Thursday, May 5, 2011

Distressing Furniture: Curbside Find

I found this little table on the side of the road a couple of days ago. I jumped out of car, stuffed it in the trunk, and drove off as fast as I could.  Considering it was a block away, I didn't want anyone to see me. 
It was dirty! I think it was being used as a plant stand. 
 I gave it a good cleaning and a light sanding.
 I spray painted a metallic silver. I'm not the biggest fan of metallic spray paints, they are so unforgiving.
I thought of doing another chevron print, especially after doing my chevron tray, but I figured I'd change it up a bit.  I did a random tape design and taped up the edges to leave the trim in the silver finish.
I spray painted the top white and was left with this.  When I say the silver spray paint is unforgiving, it was not looking very even. 
So I decided to distress it a bit. I've never tried this technique and actually had no idea what I was doing. I sanded the edges a bit stronger and then just randomly sanded the top.  Sanding the silver spray paint was kind of weird.  It was giving a scratched look, not really the look I was going for.  
 Here it is with my DIY mercury glass vase and my sunburst mirror.
I don't think I would actually keep this in my house, but I'm trying to learn some painting techniques before we attack my sisters furniture

Total cost of this project $0.00.  What do you think? Have you distressed furniture before? What am I doing wrong with the spray paint?





The DIY Show Off





 http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/
Decorchick!
spray paint party

29 comments:

Boden 5/05/2011  

I would have skipped the silver spray paint...I don't think it really suits this piece of furniture. But how do you learn unless you try, right?! I would've gone straight for white paint and either distressed it from there or dry brushed it with a grey or brown paint. I've got a tutorial on my blog for dry brushing if you're curious. http://icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com/2011/04/refinishing-wooden-candlesticks.html Hope this helps!

Camilla 5/05/2011  

Nice Project!! I am in desperate need of doing a bigger craft project. I love the furniture shape, I love that you found it on the curb, and I love that you were stealthy about grabbing it!

Anonymous,  5/05/2011  

I very like this little table. I would like to have such a one in my one too:)

Anonymous,  5/05/2011  

agree.. don't think i'd have attempted the silver spray. however, the distressed white/grey would work. or better yet.. go for bright pop of color to update the style of table & coordinate perfectly with your sunburst mirror!

Kim@Chattafabulous 5/05/2011  

Yes, the table is great but I really covet that fabulous mirror!

Anonymous,  5/05/2011  

That table looks fabulous, especially under that mirror and light! It all looks perfect. I can't actually see where you've gone wrong with the spray paint though. Did you use a can or spray gun? I usually use a spray gun and give it about two or three very light coats (letting it dry in between each of course). That way it comes out more even. Great job :)

Amy 5/05/2011  

I think the whole look comes together kinda cool. I agree, you never know until you try!

Deanna@SentimentalRedo 5/05/2011  

Haha, love your description of saving the table from the curb. We had city wide "junk days" here last week and I saw so many cool things on the curbs, but was to chicken to take much. :)

Joi 5/05/2011  

Look at you with all of your DIY projects! Rock it, girl. That mirror is wonderful!

Erin @ 3 Meadow Lake Cottage 5/05/2011  

Wow, you rock! The whole little vignette looks fabulous! You are one busy gal :)
Would love for you to link it up to The AFTER Party this month!

http://www.3meadowlakecottage.com/2011/05/after-party-and-amazing-kitchen-redo.html

Best,
Erin

Natty by Design 5/05/2011  

Ohhhh, love this!

Bri@Meyouandawiener 5/06/2011  

I'm not digging the stripes but I love how that table and that mirror and plant looks together. Perhaps a mirrored top?

Nobody asked you bri!

I know, just a suggestion.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions 5/06/2011  

I think you did a great job! What a great find, too; you can't beat a curbside find for practicing on. I've not distressed any furniture I've painted either. The only thing I want to try on a few pieces is adding glaze and I've got my fingers crossed on that!

visiting from Frugalicious Friday!

Angie 5/06/2011  

I think it looks fabulous! Great job!

Screaming Meme 5/06/2011  

Good job...love the mirror!Come by & sign up for my continual giveaway...this week a $100 giveaway! And a few of my recent posts about furniture and bird cages...and a hilarious story about me! ;) Meme

Carol, The Answer Is Chocolate 5/06/2011  

OK the only things I find curbside are things I don't want to touch! This is so awesome! So glad you linked it up.

At The Picket Fence 5/06/2011  

What a great little table! You gave it a whole new life and I think it looks fantastic! I love the touch of silver. Thanks so much for linking this up to Inspiration Friday this week!
Vanessa

bedroom furniture 5/07/2011  

I am surprising with the furnishing side of those furniture, which wood is used in it!

Sherrie 5/07/2011  

Your table came out adorable! What a lucky find!

Nikki ~ Let's Craft!! 5/07/2011  

Love this! I have a new linky this would be perfect for stop by and link up would ya?

http://nikkisniknacks.blogspot.com/2011/05/trial-run-of-salvage-it-saturday.html

~ Nikki

Lolly Jane 5/08/2011  

What a transformation! Great tute :) We would ♥ for you to show this off at our link party!

Lolly Jane
lollyjaneboutique.blogspot.com

Pamma 5/08/2011  

I like the design you used on this piece. What about if you did the same thing just using different colors, as in picking from the colors of that little lumbar pillow on the couch?
~Pam

Carol-Anne 5/08/2011  

Visiting from Addicted2Decorating.....

Love the table and your vision to see past the beaten up beginning! But I must say, your commenters are among the most unkind I've ever seen on a blog! Wow. Harsh.

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made 5/09/2011  

Once again I am stunned at what people put out on the curb! I can picture you jumping out to quickly retrieve it! Love the way you painted it -- nice job!

Carol, The Answer Is Chocolate 5/09/2011  

Hi there! Just wanted to let you know I featured this as part of my BFF link party wrap up!! Please feel free to come grab a button from my sidebar!

Pam Kessler 5/10/2011  

Your table turned out cute! Very bold choice to paint it silver. If you really hate it you can repaint it, but maybe just live with it a few weeks to see if it grows on you. It's already grown on me!

Cassie Bustamante 5/10/2011  

ooh it looks awesome! and i looove your mirror you made!

Unknown 5/11/2011  

it looks terrific! i have a curb find chair that need to figure out what to do with, need to learn as well :)

The Painted Parlor 5/11/2011  

Wow, it looks TOTALLY different! in a good way ;) I love free finds, they're the best!! I found your blog from Cassie's POWW. Come visit me if you'd like!!

paintedparlor.blogspot.com
Julie

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