellent. Ty.
Would this work for outside picnic table of the same material as your folding table. Would it stand up to the elements- I live in Ohio
Was the folding table textured when you started. Did that original texture transfer through?
It did have a very slight texture and no it really didn’t transfer through. It’s smoother now that in was before.
They apparently have an outdoor Liquid Wood product. I would reach out to their website! https://retique.com/
Great! Let me know if you have any questions!
This looks amazing! Can you still fold the table after doing this?
YES!
Hi I have a dining table that I refinished. I’m a beginner and it didn’t turn out well. I first sanded the top. Used a stain and didn’t like it. Used primer to seal it and then painted it to get a driftwood type finish. Had trouble with polycrilic as top coat. 😫 Also as of over sanding I have some swirl marks I can’t remove. It’s a mess. Will retique it cover this mess and how should I prep it? Also what color products would you suggest to get a driftwood look? Any other tips will be greatly appreciated!!
I think the ‘Retique It’ product would work great and you shouldn’t have to do any prep work! Just apply the liquid wood as directed. As far as a driftwood finish, however you created it the first time should work on the liquid wood. Just make sure if you use a stain it’s NOT a penetrating stain. Varathane stains work well.
Great job – It’s looks wonderful. I want to try it also~
Thank you! It was easier than I thought it would be.