There’s just something about wood grain. I love it! And sometimes you just have to let it shine.
Look at the wood grain in this $6 thrift store table. I knew immediately I was going to have to let that shine!
Hey friends! It’s themed tour Thursday and the theme this month is “Words/Letters”.
And what’s better than a little French typography??
I’m a words, letters, graphics, typography loving girl (as is evidenced by this blog AND my home ) so I am really excited about this month’s theme.
For anyone new, some blogger friends and I get together every month and bring you a themed furniture makeover.
Now onto this month’s makeover….a little French typography and whitewash…
It was a bit beat up but nice and solid.
But who could pass that up for $6???
I sure couldn’t!
I knew I’d need to sand (and I hate sanding) but sometimes it’s just a necessity.
But just look at that. Gorgeous without doing another thing!
I was actually liking the way the grain held onto the black in the top and how it was looking sort of “bleached”.
I originally thought I’d leave it that way until I wiped it down…and it looked YELLOW.
NO, just no.
I knew it would end up looking yellow once I added the poly or wax coat. (when dry, it looked very bleached, “wet”…it looked yellow)
So I whitewashed it instead.
I mixed up a little “Old White” Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and water and applied like so.
I just worked it in and lightly wiped over with the paper towel. (you don’t want much of the paint to stay behind, just a hint)
PERFECT.
Now it will stay more “bleached” looking (white) once I put the sealer on top.
Next, I set up my projector (that I got off of Craigslist for around $40) and began transferring the image.
I printed out this graphic from The Graphic’s Fairy onto clear label paper to use on the projector.
If you don’t have that, you can have Office Max, or the like, print one out for you.
It only cost pennies..or a couple of quarters. I don’t remember but it wasn’t much last time I had them do one.
This is such a great way (and still my favorite way) to transfer large graphics onto something. Here are a few of my other favorite transfer methods >>> “How To Transfer Graphics – My Favorite Methods“
Pretty easy, just takes a bit of patience. As I’ve mentioned before, I love it, it’s my “mind therapy” time.
Put on some music you like, get comfy, and just start painting “in the lines”….before you know it, you are done.
I very lightly sanded the typography and then I added a bit more “whitewash” over the entire top.
See below…the lettering is a bit softer now.
I like how the whitewash ended up looking on the black letters…almost antiqued looking. I painted the base with General Finishes Lamp Black Milk Paint because I wanted it “BLACK”. (Graphite is more “Charcoal”)
I just LOVE that Lamp Black. A lot.
And it applies so smoothly…
and is a nice, true, dark black.
Simple and elegant.
With nothing because who wants to cover up that pretty French typography?
…and that gorgeous wood grain pattern I love so much.
So there you have it. My $6 thrifty find turned Frenchy fun and fabulous! ;)
PIN this (truly simple to do) French typography project for later!!
Hope you give it a try!
Be sure to check back later this week to see what I did to this old beauty!
As always…you rocked it! Love your project..it would be stunning in my living room :) … Perhaps with lots of practice I’ll be able to paint those lovely delicate letter like you do so well… OX
Nancy! I just love it! Of course I love anything FRENCH! That turned out fabulous. Love those projectors for these projects too!
Great Transformation!
Hugs,
Karin
The wood pattern is gorgeous! I’m glad you needed to sand it so that beautiful pattern could show through! The white washing is so beautiful and subtle as well! Awesome job!
Love the contrast with the lamp black and the natural wood grain (and a pretty wood grain it is). Very nice makeover Nancy! I found a great little projector at Michaels for $40.00 (with coupon) and I haven’t used it yet. I seem to gravitate towards block printing my graphics on my laser and tracing it with graphite paper. Thanks for the reminder that a) I have that little projector collecting dust in the corner of my workshop and b) that it would save me a step!
I love the wood grain showing through – white washing was a great idea! I finally got a projector too and used it for the first time on my TFMD project. ;) Oh- and I agree about it being therapeutic!
great redo nancy that was a fabulous find for 6 bucks the wood grain is my favorite part i am glad you made it stand out only thing i wish when using french graphics is a translation ha ha xx
Thank you Chris! :) That wood grain is awesome if I do say so myself! lol Really, it makes the table, in my opinion.
Oh…I don’t have the full translation but I know it is related to wine so it can’t be bad! ;)
xo
Nancy
You did such a nice job on this table makeover. I always learn a technique from your furniture posts. You got that table for an amazing price and now it’s a real conversation starter in your living room.
Great table just love the wood grain shinning through and your idea for white washing!
