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Murphy's law states, "Whatever can go wrong will."
Meet Murphy's table.
It looks innocent enough. A well built little table that someone else had done a makeover on. It was just a few dollars at the thrift store. You would likely buy it if you saw it, right? I did.
Now I'm going to share with you some lessons I've learned (or re-learned) from this little project.
It looks innocent enough. A well built little table that someone else had done a makeover on. It was just a few dollars at the thrift store. You would likely buy it if you saw it, right? I did.Lesson #1-If you decide to paint on top of a manufacturers paint job, give that paint a thorough sanding. Many manufacturers use an oil based paint. If you paint with a latex paint it will not adhere well.
Lesson #2-Use a good primer. It appears that the original owner may have primed this table first, but if you don't use a quality primer, after sanding, your nice paint job will chip easily.
A GOOD PREP JOB=A GOOD PAINT JOB.
Lesson #3-If you buy someone else's makeover, first do the fingernail test. In an inconspicuous spot dig into the paint with your fingernail. If it chips off with the pressure of your fingernail, no amount of new paint will fix the problem of a poor base coat. If you have a poor base coat you'll need to strip the entire piece.Lesson #4-Be sure to clean the item before painting.
Lesson #5-Don't be in a rush or be doing too many things at one time. This is a hard lesson for most women to learn. I accidentally dropped my cute table and cracked one it's legs because I wasn't following this rule.
Lesson #6-Wood glue and a clamp can fix just about anything. Notice that I said wood glue? (Refer to Lesson #10)
Lesson #7-A few light coats of paint are much better than one heavy coat. Too much paint usually results in drips and/or brush lines.
Lesson #8-Lightly sand between coats of paint.
Lesson #9-Let the paint dry thoroughly, between coats and on your final coat.
Lesson #10-Use the right tool to make the job go faster. Oftentimes taking what seems to be a shortcut actually takes longer than if you would have used the right tool.
Now that we've reviewed our may I present to you,
the new and improved Murphy's table....
Doesn't it look right at home next to my PB chair?
30 comments:
Teacher.... ( I am raising my hand up here )
Is that fabric that you used on top of the table or some type of paper???
Student,
You are very observant! Yes, it is a pretty cotton fabric and I used fabric Modge Podge to adhere it to the wood.
Flippin' Gorgeous! I love it! :)
Bella
O*M*G.....how GORGEOUS!!! That turned out so cute and just perfect there!!!
great lesson- all things I needed to be reminded, or needed to know!
I am just sitting here picking up my jaw and saing oh...my...gosh!!!!In my translation......she did it again!!!!! Your amazing and I am still in awe of your chair!
I was so excited I couldnt spell... I ment "saying."
Aren't you the cat's meow? That is one sweet table.
Cute and clever table! It looks good with nothing sitting on it. Love the pattern you put on it. You continue to inspire!
Very pretty next to your chair and thanks for the furniture tutorial. It will be most helpful in the future.
Hi Joy - I love the table. You visited my blog today and left me instructions on how to link to something. Thank you so much. I think I can do that. I will try it.
Have a fabulous weekend.
Oh, I LOVE it!!!!!!! Great job, and it looks PERFECT with the new chair!!
Hey, I could use your help oh wise one! :) I have a post up on my blog, I am asking around for some decorating inspiration! Drop by and let me know what you think! :)
I was laughing almost the whole way through your instructions because I've learned the hard way many times. Why do we want to do 12 things at once? I'm working on a project this weekend and I really appreciate the refresher course. Sand, prime, paint. Sand prime paint. I promise to follow your directions teacher.
Your chair and table look like they came right off a showroom floor. Beautiful!
Look at how nice that tabled turned into. I have a little project of my own and I'll take your tips at heart since I want my own wooden stand looking nice. Great job!
Very pretty indeed! Working with fabric and decoupage is so much easier than with paper. That is one rockin table. cherry
I really like that table. Please let me know when you start selling these things.
The table looks great! The next time I have to paint something I'm going to refer to your "rules". I'm really good about not being patient and doing the job right because I want immediate results. Thanks for the tips!
What kind of paint do you use on furniture like this? I am getting ready to paint my first piece black and want to get it right.
Oh and I too find it hard to follow all the steps. Sigh. I will try to adhere to them on this project so that I will end up with a fabulous paint job as well!
Great tips! I have a table that someone didn't follow the rules on! ARGH! Your table is so pretty!
Hi there! My first visit and I totally wish I found you and your 10 rules sooner!lol I adore what you did with this table! I'm off to explore the rest of your posts and know you'll be on my favorites list I can tell already!!! Have a great week - Jeannette
I just love your blog. I can't get enough of all of your decorating. Ah! You're great!!v
Now thats a lesson.. I think I may need to write those down... Im always the queen of rush....Thanks and it looks wonderful! Susie h~
Love your blog!
I stumbled upon it this evening & I am so bookmarking it.
And your table...da bomb diggity yo!
The perfect sidekick to your chair! :)
me again, went back to take a second look. a little zebra print pillow on the chair would be cute if you're ever in the mood to change things out.
Somehow I missed this one. Soooo cute.
what a great idea! I love it! =D
There is nothing worse than trying to redo over someone else's poor judgement! I preach priming all the time.
Oh my goodness...You have inspired me so much with all your great info on design...I have been looking over all your blogs and I had to print this info out on the table rules. I just bought my thrift store table and want to try and work on it this weekend...After I do it I will share with everyone...Thanks so much for all your teachings to someone who is not a crafter but might actually create something beautiful just because I came upon your blog and a few others...Thanks so much!
I never notice this before. I must have been channeling you the day I did mine ! :)
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