Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Dining Table Transformation - Q & A's


Thanks for leaving me such sweet comments about my dining table re-do!
A few folks asked some questions about it, so I thought I'd answer those here today.

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What type of sander did you use to sand the original finish off?

I used a Ryobi hand sander I bought a couple of years ago from Home Depot...



I think it was around $30.

First I went over the whole surface with some 50 grit sandpaper. Then I went over it with an 80 grit, and finally with a 120 grit pad. I wanted it to be nice and smooth. (The higher the grit, the finer the paper)

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Why did you poly first, then paint?

I used poly first so that when I sanded back the paint, the right color would show through. I didn't want this color to show through...



I wanted this color to show through because it's was a closer match to my blinds...





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What is a "sanding block"?

It looks like this...



You can wrap whatever grit sandpaper you want around it. You can find them at any home improvement store.

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How did you sand in the grooves?


I took the sandpaper off my sanding block and folded it up like this...



Worked like a charm!

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What do you mean by "dry brush"?


Dry brushing is when you load a dry paint brush with paint, then remove most of the paint with by blotting the bristles on a paper towel before dragging it lightly across the entire length of the surface you're working on.

I used our Purdy brush to dry brush our table...





It is the best paint brush ever, and it's completely changed our painting experience.
(I'm not kidding!)


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What type of paint did you use?

I used water-based paint.

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Good luck fellow white-washers.
May the force be with you!

Layla

:-)

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40 comments:

~Grace Happens~ said...

I'm still so scared to white wash, but your Q & A was very helpful! I love your table great job!

Bunny Jean said...

I also use Purdy brushes. I especially like the 2" angled trim brush with the stubby handle! It keeps it sharp edge and doesn't cause wrist fatigue.

Talk to you soon ;)
Bunny Jean

DustyLu said...

I love it! so beautiful and the vignette on the table is perfect. STUNNING!!! ~lulu

Marianne said...

Thanks for these answers. I was wondering about the polly going on first too. Glad that mystery is out of my life.
Have a wonderful day!

Dreamy Whites said...

Layla,
You aren't kidding about the purdy paint brushes. I won't ever buy any other kind of brush. I LOVE my purdy brushes.
Thank you for sharing all of your helpful tips with us. I love what you did to that table.
Take Care,
Maria

beachcomber said...

i think you've inspired me to whitewash our dining table! Thankyou!!

Denise said...

Thanks for the help! I was afraid about asking about the dry brushing, thinking that I was an idiot for not knowing how to do it!

The table looks fantastic Layla...I may try it on our living room coffee table this Spring when it gets warm enough to sand outside.

Hana said...

Thanks for the detailed "how to". I'm actually having a farm table built and I might have to do the finish myself to save cost so this tutorial has been a life saver. The finishes on your table are exactly the look I've been wanting to achieve! It looks FABULOUS! Have a super duper day!!

Hana
@MomTog Diaries

Alyssa said...

Thanks for all your great tips, brands, etc!!!...Hoping to do some projects once the Spring weather comes and it's not SNOWING! For now, still pouring candles on this Feb. vacation week ;)Alyssa of Olde Common Scents

dewgiesgirl said...

I looooove Purdy brushes, too! They the difference between a good painting job and a great one!

Anonymous said...

Layla, you amaze me! The table is beautiful.

How would you recommend incorporating painted pieces with stained pieces? (I have an Irish pub table and several antique Duncan Phyfe pieces with beautiful, dark stain that I cannot bring myself to paint.) Any tips on marry them to cottage-y white pieces?

AuroraSuzette said...

How nice of you to give so much help! Your table looks wonderful!

Treasia Stepp said...

I was just looking last night online at that same sander and wondering about purchasing it or not. Now you've helped me make up my mind. Thanks for sharing that tidbit of info.

Chris said...

Wow! Your sander and paintbrush look brand new! ;-) Still in love with that table, though.

angela walker jewelry said...

Thanks for the info on dry brushing! I always wondered what that was. I LOVE your table!
Health and happiness!

EMBELLISH said...

Your dinning table turned out amazing. You are so gifted and talented. Not only are your projects amazing but, your photography is too!!!

annie said...

You are SO right about the Purdy paint brush. A GOOD brush and GOOD paint can make or break a project!
Nicely Done!!
annie

Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife said...

I'm working on our kitchen table: so perfect timing! Thanks for the Q & A!

Unknown said...

Thanks for answering our ?'s!!

Gail said...

I liked this post...very helpful. I had a few questions in a previous post about painting but I think this post answered most of my questions. Thank you! You are two very talented people and I can't wait to get started on my own projects!

Blessings to you,

Gail

Stacy said...

thanks! i got sidetracked from leaving a comment with my questions but i see other's had the same questions! and i'm thinking the dry brush technique is something i should have used on other projects that didn't come out quite as i hoped. i see some re-do's in my future!

but next up, our farm table! with a little fear and trembling.

Ally said...

Ha! I get it. Purdy is a brand, not the word "pretty" written in a funny accent...That's an excellent tip, because I am paint challenged. I'll check those out next time! Thanks!

marygrace said...

Thanks for the tutorial!! I am hoping to try this soon:)

XOXO

Caroline said...

This may be a stupid question...but what does the term "dry brush" mean?

Caroline said...

Oops, I see you already answered this question!

monica said...

thanks for sharing! this is so helpful because i am wanting to white wash a head board and had no idea where to start!

i am so happy i found your blog.

can't wait to read more

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hey! I love the newly painted table. I did like the old dark top too, but this is just perfect for your house. Great job, girlie!

WhisperWood Cottage said...

I agree with you on the Purdy! A quality paintbrush makes all the difference!

WhisperWood Cottage said...

P.S. There are rules on my home tour post today. There is one rule specific to you! :) See rule #5...

http://whisperwoodcottage.blogspot.com/2010/02/whisperwood-cottage-home-tourbe.html

walnut&ivory said...

Thank you so much for your help on this, my table turned out amazing. I wasn't able to find liming stain in my town so the watered down enamel worked wonders... I'm so pleased with how it turned out!
Whitewashed!

Kim said...

You're right about that Purdy brush...it makes ALL the difference - I won't use ANYTHING but a Purdy brush now!!! Great job on your table re-do.

Crystal :) said...

check you blog often!! You guys are awesome!! I too had a life changing experiance the first time I used a PURDY!! LOVE THEM!!!

Crystal :)

angela | the painted house said...

Great tutorial, Palmers! I freak out whenever I think my favorite brush is missing. Oh, the value of a good brush--you are so right. Your new old table is gorgeous!

Who is your hand model? :)

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

The table turned out great!!! I love it. Love & blessings from NC!

Laura Woodbury said...

So wait are you saying you put on a stain after you applied the polyurethane?

pogonip said...

Thanks for the Purdy recommendation. I cried when my trusty paintbrush finally bit the dust and have been looking for another great one ever since!

Bonnie said...

Such easy to follow instructions yet I still just want to fly you over here and wave your magic wand err... make that magic paintbrush. :)

Your table looks very happy and you did an awesome job!

*hugs*

"Cottage By The Sea" said...

Your table looks great! I know exactly what you're saying about the paint brush. Even when I paint fine art I have my favorite brushes. They look old & used to anyone else but, to me, they're exactly what I need because I know them so well. I know exactly what they will produce and they never fail to please.

Unknown said...

I love that sander! Originally I had the square one but the clips that hold the sandpaper broke off. Home Depot let me exchange it for that one and I love it!!!

Sky Man said...

This is so well written, commendations for this piece.

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