I have a toy chest I have painted and wanted your suggestion for a top coat. Would you suggest using General Finishes Gel Topcoat in Satin?
Always enjoy reading about your creations…Avid follower
Thank you Charmaine!
Oh yes..yes, yes, I am loving that topcoat.
I think you will like it too. It is easy to apply also which is a major plus!
(I’m not sure about the darkening or yellowing yet…I haven’t been using it long enough to assess!)
Nancy
Awesome table Nancy! It reminds me of a big ole wine barrel with that beautiful wood grain showing threw the French script. And I love how you can really appreciate it with your white washing technique. Lovely!
Absolutely beautiful, Nancy. You take so much time with your work and it shows. Thanks for sharing your talents. I am inspired.
Pinned :)
Make it a wonderful weekend, my friend.
Thank you Christy!! It is sold! lol I do like it in the living room too actually. BUT..the black doesn’t really go and I am not sure I should put yet one more thing with words on it in my home!! lol
Nancy
LOVE your table !!. Thankyou so much for the easy, clear directions on how to transfer the image onto the table. I am interested in the Gel Topcoat that you used, but one question. I am always having such a “freak-on”, when anyone places a glass or mug onto my tables that I have chalk painted. Even though I waxed them they seem to be able to chip a little where the grand child plays with toys. Would this gel topcoat give a better protection than the waxes?. I am ready to order some, but am hoping to hear from you first.. LOL Again.. beautiful table !!
Thank you Sandy! :)
If you are going to have something used as described, I would lightly sand, then apply the Chalk Paint, then apply 1-3 coats of the Gel topcoat.
(allowing all to dry well in between applications)
I love a wax finish, and it has it’s place, but I’m really enjoying this Gel Topcoat! It’s SOOO easy to apply. I think you will like it!
Nancy
Loving that table, legs, shape, and of course the grain. And the $6 price tag, awesome. White washing was stroke of genius, no kidding, makes that table more awesome. You’ll have all of blog land buying projectors, sure makes using typography much easier. Don’t know how I’d do trying to fill in but would sure make it worth while.
I bought an Americana stencil with French wording at Michaels which was $9.99 but had 50% off coupon, it’s a nice size, wording is for a bakery. I have a table to redo so thought I’d use the stencil.
I am a big fan of yours, you know what people like to buy and how to get them to. I thought I might put small wheels/casters on legs of table I’m doing, depending on height will be with them on, paint ends of legs with gold or something to go with what color I paint table. Jury still out on that question. I’ll do some research to see what colors are more in trend at time. Any suggestions? So helpful to have an expert like yourself to refer to. Happy week and season
Hey there! :)
Thanks so much! If you wanted to try projecting and then filling in, you can also use paint pens which are a little easier to use. I just like the look of the painted with a brush a bit better so do that most of the time. But it’s worth a try!
The gold legs sounds like a pretty touch! And aw, you really are too kind!! :) Thank you for the sweet words. I don’t know that I am an expert but I love creating and helping others do the same!
For the table, you could try a search labeled “gold dipped legs” on google and find quite a lot of examples to see if you like that or not. (I do!)
Hope you are having a wonderful week so far! xo
Nancy
Love the table and your directions are great! With the graphite paint , do you dilute or use it straight. Is the script liner brush something you can get at Michaels?
Hi Bonnie :)
Thanks so much! Yes, I usually will dilute it a little bit because it’s much easier to work with that way. And yep, you can get the script liners at any craft store.
I got mine at Michael’s or AC Moore.
Hope that helps!
Nancy
Hi! How do I get a graphic from Office store. I understand the paint process. Do I take a picture from graphic fairy site or do I have to download a picture on my phone. Not sure what to do. I have no projector. Any help would be greatly appreciated! I’m new to all this. Thankyou so much.
Hi Deborah! Just download the graphic to your computer, then save it to a small thumb drive. Take the thumb drive to the office store and have them print it out on a transparency. Then you can use it on a projector like I did here. Without the projector, you can print out large graphics like this at blockposters (dot) com. You’ll have to piece them together once printed and transfer them with one of these other transfer methods though. I found this old projector on Craigslist for about 35-40 dollars around 8 or so years ago and it’s still going strong. :)
Thank you MaryJo! :)
For something like this you just have to do the best you can. I usually try to sand each section in the way of the grain and then go back over the whole thing in one direction, left to right. :) xo
Want to be inspired, learn new skills, discover all the tricks to furniture makeovers, creating new out of the old and more? You'll also receive my FREE ebook "Creating Fabulous Finishes" PLUS access to my private Printables Resource Library, too!
