Often this old, out-of-sale piece of furniture in the kitchen, which clearly falls out of the general style of the room, is a cause for debate: it seems like it’s time to replace it so as not to spoil the interior - however, it’s a pity to throw it away, and the funds do not allow “throwing away” the furniture, even if it has served for a considerable period of time.
Dilemma: restoration or decoration?
An old but still strong dining table, especially if it is made of metal or solid wood, could last for a very long time if it were not for the work surface that had suffered from time and long use, or the design that no longer suits the style of the new kitchen.
All work to bring back to life this important part of the kitchen interior, restoring normal functions or changing them, can be divided into three categories:
- Restoration;
- Restoration with design changes;
- Decoration.
On options on how to update an old kitchen table with your own hands the best way, we should go into more detail.
Restoration. This type of work is carried out if the furniture fits perfectly into the interior of the kitchen, but has lost its presentable appearance in the process long service life, or the strength of the structure has suffered over time.
Before you start restoring, you need to stock up the following materials and tools:
- Grinding machine, sandpaper of various grain sizes;
- Glue for wood or metal (depending on the material of the base);
- Putty for the underframe material, primer;
- Special paint of the desired color (for wood or metal), intended for interior works, as well as a small roller and brushes.
If the frame is metal, then the restoration process consists of next stages:
- Dismantling the countertop;
- Cleaning the surface of old coating;
- Puttying the surface for better painting - a special composition of putty for metal allows you to make the surface smoother, protecting it in the future from oxidation;
- Sanding – necessary to remove various roughnesses and prepare the surface for painting;
- Priming - can be done using special compounds, or you can use base paint with the addition of a solvent;
- Paintwork the frame must consist of at least two layers. Moreover, each new layer of paint is applied to the already dried previous layer.
- Tabletop for restored metal frame can be done like this:
During restoration wooden furniture, the sequence of stages does not change. However, before starting to restore such a surface, it is necessary to strengthen the entire structure of the product:
- Carefully inspect all connection points, if necessary, secure them with glue, furniture corners or confirmations ( furniture screed). If there are moving connections, check their functionality. If the mechanism is damaged: repair it, replace it, and if this function is not important, make the unit static.
- Remove saved ones decorative elements and fittings that may be damaged when further work;
- The tabletop, if it is not planned to be replaced, cannot be dismantled.
- Next, you should get rid of the old coating - thoroughly sand all surfaces, including internal elements frame;
- If there are potholes and chips on the restored surfaces, or dried seams at the joints, you need to putty them with a special acrylic putty. It is better to level the tabletop special composition: mix small sawdust into PVA glue or wood glue and fill the existing recesses with this mixture. After the glue has dried, sand all structural elements again;
- If the surface has been leveled so that the defects have become invisible, and the wood has retained its original structure, you can cover the table with tinting (transparent acrylic paints that give any shade to the wood and do not hide the pattern of its fibers);
- After applying the first layer of paint, all structural elements should be thoroughly sanded to remove raised wood fibers;
- The next 2 layers of paint are applied at intervals of several hours (so that each has time to dry);
- Finishing – varnishing: for kitchen furniture it is necessary to choose a special varnish that provides a coating that is resistant to mechanical and temperature influences.
- After the varnish has completely dried, the working surface of the table must be covered with several layers of wax - this will give it additional water-repellent properties.
- Remove all dirt (especially grease stains) using detergents. Dry thoroughly.
- Using a sander, clean the surface, getting rid of the old varnish coating– paint doesn’t adhere well to it.
- Apply a primer (preferably one that protects the wood from moisture penetration) using a roller, brush or aerosol. Be sure to let it dry thoroughly.
- Paint in desired color 2-3 times, applying layers as evenly as possible, giving each of them time to dry. After applying the last layer, leave the product for final drying for at least 24 hours.
- Apply the wax paste and, using a cotton napkin, thoroughly rub it into the countertop in a circular motion - repeat the procedure 2-3 times to obtain a matte, non-sticky surface.
Your old table it’s ready in a new guise: you just need to let it stand for about a day without working, and it will serve you for many more years!
Restoration with design changes
This design is another way, like from the old kitchen table make a new one, more spacious.
You can go this way if purchased new table to the kitchen, and the old one is still good enough to throw away.
In addition, you can simply restore it, adding a “zest” to the design. How to update an old kitchen table with your own hands in a similar way is shown in the photo - the process itself requires a slightly more detailed description.
