DIY projects

How to transform an old coffee table

Looking for a high-impact, budget-friendly way to lift your lounge appearance? Transform a simple furniture item into a statement piece with Resene paint and stain.

Keen thrift flipper Gretchen Lowe recently refreshed this hexagon-shaped coffee table. She loved the shape of the table but the colour was really dated, so she wanted to give it a makeover and was inspired by Japanese interiors, which are all about simplicity, clean lines and low, minimalist furniture.

The table is well made and crafted from timber, so Gretchen wanted to use Resene Colorwood natural wood stain in Resene Walnut for a beautiful rich texture on the top, allowing the natural beauty of the timber to shine through. For the rest of the table, she chose Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss in Resene Nero, a rich black.

Gretchen is also a huge fan of Resene Waterborne Sureseal and regularly uses it on her thrift flip projects. This primer can be applied to unsanded surfaces, smoothing and sealing them before topcoating – and is perfect for old varnished furniture. It’s easy to apply and generally one coat is all you need.

Follow along with Gretchen as she transforms her coffee table from dull to dramatic.

Drop cloth
Hand sander
Paintbrushes
Paint pots
Resene Waterborne Sureseal pigmented sealer
Low-tack painter’s tape
Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel (Gretchen used Resene Nero)
Resene Colorwood natural wood stain (Gretchen used Resene Walnut)
Lint-free cloth
Resene Aquaclear waterborne urethane varnish

1

Sand

As the top of the coffee table is going to be stained, it requires sanding for the best result. After cleaning it thoroughly to remove any grime and residue, take your coffee table outside or into the garage and use an electric hand sander to sand the top and make sure to wipe away all the sanding dust.

2

Mask

Using painter’s tape is an easy way to ensure clean, crisp lines when painting. To protect the table top from primer and paint, use low-tack painter’s tape to mask around the edge.

3

Prime

As the remainder of the table is going to be painted, it needs a coat of Resene Waterborne Sureseal pigmented sealer. Place down your drop cloth and use a brush to apply a layer to all surfaces that will be topcoated. Leave to dry.

4

Paint

Paint the base, legs and table top border with two coats of Resene Lystacryl in your chosen colour – Gretchen used Resene Nero. Make sure to wait the recommended dry time between coats. Once dry, carefully peel off the painter’s tape.

5

Remask

Use low-tack painter’s tape to mask around the painted border to protect it from the stain application.

6

Stain

Use a brush to apply one coat of Resene Colorwood in your chosen colour – Gretchen used Resene Walnut, which gives out a natural, warm finish. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe away any excess and allow it to dry thoroughly. Then finish with Resene Aquaclear to protect the surface.

7

Enjoy

Place the table into its designated spot in your lounge and display your items on the top – coffee table books and vases look great here.

Gretchen revived this thrifted coffee table with Resene Lustacryl in Nero and Resene Colorwood in Walnut.

More from Gretchen

You’ll recognise Gretchen from The Do Up, in which she and her husband Blair transformed their Kingsland bungalow, as well as her other chic and colourful thrift flips – check out her birdbath side table, record holder bookshelf, drinks trolley, console table made from terracotta pots and bar cabinet. Gretchen loves colour and is not afraid to use it, and she gets a real kick out of breathing new life into much-loved pieces.

Why use Resene Lustacryl on furniture:

Durability and protection: Resene Lustacryl creates a hard, resilient finish that can withstand everyday use and wear and tear.
Semi-gloss finish: The semi-gloss sheen adds a touch of elegance and makes the piece pop, while being forgiving of imperfections in the surface.
Easy to clean: The waterborne formula and semi-gloss finish make Resene Lustacryl easy to wipe clean, ideal for furniture in high-traffic areas or kitchens and kids bedrooms.
Fast drying: It dries quickly, allowing for faster project completion.
Non-yellowing: Resene Lustacryl is formulated to resist yellowing over time, maintaining its vibrant colour.
Colour spectrum: It’s available in a wide range of Resene colours and can be custom-tinted to match your specific design needs.
Suitability: It works beautifully on a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal and even some plastics.