How I Revived an Outdated Coffee Table: A Step-by-Step Guide with Materials

How I Revived an Outdated Coffee Table: A Step-by-Step Guide with Materials and Tips

When I first got my hands on an outdated coffee table, I had a completely different vision for the final result. I’d seen a project where someone painted the cane bottom shelf white and the frame black, and I wanted to recreate that look. However, things took an unexpected turn when I noticed that the glass inserts were far too scratched to leave them as they were. I even tried several remedies for removing scratches, but nothing worked. At this point, I had already painted the cane bottom shelf with Country Chic Cheesecake chalk paint, a leftover from my Duncan Phyfe chair project. So, back to square one.

"The outdated coffee table before its transformation."

I remembered seeing a project where someone used a faux marble painting technique, and I thought, why not give it a try?

The first step was to thoroughly clean the table using Krud Kutter to remove any grime and dirt. Once clean, I scuff-sanded the entire piece with 120 grit sandpaper to prepare the surface for painting. Cleaning and sanding are vital to ensure the paint adheres properly and lasts over time.

Initially, I decided to use Country Chic Licorice chalk paint for the base, finishing it with a wax top coat. After allowing the paint to dry overnight, I noticed that every fingerprint that touched the table was visible—a huge issue. Rather than spend time troubleshooting, I switched gears and picked up Rustoleum Canyon Black in a satin finish.

The new paint went on smoothly, but the satin finish turned out to be a little too shiny for my liking. To get the exact finish I wanted, I applied several coats of paint, sanding lightly between each coat. Once the color and finish looked perfect, I sealed it with three coats of Minwax clear satin polycrylic spray to protect the paint and provide long-lasting durability.

"The coffee table base painted with Rustoleum Canyon Black and sealed with Minwax polycrylic for added durability."

With the base done, it was time to tackle the scratched glass inserts. After attempting to remove the scratches to no avail, I decided to create a faux marble effect on the glass. First, I sanded the glass to roughen the surface and help the paint adhere. Then, I applied a bonding primer to both sides of each panel. I painted one side with Krylon white spray paint and the other with Krylon black spray paint.

To create the marble effect, I used Krylon Black Lava marbleizing spray paint, which sprays out in a string-like pattern similar to silly string. I applied it lightly across the panels, adjusting the coverage until I achieved the look I wanted. Afterward, I lightly sanded the surface to reduce the intensity of the black streaks and sealed the inserts with three coats of Minwax polycrylic spray for extra protection.

"Using Krylon marbleizing spray to create a faux marble effect on the glass inserts."

Once the faux marble glass inserts were complete, I put everything back together, and the transformation was truly remarkable. The combination of the modern black base and the marbled glass inserts gave the table a fresh, contemporary feel. Although this project didn’t go exactly as planned, it pushed me to think creatively and experiment with new techniques.

With the final result in hand, I set up my staging area, took photos with and without decor, and edited them using Photoroom. I listed the coffee table on Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp for $350 initially. While it hasn’t sold yet, I’ve reduced the price to $250 and am hopeful it will find the right buyer soon. If not, my wife loves it, and it fits nicely with our decor, so we might just keep it.

"The finished coffee table, transformed with a modern black base and faux marble glass inserts."

"A Black Painted Coffee Table with Cane Bottom Shelf and Faux Marble Glass Inserts"

This coffee table project was a perfect example of how furniture flipping doesn’t always go as expected. Sometimes, you have to pivot, experiment, and embrace the challenges to create something unique. From trying out different black paints to mastering a faux marble effect, this project was an excellent learning experience. Even though it may not be everyone's style, it resulted in a stylish, modern piece that I’m proud of.

If you’re thinking about reviving an outdated piece of furniture, don’t be afraid to experiment with techniques like faux finishes or different types of paint. You never know what creative and exciting results you might achieve!

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