I had this very old Pottery Barn side table, that I tried to sell for $10 at a garage sale and no one wanted it. I decided to try to breath new life into it, giving it a weather wood makeover. I am very happy with the results. This was very easy and I am convinced ANYONE can do this. You don't have to be a good painter (I know because I am the worst). Here is the step by steps on how to transform your old, tired furniture, into something you'll love!
Step 1- Sand the furniture. The more you sand the better it will turn out. I sanded until the shine of the furniture was fully removed. I used 120 grit paper. Always try to go with the grain.
Step 2- Quickly paint the furniture white/gray. I had a few sample pots left over one in white and one in gray. I would apply some white and then some gray. I was not careful but just covered the whole piece of furniture with a little of both colors.
Step 3- Before the white/gray paint dried. I mixed a small amount of the 3 Minwax stains I had left over from another project. Natural, Weathered Oak, & Golden Oak. I poured a small amount of each into the bottom of a pickle jar, this way I could easily dip my brush into the jar. I used the same brush I used to paint the white and gray and I didn't wash it out before. You want the paint and the stain to mix. It will look messy, but remember this is a weathered wood look, you're not going for perfection. If you don't have the Minwax stain, just buy the smallest size they sale. You will have lots left over, for more projects. Because you are working with stain you will want to clean your brush with Paint thinner, water alone will not be enough.
Step 4- Let this dry. It will probably take 12-24 hours. I did have some small "balled" up paint spots that I rubbed off with a clean rag.
Step 5- With a clean rag (I used an old t-shirt) dip a small corner into the Expresso Minwax stain. Rub it on, and then rub it off with a clean rag. Continue this step, spreading a small amount of stain and then wiping it off, until your piece is complete. The more you wipe and rub in the stain the richer the piece will look. At this point you should see brush marks but everything should be blended together. It will take another 12-24 hours to fully dry.
What you will need:
A piece of wood furniture that is ready for a new look.
A brush & a old t-shirt or rag.
Paint thinner to clean your brush.
120 Grit Sandpaper
Some white and gray paint.
Natural, Weathered Oak, Golden Oak, Expresso Minwax Stains