Sign up to get the Weekly Newsletter! Our emails include an unsubscribe link and you may opt-out at any time. Your information will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party.
Looks great Nancy! I love the wood grain as well and think the typography stands out on it! Great project.
~Sonya
Thanks Sonya! :)
Nancy
Beautiful job Nancy! I know this had to have taken some time, but it was worth it! Love the whitewashing!
Thank you Shanna! :) It did but I don’t mind!!
Nancy
As always…you rocked it! Love your project..it would be stunning in my living room :) … Perhaps with lots of practice I’ll be able to paint those lovely delicate letter like you do so well… OX
Aw thanks Wendi!!! But let me tell ya….(as I already did on your post!lol) right back at ya!!!! (and you can paint these no problem!)
Nancy
Nancy! I just love it! Of course I love anything FRENCH! That turned out fabulous. Love those projectors for these projects too!
Great Transformation!
Hugs,
Karin
Thank you Karin! :) I know!!! lol You and me both!
Nancy
The wood pattern is gorgeous! I’m glad you needed to sand it so that beautiful pattern could show through! The white washing is so beautiful and subtle as well! Awesome job!
Thank you Bre!!! :)
Nancy
Love the contrast with the lamp black and the natural wood grain (and a pretty wood grain it is). Very nice makeover Nancy! I found a great little projector at Michaels for $40.00 (with coupon) and I haven’t used it yet. I seem to gravitate towards block printing my graphics on my laser and tracing it with graphite paper. Thanks for the reminder that a) I have that little projector collecting dust in the corner of my workshop and b) that it would save me a step!
Thanks Marie!! I think the contrast is what snagged me right on in! I love contrast. :)
Yay!! Yes, dust it off and try it out!! xo
Nancy
I love the wood grain showing through – white washing was a great idea! I finally got a projector too and used it for the first time on my TFMD project. ;) Oh- and I agree about it being therapeutic!
Thanks Jen!! :) Yay!!! I love my projector!
Nancy
great redo nancy that was a fabulous find for 6 bucks the wood grain is my favorite part i am glad you made it stand out only thing i wish when using french graphics is a translation ha ha xx
Thank you Chris! :) That wood grain is awesome if I do say so myself! lol Really, it makes the table, in my opinion.
Oh…I don’t have the full translation but I know it is related to wine so it can’t be bad! ;)
xo
Nancy
do not worry , i ‘m french . the translation is good. it’s just an advertisement for vines.
and I wish to congratulate you!
Very good and thank you!! :)
Nancy
You did such a nice job on this table makeover. I always learn a technique from your furniture posts. You got that table for an amazing price and now it’s a real conversation starter in your living room.
Aw, thank you so much Paula! :) And yes, isn’t that crazy? $6…but I am not complaining! ;)
Nancy
Great table just love the wood grain shinning through and your idea for white washing!
I have a toy chest I have painted and wanted your suggestion for a top coat. Would you suggest using General Finishes Gel Topcoat in Satin?
Always enjoy reading about your creations…Avid follower
Thank you Charmaine!
Oh yes..yes, yes, I am loving that topcoat.
I think you will like it too. It is easy to apply also which is a major plus!
(I’m not sure about the darkening or yellowing yet…I haven’t been using it long enough to assess!)
Nancy
Awesome table Nancy! It reminds me of a big ole wine barrel with that beautiful wood grain showing threw the French script. And I love how you can really appreciate it with your white washing technique. Lovely!
Thanks Therese!! I do believe it is a wine related graphic so that is perfect!! lol
Nancy
Nancy, I simply love your furniture ideas. Perfect and I pinned! ~Jeanette
Thanks so much Jeanette! :)
Nancy
LOVE the grain peeking through! Just beautiful!
Thanks!! :) That is my favorite part!
Nancy
Absolutely beautiful, Nancy. You take so much time with your work and it shows. Thanks for sharing your talents. I am inspired.
Pinned :)
Make it a wonderful weekend, my friend.
Aw thank you, my sweet friend! xoxo
Nancy
Gorgeous!
Thank you Lori!!
Nancy
I am so with you, Nancy. Hand painting is therapy for me since I was a kid, much like crochet. You did a fantastic job and I love the whitewash! :o)
Thank you Larissa! :)
Nancy
This looks beautiful! LOVE the look of the chalk paint watered down! Happy Fall! Melissa
Thanks Melissa!! :)
Nancy
This turned out gorgeous! I’m surprised you’re selling it. It looks great in your living room! Good luck at your sale tomorrow!! :)
Thank you Christy!! It is sold! lol I do like it in the living room too actually. BUT..the black doesn’t really go and I am not sure I should put yet one more thing with words on it in my home!! lol
Nancy
I love how this turned out!!
