If you love the Coastal Chic look its easy to create your own weathered wood dining table and chairs. This inexpensive table received a complete makeover in just about three days.

I purchased this table and chairs off Craigslist for $40. Even though there is no leaf I couldn’t pass up that price. It wasn’t in horrible shape, but I wasn’t crazy about the orangey wood color. So I decided to re-imagine it. Since the chairs have a shell detail I decided to go with a coastal chic look. 

I tackled the chairs first. After I removed the cushions I saw that the fabric was attached with about 1000 staples, on each chair! Seriously, there is no need for that many staples…ever. I decided to save myself the frustration and just covered the old fabric with batting and the new blue and white striped linen fabric.

I painted the chairs with a bright white chalk paint. Because I used chalk paint I didn’t have to sand them at all. They look so fresh and new and clean!

Here is the recipe I have found works the best for chalk paint. It’s super simple to make and it covers really great too. I recommend two coats.

For the table, I started off by stripping the heavy layer of polyurethane off the table. I have never stripped anything in my life before, well not furniture at least…but I digress. I found this great product called Citristrip Safer Paint and Varnish Stripper that made the stripping super easy. All I did was spray a good layer on top and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then I used a plastic scrapper to scrape off the top layer that had begun to peel away. The spray didn’t smell at all, and I didn’t need gloves, because it came out just like spray paint. The top layer polyurethane came off so easily, but it didn’t remove the stain. So then I sanded. And sanded. And sanded. And sanded some more.

I wanted a nice weather wood look for the top of the table with a white bottom. I painted the legs and base with the same white chalk paint. For the table top, I used Minwax Weathered Oak mixed with Dark Walnut because I wanted the wood to be a little richer looking, and less grey.

I used Briwax Wax Polish to seal the table top. I can’t tell you how much I love this product…but maybe I’ll try. It leaves the smoothest, buttery finish without too much shine. I can’t help running my hands over it all the time just to feel that finish. It adds protection like polyurethane, but application time is a lot less. And there is no discoloration! It does have a very strong odor when you first apply it, so I recommend working outdoors, or in a very well ventilated area. After I rubbed in the initial coat, with an old rag or t-shirt, I buffed it with a buffing brush that attaches to my electric drill. I let it dry for 24 hours just to be sure its set, and all the odor is gone. Then its time to bring in the table and enjoy!

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