Upcycle Magic: Create a Glamorous Gold Side Table

Preparing the Table

Remove any existing hardware. Remove any drawers or doors. Use a sander and medium grit paper to remove any paint or varnish. With the varnish removed, lightly sand again with fine grit paper to make the surface very smooth. Wipe away any sawdust with a damp cloth. Allow to dry completely. Mask the inside of any drawers or other areas that should remain unpainted using painter’s tape and paper or plastic masking materials.

Painting the Table

Apply a solid coat of primer. This may take two coats as the raw wood may soak up much of the first application. With a solid coat of primer complete and dry, use steel wool to lightly rub out any imperfections and bumps. (Image 1) Wipe away any dust or dirt with a damp cloth and dry completely before proceeding. Apply gold paint in two or three light coats to avoid running and to attain an even, solid coat. (Image 2) Allow to dry completely between each application. Do not use steel wool directly on the gold paint. Apply one or two coats of clear, glossy spray sealer, allowing each coat to dry completely before proceeding. 

Finishing Touches

Rub the final finish with a soft, lint-free cloth. Tip: an old cotton t-shirt works well for this. Remove any masking and re-install door and drawers as necessary. Add new gold or glass hardware to complete the high-end look.