-andi
Thanks so much Andi! It was fun to watch it unfold before me!! And no fail this time! ;)
Nancy
LOVE this table!
Do they still sell overhead projectors at office supply stores? I must get one!
Thanks Sandi! :)
I would bet so! I would also bet you can find a bunch on Craigslist too for much cheaper! Take a look!
Nancy
Nancy, I love this and love how you can still see the grain through the wash. Beautiful!
~Tami
Thanks Tami!! :)
Nancy
LOVE your table !!. Thankyou so much for the easy, clear directions on how to transfer the image onto the table. I am interested in the Gel Topcoat that you used, but one question. I am always having such a “freak-on”, when anyone places a glass or mug onto my tables that I have chalk painted. Even though I waxed them they seem to be able to chip a little where the grand child plays with toys. Would this gel topcoat give a better protection than the waxes?. I am ready to order some, but am hoping to hear from you first.. LOL Again.. beautiful table !!
Thank you Sandy! :)
If you are going to have something used as described, I would lightly sand, then apply the Chalk Paint, then apply 1-3 coats of the Gel topcoat.
(allowing all to dry well in between applications)
I love a wax finish, and it has it’s place, but I’m really enjoying this Gel Topcoat! It’s SOOO easy to apply. I think you will like it!
Nancy
Loving that table, legs, shape, and of course the grain. And the $6 price tag, awesome. White washing was stroke of genius, no kidding, makes that table more awesome. You’ll have all of blog land buying projectors, sure makes using typography much easier. Don’t know how I’d do trying to fill in but would sure make it worth while.
I bought an Americana stencil with French wording at Michaels which was $9.99 but had 50% off coupon, it’s a nice size, wording is for a bakery. I have a table to redo so thought I’d use the stencil.
I am a big fan of yours, you know what people like to buy and how to get them to. I thought I might put small wheels/casters on legs of table I’m doing, depending on height will be with them on, paint ends of legs with gold or something to go with what color I paint table. Jury still out on that question. I’ll do some research to see what colors are more in trend at time. Any suggestions? So helpful to have an expert like yourself to refer to. Happy week and season
Hey there! :)
Thanks so much! If you wanted to try projecting and then filling in, you can also use paint pens which are a little easier to use. I just like the look of the painted with a brush a bit better so do that most of the time. But it’s worth a try!
The gold legs sounds like a pretty touch! And aw, you really are too kind!! :) Thank you for the sweet words. I don’t know that I am an expert but I love creating and helping others do the same!
For the table, you could try a search labeled “gold dipped legs” on google and find quite a lot of examples to see if you like that or not. (I do!)
Hope you are having a wonderful week so far! xo
Nancy
Love the table and your directions are great! With the graphite paint , do you dilute or use it straight. Is the script liner brush something you can get at Michaels?
Hi Bonnie :)
Thanks so much! Yes, I usually will dilute it a little bit because it’s much easier to work with that way. And yep, you can get the script liners at any craft store.
I got mine at Michael’s or AC Moore.
Hope that helps!
Nancy
What brand is the lampblack? I would like you use it in a buffet.
Hi Linda, the Lamp Black is from General Finishes. I have a link for it in my post. :) (highlighted link) Good luck!! xo
I really love this Nancy! It is just stellar!
Aw thanks so much Catherine! :) xo
Hi! How do I get a graphic from Office store. I understand the paint process. Do I take a picture from graphic fairy site or do I have to download a picture on my phone. Not sure what to do. I have no projector. Any help would be greatly appreciated! I’m new to all this. Thankyou so much.
Hi Deborah! Just download the graphic to your computer, then save it to a small thumb drive. Take the thumb drive to the office store and have them print it out on a transparency. Then you can use it on a projector like I did here. Without the projector, you can print out large graphics like this at blockposters (dot) com. You’ll have to piece them together once printed and transfer them with one of these other transfer methods though. I found this old projector on Craigslist for about 35-40 dollars around 8 or so years ago and it’s still going strong. :)
Nancy, how do you sand the top when there are different grain directions?
Your work is stunning! Thanks for sharing.
MaryJo
Thank you MaryJo! :)
For something like this you just have to do the best you can. I usually try to sand each section in the way of the grain and then go back over the whole thing in one direction, left to right. :) xo
Wow! that came out great. Love your work.
]
Thanks so much, Donnita! xoxo