These tables are solid wood (as are all of my pieces), but they were wearing a dated, pseudo-pecan finish when I found them. Their details are fantastic ... they just needed a bit of paint and some wax to help them show their best features.
I can't believe that I completely forgot to take any photos before I started working on these. You'll have to take my word for it ... they were nothing special.
The only 'before' photo I could find was the close-up of this table leg, and I did this side-by-side to show the progress with each step of paint and waxing. Look how the hand-rubbed wax finish makes the distressing almost glow!
The tables are from a good maker, and they're solid and well constructed, so they are worth the effort of a redo.
With my trusty can of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in 'Country Grey' (which is really almost the color of a manilla folder), a bit of distressing to bring out the details, some Johnson's clear and Annie Sloan dark wax, and the difference is striking!
Like the 'Yankee Doodle Dresser', the finish on these pieces is a bit of a stretch for me ... but think I could get used to producing this patina finish, and I am really coming to like it. I know that this was definitely the way to go with these tables, to bring out all their moldings and carved details.
This table has one deep drawer, though it's made to look like two.
It feels great to say that these tables are FINISHED!!! I took them to my booth at the Minuteman Mini Mall last Friday.
If I'm not careful, I could almost make a habit of finishing things and actually clear some storage space around here ... ha ha, that's not going to happen any time soon ... but I'm working on it.