To make changes to the design, we will need:
Chipboard sheet, 2 bars for legs, 2 chipboard strips - all of this size to make a table that fits under the old kitchen table. It is better to screw wheels to the legs of a small table - this will make it more convenient to use, and the floor covering will be preserved better.
For the screed you will need 6 confirmations and 2 furniture corners, and to combine two structures - 2 aluminum corners equal to the width larger table.
In addition, we will need: wood putty, enamel of 2 matching shades, varnish and wax paste for finishing surfaces.
Be sure that the “out” dining place will gain enormous popularity among younger family members - children will be more comfortable here due to the smaller difference between the height of the chair and the tabletop.
Decoration - for every taste, style and… budget
This method of “reanimating” a kitchen table is the most exciting, having a variety of methods using the most unexpected materials. When figuring out how to update an old kitchen table with your own hands by decorating, you need to remember about the strength of the coating - the surface must be resistant to temperature changes, mechanical stress, and must also be easy to clean.
For decoration, you can use the decoupage method, creating various collages on the tabletop (especially if used as protective coating glass tabletops), painting and screen prints.
We offer you another, in our opinion, very interesting option– decoration with smalt. This solution will be even more original if the working surface of your masterpiece is made of the same mosaic tiles, as kitchen apron.
We will need:
- Remains of smalt left over from the apron, or several matrices (according to the size of the table). As a rule, matrices with tiles have dimensions of 300x300 mm, and the size of smalt squares can vary from 10x10 mm to 20x20 mm;
- Tile adhesive, grout and an old waffle towel;
- Painting tape, spatula and scissors;
- Paint in one of the shades of smalt (for wood); end tape(better ABS);
- Varnish and wax paste for finishing countertops;
1st step. Restoration and painting of surfaces - the actions are similar for everyone similar products and are given above.
2nd step. We cover the ends of the tabletop with masking tape, and on the tabletop itself with a spatula we apply a thick layer of tile adhesive, level it, and carefully lay the mosaic matrices pre-adjusted in size and color. Press carefully, trying not to dislodge the pieces. You need to carefully ensure that the ends of the tabletop (taking into account the thickness of the smalt) remain level. Let the tiles dry.
3rd step. We grout the joints. To do this, apply the grout, diluted to the desired consistency, onto the mosaic, level it with a spatula, removing excess grout with it. Let it dry a little, and then remove the grout from the smalt with a damp sponge.
An old table, if it is still functional, can easily be converted into a new one. The result may even exceed your expectations, because the new table will be brighter, more original and, most importantly, positively charged with your creativity. Stock up on inspiration simple materials and go ahead, implement your ideas!
A note before starting: in almost all cases, the table needs to be prepared for transformation. Rub it with sandpaper, clean it from dust and degrease it with alcohol or special products.
Paint it striped
Painting is one of the fastest and most effective techniques in furniture decor. To make it more interesting, we suggest making the table striped. Helps get the job done smoothly masking tape: Paint the table a base color, then apply strips of tape and a couple layers of another color. Peel off the tape - the effect is ready. Can be repeated many times to make stripes different colors and width. Don't forget to varnish everything to be safe. TIn the same way you can create zigzags, for example.
Paint with chalkboard paint
Painted with special slate paint the table will be laconic black or dark green. But now you can leave notes and draw with crayons right on the table. How much more convenient is it to play Board games, where you have to record your points! The table itself can serve as a field for tic-tac-toe or a gallows.
Cover with film
The film can also be not simple, but slate or even with the effect of a white marker board. A table with a pattern of triangular pieces of film, as in the photo below, will require a little more fiddling, but the result will be very stylish!
Stripes with multi-colored tape
You can make a table striped not only by painting. Lines of decorative tape or tape of different colors and patterns will make the table bright, shiny and elegant. This is perfect for a nursery or will add a touch of mischief to an adult interior.
Tile
Ceramic tiles or mosaics will make the countertop not only beautiful, but also very practical, because the tiles are not afraid of moisture and are easy to clean. The principle is the same as with walls: tile adhesive plus grout. You can take a whole tile, or you can take broken ones for the effect of a Spanish mosaic. More ideas You will find creativity from leftover tiles.
Cover with book pages
Choose your favorite book and give it a second life: glue each page to the table using PVA glue. Several layers of varnish (preferably from a spray can) will make the surface smooth and improve the color. It's a good idea to take pages from a dictionary or sheet music.
Romantic lace
A simple technique will help make the tabletop more elegant - painting through lace. To do this, you need to take a lace napkin or tulle that you don’t mind ruining, place it on the table on top of the base layer of paint and apply a different color on top. It is better to use a sponge or spray paint so that the image is not blurred by the movements of the roller.
