How I Revived a Worn-Out Queen Anne Style Oval Coffee Table: A Step-by-Step

How I Revived a Worn-Out Queen Anne Style Oval Coffee Table: A Step-by-Step Guide with Product Tips

This coffee table turned out to be a pretty easy project to refinish. Since it was only my second furniture project, I decided to try some new products, particularly Heirloom Traditions All-in-One Paint—but more on that in a minute.

I began the project by cleaning the entire table with Krud Kutter and then removed the old finish using Citristrip. After letting it dry overnight, I returned to it the next day.

"Here’s the coffee table before I started: worn, outdated, and in need of some TLC."

One of the first things I did was remove the base to make painting easier. I kept all the screws in a zip-lock bag and stored them in a safe spot.

For sanding, I brought out my Dewalt orbital sander and shop vacuum, using the attachment to minimize dust. I always sand outdoors, no matter what, and I make sure to wear an N95 respirator mask for protection.

Quick tip: Never sand indoors unless you're working in a garage where you don’t mind dust buildup. For the coffee table's top, which was in pretty good shape, I sanded with 180 and 220 grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth finish.

Once the surface was prepped, I used Minwax Espresso Oil-based Stain for the top, applying it carefully and wiping away any excess to avoid blotches or drips. I always make sure to use clean cloths for this step.

"Here's a look at the underside of the tabletop before any sanding or staining—ready for the next steps in the refinishing process."

"Applying Minwax Espresso Oil-based Stain gave the tabletop a rich, dark finish."

Now, I often get asked, "What do you do with the bottom of a piece?" For this coffee table, I sanded and stained the underside for a professional look. If a piece has a manufacturer’s label, I try to avoid damaging it. It might not be critical, but it adds a touch of professionalism.

On to the base, which is where I tried out Heirloom Traditions All-in-One Paint in Iron Gate. Normally, I’d scuff sand before painting, but the instructions recommended just using their cleaning wipes. I think the wipes might include a liquid sandpaper effect. After prepping the surface, I applied my first coat of paint, and I was pleasantly surprised by the coverage and finish.

Here’s the key: It’s all in the technique. I applied a very light first coat, followed by a second coat where I dabbed any missed areas. The third and final coat was applied smoothly with a Zibra brush. I love using Zibra brushes for both staining and painting.

People often ask if a top coat is necessary, but with this paint, you don't need one. However, I recommend letting the paint cure for 21-30 days to ensure maximum durability. You can still list and sell the piece during this time, but let your buyer know about the curing process.

Once everything was dry, I went to reattach the top and noticed that it had been installed crooked originally. I drilled new holes and reattached the top, making sure it was perfectly aligned. Seeing that tabletop glisten in the sun was incredibly rewarding—breathing new life into something that was once so worn.

"The reattached tabletop glistened under the sun, showcasing its restored beauty."

For the final touch, I added screw-on felt pads to protect floors. Then, I staged the coffee table using some home decor items I had lying around, snapped photos from different angles, and even made a video. I used Photoroom to edit the images and give them a polished, professional feel before posting the piece for sale on Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp.

"Queen Anne Style Oval Coffee Table with Painted Black Base and Espresso Stained Top"

Originally, I listed the table for $250, but after several price adjustments and relistings, it eventually sold for $100. Even though I didn’t get the original price I wanted, it felt great knowing this once-worn piece found a new home.

Conclusion:

This project taught me a lot, especially about using new products like Heirloom Traditions All-in-One Paint. From cleaning and sanding to staining and painting, the process was straightforward, yet rewarding. And while the piece didn’t sell for as much as I’d hoped, the satisfaction of seeing it revitalized was worth every step.

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