Scrolled Foot Accent Table: From Wobbly to Wonderful

This scrolled foot accent table was a great find in need of a little TLC.

It was undeniably wobbly, and the scratched top was covered with rings from beverage glasses. But despite a little wear, it was otherwise in good shape (kind of like us after the holidays!).

You know what we all need? A trip to the spa!

The Mani

A refreshing scrub down with a concoction of dish soap, vinegar, and water removed all the grime and dust accumulated over the years. Then it was time for some serious hands-on work.

Before adding pretty polish, you want to have a really smooth surface! I filed… I mean… sanded the top with my power sander outfitted with 80-grit paper. Then I went over the top again by hand with 220-grit paper for silky smoothness.

To encourage adherence of the primer, I lightly scuffed the glossy surface of the sides, pedestal, and base with 220-grit sandpaper. (Not recommended for nail polish!). Then I applied two coats of Zinsser BIN® primer to the parts to be painted.

The Pedi

When I first began work, I tightened all the joints to get rid of that annoying wobble. I patted myself on the back for my ingenuity and stood back to admire the now-sturdy table.

Then I realized I’d have to remove the scrolled feet to properly paint them! So much for those tightened bolts…

Once the feet were removed, I rigged up a system to suspend them for painting. This prevents them from resting on a wet edge while drying. Kind of like how they wedge those spongy things between your toes so your polish doesn’t smudge.

The Facial

It was time to give this table a new look. First, I lightly exfoliated (sanded the primed portions by hand with 220-grit to smooth out any blips and allow for better paint adherence). Then I applied the rejuvenating lotion (Farmhouse Paint® in “Classic White”). Finally, I added the protective layer, like sunscreen (Annie Sloan® clear wax to protect the paint from nicks and scratches).

The Massage

With the painted portions completed, all that was left was to stain the tabletop. I do this last because I want to minimize the risk of damage to the table surface after it’s been stained.

First, I applied the massage oil (Minwax® wood conditioner to prep the surface). Then I rubbed in Minwax® stain in “Espresso” to match the chairs this table is intended to sit between (see Vintage Chairs Part 2: From Stripped to Striped). Once the table was relaxed like jelly on the workbench, I topped it with Minwax Polycrylic® for the final protective touch.