Our latest table restoration project has a base that comes in two identical parts. Both of which, per customer request, will be brush coated in Annie Sloan Old White chalk paint. As we posted previously, we sanded the high wear areas to promote adhesion. Then they received two coats of paint with light sanding to make sure we had the proper coverage. The customer requested some light distressing which adds some great character.

Most chalk paint applications call from Annie Sloan recommend a wax clear coat after painting. We’ve done this a few times with varying results. It often looks excellent and does offer some decent protection. However, for a table base that will receive constant abuse from shoes, I want to go with a high build poly. The base pieces are going to receive a spray clear that should last for years to come.

Between coats of clear, we will sand the bases again with 220 grit sandpaper. This will create a very smooth finish but also help the following layers adhere better. We will likely stop the process after three coats of clear. I’ll get pictures posted of the finished base pieces once they are ready.

In the meantime, I need to start working on the tabletop and leaf inserts. The currently have a commercial grade clear coat and stain. Both of these need to be removed before I can start sanding the surface smooth again. Thankfully the top is in pretty good shape so it shouldn’t require too much work. There are three deep gouges but I think we can probably use heat and moisture to pull those out. That will be its own post later on.