This table was originally from Pottery Barn. Refinishing this dining room table was fun, yet challenging to recreate. Big thanks to Clint and Amanda for letting us work for you!
Photo credit: Pottery Barn
The Homeowners were tired of the plain black top, so they called me to see what in the world they could do with it. The color red crossed their minds, but when I saw their decor and room color I immediately thought that red would be too loud.
I suggested that they keep the bottom of the table black and turn the top back into the original wood color. I also suggested possibly a brown stain with a black glaze, and maybe some light distressing. They agreed.
So that’s what we did!
First, we used a paint stripper to take off the original black finish.
Then, we dye stained the top with a color called Perfect Brown from Mohawk Finishes.
The dye stain gives very even color and depth to the wood, especially when there are different colors or cuts of wood on the same piece of furniture. The best part about the dye… it’s waterborne, so no more messing with oil or lacquer stains, and yucky VOC odors. I might even write a separate blog just on dye stains in the near future.
Next, I applied one coat of General Finishes Enduro-Var clear coat on the top. I waited for it to dry and decided to do some light distressing.
Next, we glazed the table top with a black glaze. Boy, I had some fun with this! This is where you can get as creative as you want.
Here you can see I added a few streaks and knots just to give this top more character. Kids can beat this up now and it’s simply going to add more to the table’s character.
Now that I got this table looking the way I wanted, I applied 3 more coats of General Finishes Enduro-Var clear coat. Did I tell you this product is probably one the toughest finishes on the market? It’s also a waterborne product. Check it out…
Here some more photos of the finished dining room table.
I love the way this table turned out, and it wasn’t that hard to refinish. This table has been reborn and should give many more years of enjoyment to the homeowners.
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this is AWESOME! Thanks so much!!! We have the exact same pottery barn pedestal table in Antique White and it needs to be refinished bc of all the love this family of 5 with 3 busy boys gives it. I want to keep it white, but I was worried i wouldn’t get the same smooth finish if I refinished it, but your post has made me a believer. That clear Var seems to be the key. Do you have a paint recommendation to match the Pottery Barns antique white finish best? My husband is building our dining room table and loves the finish you gave this table top, I think we will be looking to match these same products here in town. Thanks again for posting, your work is beautiful and any last tips would be much appreciated. Bright Blessings!!
Hello Becky, thanks for the kind comment! The clears from general finishes are Key, I have used others that simply don’t apply or hold up well. They make several different clears for different applications. I would call them and ask what to use for your table, they will probably recommend “High Performance Clear”, I used it on this Highchair and its holding up to major abuse. Are you going to use a latex paint to repaint the table? If you plan on putting a clear coat over the latex make sure you use flat paint. This insures a good bond.
Im not sure what color antique white would match the best. I would recommend taking the leaf to your paint store and have them match it properly. Just about every paint company has there version of antique white, Sherwin Williams makes a nice one.
I sprayed the table so I could get it super smooth, but can be brushed for a smooth finish as well. If you brush just make sure you brush on several light coats and sand between each with 320 grit paper.
Thanks again for the kind remarks, if you have anymore questions please ask!
Hi I am so glad I came across your site on this table project. I am updating my kitchen. I have a light oak table and chairs. I am doing the kitchen in oil rubbed bronze touches like cabinet knobs and faucet. I have hardwood floors so I don’t want to clash so I was thinking of what I could do with it. I do not really want a black table but not a stained table either so I think this technique with the dying then putting the black glaze over it will give me the look I think I would like for the update of my kitchen table. Is there any other suggestions you could give me?
Thank you
Hi It is Joyce again, I was just wondering where can I buy the products you used? Are these the correct names that I need to look for: Perfect Brown from Mohawk Finishes General Finishes Enduro – Var clear coat Black Glaze (is there a specific brand I should look for) Can I get these at Home Depot or should I go to a paint store?
I hope to do it this weekend
Thank you again
Joyce
Hello Joyce, thanks for commenting! The dye stain was only used because I had two different colors of wood after I had stripped the finish off. Dye stain helps make an even tone across different colors or kinds of wood on the same piece of furniture. This means you don’t necessarily need a dye stain for your project. You can simply use a regular oil or waterbased stain after you strip your light oak top.
TIP: Buy a piece of oak and apply samples to it so you can get the exact look your wanting before you start on the table top.
You cannot get those products at Home Depot or most paint stores. You can get these finishes at WoodCraft stores nationwide. General Finishes and WoodCraft have dealer/store locaters on their websites. You can get General Finishes waterbased stain, glaze, and finish all from WoodCraft.
Follow instructions on cans for dry time and sanding grits.
1. Strip old finish
2. GF Stain. I would suggest picking a stain color like GF waterbased antique oak or walnut.
3. 1-2 coats GF sanding sealer
4. GF waterbased Black glaze
5. 2-3 coats of GF Polycyrlic or GF High Performance clearcoat