Kitchen Table Makeover // How’s it Holding Up 2 Years Later?
Updating an old kitchen table is apparently a very popular DIY topic. I posted about my Kitchen Table Transformation a couple of years ago and it continues to be the most popular post on my site, getting hundreds of page views most days!
It’s time to show you how it’s holding up just over two years after I completed the project.
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How is my painted kitchen table holding up 2 years later?
I did very little photo editing to the pictures in this post as I want you to get a 100% accurate idea of how durable this table is (and isn’t) after being used by our busy family each day for two years.
Side note, where does time go? I cannot believe this project was completed in September of 2016. The before picture gives a glimpse of the kids’ old play set that we sold last spring. Sniff, sniff.
On to the pictures…The below image is taken today, the day I’m writing this post.
Kitchen Table Makeover – NOW (Two years after completion):
Kitchen Table Makeover – BEFORE
How’s the table holding up? – In a nutshell:
Let me just say, I still love it. It is not perfect as there are a few blemishes here and there (more on that in a bit), but I am SO glad I did this. Of all of my DIYs, this ranks up there as one of my favorites.
Many of you have mentioned sentimental attachment you have to your tables for one reason or another and I am no different. My table was a gift from my in-laws when my husband and I got married.
Although it no longer matched the rest of my decor, there was no way I could easily part with it. However, I was definitely willing to change it!
I learned a lot in the process of refinishing my table. If you are considering updating your table, take a look at my detailed tutorial. I’m very honest about what worked and what I would have done differently.
On to the wear and tear effects after my kitchen table makeover:
- Are the chalk painted portions of the chairs and table still white?
Yes!
I used Minwax Polycrylic in matte to seal the table over both the chalk paint as well as the wood stain. Many people have asked me if there has been any yellowing with the Amy Howard linen chalk paint since I used polycrylic as a top coat.
The answer for me personally is no.
This can certainly be an issue with polyurethane as well as polycrylic per articles I’ve read, but I have noticed zero change in the whiteness (is that a word?) of the chalk painted portions of the chairs and table.
An alternative to the Minwax Polycrylic is General Finishes Top Coat. I have not personally used this, but I have heard good things about it.
They Still Look White!
- Is the chalk paint chipping?
Yes and no. Yes it has a few places it has chipped, but considering the amount of use it gets, it is holding up great.
We use our table two times daily for family meals on average. My kids do homework on it and lots of crafts and DIYs take place on this table. It gets tons of use.
But, there are definitely a few places the paint has chipped. It hasn’t even bothered me enough to worry about touch-ups, though.
Minor chips in the chalk paint (top coat of polycrylic):
- How’s the wood stain?
As I mention in the original post, I don’t love the color of wood stain I came up with for the table top. It was a bit of an impulsive decision to use a combination of several stains and it ended up looking a bit blue. In the post I explain why the chair stain and table top stain are different…basically I panicked!
Keep cool, people;-)
If I were to do it again, I would just stick with Minwax Dark Walnut on all of the stained portions.
Tiny scratch on table top:
Seriously, this scratch just happened in the last week or so. The polycrylic coat is durable, but certainly not perfect.
- Should you complete a makeover with your kitchen table?
It depends!
Reasons to complete a kitchen table makeover:
- You love the bones of your table.
- Your table has sentimental value but no longer flows with the rest of your decor.
- You don’t want to spend the money to purchase a new table or prefer to wait to make a large purchase.
- You love the idea of repurposing furniture.
Reasons to NOT complete a kitchen table makeover:
- It is A LOT of work. Unless you are up for a lengthy makeover process, this is not for you.
- You have no patience. This project has several steps that requires waiting before proceeding to the next step. If you don’t think you can deal with leaving a mess around you for a minimum of a week, I would say don’t do it.
- You are a perfectionist. There are definitely things about this table makeover that are not perfect. If things need to be flawless for you, consider just saving money to purchase something new.
RELATED: How to Choose the Best Size Knobs and Pulls for Kitchen Cabinets
That’s the table update – 2 years later!
I am so glad I refinished our table. I still get lots of compliments!
Our table is located just off of our kitchen and truly in the hub of the house. In the below picture, the view from our kitchen table: our hearth room and a small portion of my blogging desk (on the left), where all of this magic happens:-). On the right, you can see our fairly new covered deck.
Check out some of my grape tomatoes from our raised bed garden! It’s the little things, you guys!
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If you want to jump in and start a makeover of your old kitchen table, click on the supply list below. When you sign up for my newsletter you get access to the printable kitchen table makeover supply list, not to mention all of my other FREE printables.
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If you decided to update your table, PLEASE let me know. It makes my day to get messages from you!
My original kitchen table makeover tutorial:
Kitchen Table Transformation Using Chalk Paint and Wood Stain
Did you stain the seat? Or left it as is and just painted the back and legs white? I want to do this to my table but I’m having issues with a way to get my chairs to look like yours. Please help?
Hi, Elva! I did stain the seats. I used oxidized tea and steel wool/vinegar method of staining the seats. I discuss this in the article and link to how to make that. BUT, that can be somewhat unpredictable. If I were you, I would select your favorite stain color and just stick with that! Best of luck!
April,
I’m inspired! A friend of mine just re-did her table (with a few hiccups along the way) but it looks beautiful now that it’s done. Seeing how well your table has held up, makes me even more excited to tackle ours!
Will send pictures once it’s done (don’t hold your breath lol)
*pinned
Cheers,
Denise
This is great, Denise! I would absolutely love to see pictures when you complete your table makeover. Thanks for stopping by;-)
How did you do the spindles without getting it on the stained part of the chairs?
Hi Julia! I used Glad Press’n Seal to cover the seat (it was fully dry) and used painter’s tape to cover the rest. You can see pictures at the original tutorial post here https://www.loveourreallife.com/kitchen-table-transformation-using-chalk-paint-and-wood-stain/
I have a quick question for you: my mom says I should primer the parts of my table that I am not staining. Did you prime yours?
Hi Mandy! I did not prime the painted portion of my table / chairs prior to using the chalk paint. BUT…coverage with white paint is a challenge. Even though primer is not necessary with chalk paint, I would likely prime if I were doing it again because it takes a lot to fully cover. Best of luck with your table project!
Wow 2 years! I still have not painted my kitchen table. And with baby #4 arrival fast approaching it’s going to be awhile before I get to this project. Thanks for the update and the supply list!!
I still plan to paint my kitchen table using your tutorial!
My pleasure, Amanda! So excited for you and your family. A sweet, new baby trumps a table makeover any day!
Still looks beautiful! Yummy tomatoes too!! 🙂
Thank you, Jenifer! Love the tomatoes!
I want you to help me with my table
Any time, Sheila;-) Let’s schedule a time to make it happen!