When we first got our hands on this coffee table, I knew it had way more potential than it looked like at the time. This fun Coffee Table Makeover was done for my girlfriend so she could have a place for her grandkids to write, play and study. I fell in love with the end result of this table. Considering I just remade our coffee table in gorgeous Homestead Blue, I didn’t have a reason to keep this durable and beautiful piece of furniture.
Durable & Beautiful Coffee Table Makeover – Pin it for later!!
Follow Daily DIY Life on Pinterest!
When another friend of mine offered up this table for free before her move, I knew it had so much potential. I wasn’t in need of a coffee table at the time, but I knew of someone that was. Sure it was well used and needed a little TLC, but with the right paint and the right attention, I thought it could be the perfect table for sleepovers with her grandkids. She only had one request, that the top of the table had a chalkboard finish. A place for them to write and play while they visited.
As you can see in this before picture, there was lots of scratches and spots from nail polish remover over the top. It really wasn’t as bad as it looks, to be honest. None of the marks were deep, all of the wood was very sturdy too. A light swipe with medium grade sandpaper took away all of the ridges.
That looks pretty bad, doesn’t it? I will admit, I was a little worried that it wouldn’t sand down smooth enough for a coat of paint. Until I found the right paint that is. I had the pleasure of working with Dixie Belle Paint Company for this fabulous coffee table makeover. My blogger friends and I have heard some wonderful things about Dixie Belle paint, so we collaborated together to turn out some of the best projects we could. You can see all of the projects in the links at the end of this post. Some gorgeous work has been done, please stop by their blogs and check it out.
This post has been sponsored by Dixie Belle Paint Company. The materials used for this Coffee Table Makeover were supplied for free from Dixie Belle for the purpose of this post. All opinions and reviews are 100% my own. For more information, please see our full Disclosure Policy.
The first step was deciding which of the 50+ colors I wanted to use. I chose the main color Collard Green, accented with Vintage Duck Egg on the top. Since Dixie Belle Paint is non-toxic and has no VOC’s I knew it would be safe for the kiddos. However, I wanted to make sure it was durable and still beautiful for her home. I gave the whole piece (except the chalkboard area) a coat of Dixie Belle’s Gator Hide. Gator hide is specifically designed for table tops and counters. It dries clear and there is no yellowing. Very Durable too. I think this will stand up to the kids and all their craftiness.
I gave the whole table one coat of Collard Green. Even the top and center where the chalkboard would go. I wanted to give it a balanced base coat before adding the other colors. One coat covered beautifully.The paint went on smooth as silk and even covered those fine scratch marks that the sanding didn’t get fully. I could have left it with one coat and been completely happy. Since I was doing a second coat on the top edges with Vintage Duck Egg, I decided to go ahead and give the green a second coat as well.
Once all of the paint was dry on the base and edges of the coffee table, I used leftover chalkboard paint that I picked up at the local hardware store. Two coats of chalkboard paint and 12 hours curing time was all it took to add this fun touch to an ordinary table.
Once the chalkboard paint has dried completely for 12 hours, you have to prep the surface by rubbing the side of a chalk stick over the entire area. Give it a good cover of chalk then wipe it clean. I just used a paper towel. It is now ready for all of the masterpieces.
I really can’t be any happier with this piece. It turned out exactly as I envisioned it. The smooth chalkboard top will be perfect for her grandkids. The two colors go together nicely and match her living room decor.
You can see just how smooth this paint goes on from the picture above. No streaking or naked areas from the first application to the last.
If you love this post, please stop by Dixie Belle Paint Company and check out all of the colors they have to offer. Leave a comment below, I would love to hear which one is your favorite.
As promised, take a look at these very talented bloggers, and the pieces they produced using Dixie Belle Paint.
Sassy TownHouse Living | HouseKaboodle | Makin’ My Apt A Home | Michelle James Designs | The Chelsea Project | Our Crafty Mom
Don’t forget to pin it for later!!
Still looking for more projects? Check out a few of our favorite up-cycle projects.
Love how this turned out Heather. What fun for the kids too! The colors are so pretty. Dixie is an awesome paint – Love their colors and quality!
WOW!!!! Turned out ABSOLUTELY beautiful!! Great job, thank you so much for trying out Dixie Belle Paint.
I am just enthralled with your chalkboard coffee table. The colors are really nice and Dixie Belle is definitely a fantastic paint and I think the most durable. I wish I had gotten the Gator Hide so I aim to order some. I know you did a lot of work on this and I think it came out as one of your best.
Love the color combo! And how brilliant to make it a kids play table. Homes should always have furniture kids can use for play. This piece is just so perfect. Well done.
What an awesome save to this coffee table. You gave it new amazing life.
What a great idea this was. Did you put a clear finish over the top?
Thank you! I used Gator Hide on all but the chalkboard part. You can’t cover that with anything or you won’t be able to write on it.