Photos: californiahomedesign.com, homedit.com, shelterness.com, lovemaegan.com, allthingsnewagain.net, baeditions.com, crafthubs.com, hellolidy.com, getcreativejuice.com
Beloved kind old furniture you can give a second life. To make table decor with your own hands, you should try a little, listen to the advice of experts and show your imagination. The result of the decor is guaranteed to exceed all expectations.
Preparing for work
In order for the work to proceed quickly and to achieve high quality, it is necessary to determine what material the table was originally made from.
- Wooden crafts. To clean a table of old paint with your own hands, you need to prepare tools such as a chisel, sharp knife, spatula, sometimes a plane can be useful to completely level the tabletop. Old paint can be removed using these tools (it is also possible to remove paint with acetone, solvent, etc.), rub it with sandpaper until smooth, smooth out cracks with putty, thoroughly soak it with an antiseptic, cover it with a primer and let the tabletop dry.
- Hardware. Delete old paint You can do it yourself from metal using special solvent-type liquids. You can get rid of rust on the countertop with a converter or use cola or vinegar at home. Any of these liquids should be applied to the surface and left for 20 minutes, then carefully removed.
Decoration methods
There are a lot of options on how to decorate products made from old wood or metal. The final result of the decor can be seen in the photo.
Adhesive tape
The easiest option is to make an original one practical table with your own hands is to cover its tabletop with film, the range of which is quite varied in construction stores. The self-adhesive film must be glued to the tabletop, pressing firmly and rubbing thoroughly so that there are no folds or bubbles, and the design is not distorted.
Manufacturing such a table is the fastest in terms of time, because does not require long drying. You just need to get used to it a little and do not immediately remove the film, trying to stick it to the entire surface. It is recommended to gradually unwind the roll, processing small areas, gradually covering the entire surface of the tabletop.
For better fixation of the “self-adhesive” on the ends of the tabletop, the material is dried with a hairdryer
Mosaic
The decor of the tabletop can be done by decorating it with mosaics. It can be made from fragments old tiles, glass, pieces of disks and other small fragments of materials at hand. To do this, you need to treat the tabletop in a way suitable for wood or metal, let it dry and cover it with PVA glue. Pieces of materials should be laid out randomly in the form of a pattern or ornament and left to dry completely. Then varnish several times until the surface becomes perfectly smooth.
Ceramic tile
The table can be decorated using tiles left over from a previous renovation. It can be plain or with a specific pattern. It's quite easy to do in the usual way gluing tiles with special glue. With this method of decoration, an extraordinary flight of imagination opens up. You can lay the tiles in one or several rows, make an original pattern across the entire tabletop, mark the corners or go around the perimeter. In any case, this will be practical, especially if the table is located outdoors on the site.
Decorative tape
The idea of updating a kitchen table with your own hands, covered with decorative tape, will be very simple and original. This easy-to-use decorative material can be combined in color to create a unique design to suit your taste. The technique of gluing with tape is similar to the process of decorating a tabletop with self-adhesive film. See above.
Epoxy resin
The decor will be very impressive dining table, made using epoxy paint. This liquid solidifies and turns into transparent plastic, filling cracks and depressions on the countertop. To create original designs on the table, you can put small flowers, pebbles, shells and other small objects at your discretion in these dimples. This creates the effect of frozen time in compositions reminiscent of amber, but without the characteristic orange color.
Glass decor
For a table reminiscent of an exhibition of a local history museum, it would be suitable original decor under glass. To do this, you need to make a deepening of any geometric shape and fill it with shells, colored sand, dried sea creatures in the form of stars, urchins, etc., as well as dried flowers, pebbles or glass fragments. Then cover the recess with glass of a similar shape.
Decorating with tulle
A table design made by dyeing through tulle will look very delicate and elegant. To do this, firmly attach the tulle to the surface and carefully cover the table spray paint. Then very carefully remove the material. It should be remembered that the part covered with tulle will have the original color of the table, and the background will be painted with spray paint. Based on this, you should first decide on the shade of the openwork pattern and paint the table with it. Only after complete drying is it recommended to begin attaching the tulle and further decorating the tabletop.
To decorate using the stencil technique, you will need old tulle or unnecessary lace napkins (after decoration you will have to throw them away)
Gilding
For making a decorated dining table or coffee table With your own hands, you can use an exquisite method of decoration - gilding. This can be achieved by painting the tabletop with paint with a gilded effect or by using gold leaf. This thin foil is cut out with scissors and glued to the table surface using PVA glue. Then wait for complete drying and cover with colorless varnish. The golden pattern will perfectly complement the set, made in classic style. If you wish, you can decorate all the furniture this way.
