January 10, 2010

Refinishing an Antique...Have no Fear!

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This beautiful antique farm table was hand made by my husband's Great Grandfather!  However, when it was given to us it had seen better days that's for sure.  Unfortunately I don't have a before picture, but it was light oak, gray with age and showed several decades of wear and tear!  As a result, it sat in our attic for many years until the day I decided to take a leap of faith and bring this table back to life! 


Yup, I went for it...put my fears aside and refinished this old piece using MinWax Gel stain!  The project took about one full week to finish with lots of sanding, staining, and finally applying 2 -3 top coats of polyeurethane.  And the splurge with this project was the addition of four Pottery Barn chairs in vintage mahogany with rush seats. Just what this one of a kind Antique farm table needed! 

2017 Update!  Check out our antique table now.  It's the same table, we just removed a few of those awesome leaves to make the table smaller, allowing space for new Ikea upholstered chairs.  Now the smaller table fits the scale of our kitchen better, and the white chairs make everything feel lighter & brighter, I love that!


So what Antiques do you have in your attic?  Have you avoided restoring them for fear you may ruin them forever?  Well what good are they in the attic when you can't enjoy them every day?  I say do your research, jump right in and go for it!   Because if I can do it, anyone can ;)



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41 comments:

  1. it is astonishing indeed....great job...a true treasure now....

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  2. I love gel stain. I've refinished several items that I wasn't too sure about but they turned out beautifully! You're right, I think sometimes you just have to jump in and give it a try. Otherwise it's just a piece of junk in storage!

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  3. What a beautiful table, Jane! The PB chairs complement it perfectly! I haven't used a gel stain ~ yet. You did a wonderful job on this antique table.

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  4. It turned out to be just beautiful. I've never used gel stain and will have to give it a try. Again, beautiful.

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  5. So -- how are those hands of yours? What a job! It turned out gorgeous, and the chairs are the icing on the cake, aren't they. Perfect!

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  6. You did a fabulous on on the dining room table. It is gorgeous! I am sure your husband's grandfather would be proud. I love that you were able to find the perfect chairs to match the table. It looks great!
    Tammy

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  7. Oh my gosh, Jane, it's GORGEOUS! Wow, what a great job ou did. The chairs are perfect!

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  8. A gorgeous, classic table with a family connection - I mean, really what more can you ask for in a piece of furniture?! :)

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  9. It's beautiful! You did an outstanding job.

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  10. Good job on the color! I love refinishing furniture. It is a painstaking task but in the end it so fulfilling! You should be proud. The chairs you found match perfectly too! Way to GO!

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  11. It looks great! What a pretty table and the chairs finish it off perfectly!

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  12. It looks fabulous! I envy you! Your hard work so paid off.
    Fabulous...just fabulous!

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  13. Oh wow!
    It is just breathtaking!
    The chairs are perfect with it.

    I have an old buffet that needs some love, but I am just too afraid to do it. Maybe this summer... :)
    ~Amy

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  14. That table looks gorgeous and the chairs you got to match it are perfect! I especially love that it's a family piece!!! A true treasure! Hugs, Lana Austin

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  15. It's gorgeous -- and what a brave woman you are! I've had a piece or two sitting around because I'm too scared to mess them up. I may have a bit more courage now.... Thanks for sharing this!

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  16. You sure did bring that table back to life. Kuddos for your courage. The result is wonderful

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  17. You did a great job and it is always nice to have a "family" piece!

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  18. Oh I love your table and the chairs are perfect too. Love the beautiful finish you did on the table. Hugs, Marty

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  19. Thank you everyone for all the table LOVE! I really do feel blessed to have such a wonderful family piece! And again, if I can do this, anyone can!

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  20. That is gorgeous!! I love reusing antiques!!

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  21. Your husband's great grandfather was very talented and I think he would be happy with the way you brought the table back to life.

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  22. I have refinished so many things and have never tried gel stain. Your table is beautiful. The fact that it's a family heirloom makes it that much more so. Great job!

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  23. WOW! It looks like a showroom piece. :) I love the stain you chose. I have a small table in my upstairs hall that could use some help. I'm visiting from Kimba's party. I hope you might have a chance to stop by. Here's my link:
    http://serenitynow4amanda.blogspot.com/2010/01/diy-winter-snowflake-banner.html

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  24. What a treasure! I'm so glad you chose to refinish it and didn't go the easier spray paint route!

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  25. You did a fabulous job restoring it...beautiful table. Did I count 5 leaves (leafs)?

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  26. I LOVE that table. What a great job you did restoring it.

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  27. It's just beautiful! Truly a treasure worth saving. You did a great job - I'm off to my attic now ;)

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  28. Thanks for all the wonderful comments, ya'll are just too darn nice! I have to say I am proud of that table, and was just so happy it came out better than I expected!

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  29. You did an amazing job. Maybe you have a calling to rescue antique furniture.

    tammy

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  30. You know I absolutely LOVE this project. Thank you for linking it to the Boardwalk Bragfest!

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  31. Your elbow grease paid off, this looks so nice. The chairs look perfect with it.

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  32. I am in love! I would love that table in my house!!!

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  33. It's too beautiful, Jane. I have a cheapie farm table I need to refinish. I was gonna just paint it, but your table has me rethinking stain . . .

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  34. Thanks so much for linking to my first party. This table is truly beautiful, what an heirloom piece!

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  35. What an amazing table! I'm so glad you went for it!

    Andy
    Poppies at Play

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  36. Jane dear,
    LOVE IT!!!
    What a family treasure!! I have added you to my list of favorites, will be back again soon for another visit!! THanks for sharing!
    Debi

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  37. Oh, Jane!
    I didnt get to your post prior to Friday or I would've gave link love. And I hope to still do that. What a fabulous post. I LOVE treasures such as your table and its history. What a family treasure. You certianly cleaned it up well. And the PB seats go perfect!!
    Sorry I am so late. As it ended up, we did have a (6 hour) 2AM-8Am stint in the ER with my son. Praise God, all is ok. But,it's taken me some time to recover rfom being up all night. Alas, I am late in getting around to everyone this week. My apologies.
    Sincere thanks for linking up to Tales from Bloggeritville Thrifty Thursday!

    HUGS,
    Leigh
    Tales from Bloggeritaville
    www.lbratina.blogspot.com

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