How to Update a Coffee Table

Preparation and a Simple Painted Finish

• 1

  Remove the existing finish. Put down plenty of newspaper to protect the floor, wear a protective mask and use medium and fine grade sandpaper to gently sand off varnish or paint. If the table is heavily painted, it may be more efficient to use a chemical paint remover. Wipe down the table with a clean cloth dampened with mineral spirits.

• 2

  Apply a coat of primer then paint with your choice of hard-wearing oil-based topcoat. Allow to dry.

• 3

  Seal and protect with two applications of polyurethane varnish if you do not want to add any further decoration. Sand lightly between each coat of varnish.

Decoupage

• 4

  Prepare the table as detailed in Preparation, Steps 1 and 2. Select suitable images for the tabletop; laser-copied is best. You could choose to display a montage of family photos. Or create a witty trompe l'oeil with photocopied playing cards laid out as if there were a game in progress.

• 5

  Arrange the images on the table top. Move them around until you are happy with the display. Adhere images with PVA or craft glue. Let them dry completely.

• 6

  Seal with a minimum of two applications of polyurethane varnish. Sand with fine grade sandpaper between coats.

Chinese-style

• 7

  Liven up the coffee table with a Chinese-style finish. Traditional colors are black, red and gold. The finish needs to be perfect to give a lacquered look, so pay attention to the initial preparation.

• 8

  Paint the table with a deep red, oil-based top coat. Allow to dry. Sand lightly and wipe with a damp cloth. Apply a second coat of red paint.

• 9

  Reproduce a favorite quotation using Chinese characters. Chinese is written from top to bottom; plan your design on paper first. Outline the characters on the prepared surface in pencil. Use an artist's brush and black acrylic paint to form the letters.

• 10

  Apply several coats of high-gloss varnish, sanding between coats with very fine sandpaper. When you have achieved a deep glossy finish allow the table to stand for several days before using.

Shabby Chic

• 11

  Ignore the preparation stage and simply incorporate the old finish. Sand the table with rough grade sandpaper. Make "woodworm" holes with an awl and deep scratches with a screwdriver. Remove dust with a damp cloth.

• 12

  Apply a coat of light colored latex paint. Once the paint is dry, rub the top, edges and legs of the table sparingly with an old white candle. Apply a second coat of latex paint in a different color. When dry, use medium grade sandpaper to gently sand off patches of paint to reveal the first color and even some of the original finish.

• 13

  Rub with the candle again. Apply a third color and sand back to reveal the colors beneath. Rub a little gold wax on table edges and any other areas where natural wear would occur. Protect with flat or semi-gloss varnish.