Decoupage
To decorate a design using the decoupage method, you need to cut out the designs you like from napkins, carefully remove the bottom layer of paper and apply the cutouts to the surface in the design that you like best. Then dip the brush into PVA glue and lightly coat it on top. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the pattern fits evenly and tightly to the table so that there are no folds or unevenness. If the paper is wrinkled, you should carefully wipe it with a sponge or soft, lint-free cloth, previously dampened warm water and repeat the decorating process again. After complete drying, coat the surface of the table top. clear varnish. This method of decoration has received special recognition from hand-made lovers.
Craquelure
The method of using craquelure varnish helps to achieve the effect of antiquity and antiquity. It is used to age paintings and furniture, which subsequently take on the appearance of cracked and peeling furniture. You should begin work by painting the surfaces in the color that was intended for the veins. Then the craquelure is applied directly, which can be one-step or two-step. When covering a table with one layer, after a while the varnish dries out and cracks. Two-step craquelure is distinguished by the fact that it contains a mixture of paint and epoxy resin and paints with water based. As a result, after varnishing, cracking occurs and a characteristic surface is formed.
Artistic painting
This method of decoration involves applying designs to the surface with a brush and acrylic paints using stencils or tracing paper. To decorate a table with painting, you need to prepare its tabletop for production traditional way as described above regarding wood or metal. Then you should apply the drawings in the usual way for the master in any execution. After complete drying, it is necessary to apply one or two layers of varnish with a drying interval. In 2-3 days the table will be ready for use.
It is very easy to create a unique creation in the form of a table yourself. This work is interesting and exciting, and the result of the decoration will definitely delight and lift the spirits of all the relatives and friends of a true master.
Video: how to quickly and inexpensively transform your kitchen table top.
The cloth on the table has always been a replaceable material. Previously, cloth was glued to the table only along the perimeter of the tabletop. This made it possible, when restoring furniture, to easily remove soiled or damaged fabric and replace it with a new one.
Currently, antique tables covered with cloth are treated with care. The cloth rarely changes. At the same time, much attention is paid to the quality of the cloth attachment.
The cloth on the table should lie smoothly, fit tightly to the tabletop and not move along its surface.
Any furniture restoration requires careful preliminary work to prepare the surface to be finished. The table surface is well prepared. Wide cracks are covered with wooden slats or veneer in several layers.
Small dents are puttied, and then the entire surface is sanded with sandpaper.
At complete restoration the table frame is varnished and polished, and only after that the cloth is fixed to the table
The surface is covered with an even layer of good quality PVA glue. In this case, we recommend using “Stolyar” glue.
After drying, PVA glue turns from white to transparent.
The next stage of table restoration is direct work with cloth. The cloth is cut to the size of the table top with small allowances.
Using a weakly heated iron, the cloth is smoothed through a damp cloth to the surface of the table, slightly pulling from the center.
PVA glue, softened when heated, attaches the cloth to the table surface. Working with cloth requires accuracy and skill. No one succeeds the first time. Furniture restoration requires not only special knowledge, but also skill in carrying out restoration work.
When restoring the tabletop and finishing the table with cloth, special attention is paid to the junction of the cloth and the polished part of the table.
If there is wallpaper left after the renovation, you can use it to decorate furniture with your own hands. The decoupage technique involves gluing paper or other fragments with a pattern onto furniture and then covering it with varnish.
What wallpaper can be used for decoupage
For decoupage you can use any type of wallpaper. Vinyl wallpapers pre-soaked in water and freed from paper base. Furniture is covered with both whole canvases of wallpaper and fragments cut out of them with a pattern.
Types of decoupage
Decoupage can be done different ways. Depending on this, different effects and different styles are obtained.
- Classic - the surface of the furniture (all or separate areas) is pasted over with paper, fabric, napkins, wallpaper. The top of the composition is varnished.
- Reverse - used on transparent glass. In this case, the fragment with the pattern is smeared with glue on the front side and glued to the glass.
- Artistic - decoupage acts as part of the composition; the design is glued to a surface that has already been painted or otherwise decorated.
- Decopatch - pasting furniture various scraps and completely with scraps of colored paper.
- Volumetric - in this case, a relief decor is created. Particularly suitable for the Baroque style; volumetric repetition of the wallpaper pattern on furniture is also interesting.
Technique
The technique of gluing fragments of wallpaper onto furniture is practically no different from decoupage with other materials. One of the few differences is that you need to use special glue. Regular PVA is not suitable for wallpaper, as it is made of thick paper.
