….for practically nothing. I picked up this el-cheapo coffee table at an auction a few weeks ago. I was originally going to fix it up and sell it, but we decided to keep it.
It was pretty chipped and worn, so I gave it a few light coats of black paint.
My favorite way to rub-through black is to use denatured alcohol, and some steel wool (a scrub sponge works well, too). Be sure you take a damp cloth and immediately wipe away the rubbed-off paint, or it will dry onto your finish and you and your sandpaper will be getting well acquainted. Applying a few light coats of paint versus heavy coats will make it much easier to rub through. Just thin the paint with a little water so it’s not thick.
Next, smooth the entire surface down with sandpaper that is anywhere between 400 & 1000 grit. Just be sure it’s fine enough that it doesn’t sand through anymore paint.
It will look pretty bad after you’ve rubbed through, and sanded everything smooth.
Don’t despair, the clear coat will solve that problem!
Don’t despair, the clear coat will solve that problem!
Next, if there are areas where the stain was removed down to the wood, here is what you can do:
A brown Crayola marker mimics wood stain beautifully.
You can also use those wood touch-up pens.
You can also use those wood touch-up pens.
Although I sprayed both the paint and the final finish, applying slightly thinned paint with a brush would work just as well. Sometimes smoothing brush marks with a foam roller is a good idea, but may not be necessary.
After the clear coat is dry, I smoothed the final finish with some super fine steel wool, and then buffed out the steel wool scratches with car polish (NOT car wax!).
Here it is in its’ new home (our home):
Products I used:
Products I used:
Black paint: SW Solo Interior/Exterior Low VOC in Semi-Gloss
Rub-through: Denatured Alcohol and a scrubby sponge (or #1 or #2 steel wool)
Smoothing the paint: I prefer between 400 & 1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper found at automotive stores
Final Finish: Varathane Floor Finish in Semi-Gloss
Smoothing the Finish: Super fine steel wool, then Maguire’s car polish
Linking to my favorites
Piece of Work Wednesday @Primitive and Proper 
It looks fabulous. Such a pretty table and your black finish is stunning. Love it. Hugs, Marty
Now that is a beautiful finish!
Great tips!! Black finishes are tricky and this one is right on the money!
christa, this looks fabulous! thanks for all the tips, too- i hadn't tried this method. glad you got to keep something you worked on, too!
Your table is gorgeous! I refinish furniture too and I greatly appreciate your tips. I've often wonder how some of those unique old looks are achieved. I'm anxious to try it out now. Thanks for sharing – I'm your newest follower.
Cindy
I would have kept it too! It's lovely!
Gorgeous! What a transformation! Looks great!
It looks great! I love the look of the wood peeking through, and I've never tried that method, so I'll have to give it a go! Thanks!
It looks beautiful! Thanks for sharing the tips on how to achieve it. Something new to try! What a wonderful addition to your room.
Love it! I'm a new follower sent over by Lori at Projectsplenty. I'd love to have you visit me sometime at funwithnancy.blogspot.com
Thanks! Your blog is wonderful!
I love this look! I'm filing this away for future reference – nice work!
Beautiful table, I would have kept it too!
I just read Katie's post at Imperfectly Praying for Patience and had to come over and visit. I'm so excited about all this new furniture finishing info. I love learning about all these different techniques and love that you have listed all your supplies and where to buy them at the end. Automotive store, here I come.
Her makeover looks outstanding!!!
Blessings,
Linda
What a great great table! I wish I had your knack for distressing. Thanks for the tips, especially the brown Crayola marker one… never would have thought of that one. Your room is beautiful, by the way.
thank thank thank u!! its gorgeous
You did a wonderful job on this table. Thanks for all of the great tips. I have never heard of the "rub through" method before~
Hi! This looks so beautiful and I NEVER in a million years would have thought of using a Crayola marker although we certainly have plenty of them around our house!
I love your blog and can't wait to look through your other posts!
Vanessa
Oh, and I'm a new follower!
Looks amazing! Love the idea of rubbing alcohol, thanks!
Love this coffee table!
Great makeover! Thanks for the details about how you did it – I have never used denatured alcohol but I think I better get me some! The table is beautiful! I am stopping in from Its So Very Cheri tonight.
Jennifer
Love the look of that table! And the brown crayola marker idea is genius. Thanks for the invite to your project diaries link party.
Brittany
http://www.prettyhandygirl.com
Christa, thank you for visiting my blog, it makes me happy that someone as talented as you, came to check out my crappy little blog, hehehe! The finish above (the coffee table one) is my most favorite! I love the black with some of the wood showing. Everytime I see a table with this finish, it makes me sigh!
Ok….so this is my MOST favorite finish for black paint. I just a have a couple of questions. I don't see any signs of primer. I read all the time about people painting without it. What is your recomendation? Do you use satin paint? Thank you for your help.