For beginners, it will be easy to decorate, for example, a table or a cabinet door, if you completely cover it with wallpaper. Watch the video master class, which shows how you can update your closet with your own hands.
Surface preparation
In order for the surface to be smooth and the design and varnish to adhere well, you need to prepare it. For this you will need
- filler
- putty,
- sandpaper: medium and fine,
- primer.
Surface preparation procedure.
- Before decoupaging wallpaper, you need to clean and wipe the surface.
- Next, fill the cracks. For small ones, filler is used, for large ones, putty is used.
- After drying, level the surface of the furniture with medium-grain sandpaper, and then bring it smooth with fine sandpaper.
- Remove dust and cover the surface with primer or paint if you need to change its color. Will do acrylic paint.
If the surface is varnished, then it is better to remove the varnish, otherwise the acrylic paint may not adhere well, pay attention to how this is done in the master class in the video above. You can remove the varnish with sandpaper. If you do not want to remove the varnish, thoroughly degrease the surface and use special glue and paint. Glass surfaces also degrease by wiping with alcohol.
Wallpapering
The simplest option is to paste wallpaper onto the entire surface, for example, a table. To do this, first try on the wallpaper, then cut off the required part, leaving 5-7 cm in reserve on all sides. Then glue is applied to the paper and the piece of furniture itself and left to soak for 5 minutes. Then the wallpaper is applied to work surface one side and smooth with a roller from the middle to the edges. After drying, remove excess and sand the edges using sandpaper. Finally, the product is coated with acrylic varnish.
If cut out fragments are used, they are glued in exactly the same way, and then brushed with glue along the edge.
Attention! Paper soaked in glue tears very easily, be careful.
Varnish coating
After the glue has completely dried, the product is coated with varnish, usually in two layers. The second layer is applied when the first one is completely dry. It can be as usual acrylic lacquer, and wood varnish. For items that will be exposed to moisture, it is advisable to use yacht varnish.
Master class on decorating a chest of drawers
The video shows a master class on decorating a mini chest of drawers with your own hands. Other techniques are also used here to create relief patterns, ornaments and prints. Will be useful for them Additional materials, such as acrylic paste. Pay attention to what you use hot way gluing - using an iron.
The master class tells not only about the technique, but also about the materials used.
Self-adhesive wallpaper for furniture
Adhesive, or self-adhesive, wallpaper for furniture allows you to quickly update your interior with your own hands. They are produced in the form of a film that is easy to glue and have two layers: a top, decorative one made of PVC, polyester or polypropylene, and a bottom, paper coated with glue.
Adhesive wallpaper is used for decoration in the same way as regular wallpaper, only without the use of glue. But there are several nuances:
- they are suitable only for smooth surfaces - any unevenness and flaws will only be emphasized,
- The film on furniture doors may peel off.
There are adhesive wallpapers in a variety of colors, imitation wood and metal. There is calendered film - low plasticity, and cast film - soft and flexible. For decorating actively used surfaces, it is better to choose special wear-resistant options.
How to stick self-adhesive film? The surface is prepared in the same way as for decoupage with ordinary wallpaper. Measure and cut out the required sheets of wallpaper with allowances of 2-3 cm on all sides, remove protective film. Apply the film to the surface, pulling slightly. To cover sharp corners, the film is heated with a hairdryer - this makes it more flexible.
There are also wet method gluing. Removed from film protective layer, put front side down and moisten with soapy water. It will allow you to move easily decorative material on the surface. Then the wallpaper is glued into place, pressed, and smoothed. The glue dries in 10-20 hours.
How to emphasize the interior style
Using various designs and materials, you can decorate furniture with your own hands in one style or another.
For Provence or rustic style, images of flowers are suitable, light shades: blue, green, pink. In this case, patina, abrasions, and craquelure are also suitable.
Relief designs will look interesting on furniture in the Baroque style.
For decor in a retro style, various checkered, striped wallpapers with black and white patterns are suitable.
Wallpaper with corresponding motifs is suitable for oriental styles (Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Turkish). For Japanese and chinese style We can recommend traditional images of sakura and bamboo.
To decoupage children's furniture, you can use wallpaper with geometric pattern, letters, numbers, animals, fairy-tale characters, puzzles and any subjects that the child likes. You can make a collage of several types of wallpaper. Decorate furniture with your child.
Wallpaper from the nursery is suitable for decorating furniture in the pop art style.
The Art Deco style is characterized by black and white complex patterns of lines.