Though hard as it is sometimes, we get gifts that suit our need, we just wish they weren’t needed. That’s the case with this dining table.

You see, for nearly 30 years, I sat at a table with my former husband that was gifted to us both as we graduated college as a married couple.

We chose the legs, the oak, the stain and finish, and even the skirt pattern.

He even helped work on it as his workplace as his boss was giving it to us.

When we divorced a few months ago, I didn’t want that table any longer.

Not only did I pour my own sweat into it when I refinished it several years ago, it also held marks that stung.

It’s time to START OVER.

FRESH START

Enter in this #trashure find.

I found this posted for free right at the time I needed it AND it was a few houses down from me. You see, I had been searching for an extension table for months and kept coming up empty.

The generous owner had received it free as well and wanted to pay it forward.

While I didn’t need the chairs since I kept mine, I let my former husband have these. Win-win.

Though, do know, like anything that is free… there’s a price.

It needs WHOLE LOTTA WORK. On par for the story of my life.

The good… it’s mostly wood, has an extra leaf, and is standing.

The bad… damage on all four legs, moisture damage on the top, and loads of wear elsewhere.

Nothin’ I can’t fix. tsk.

RECENT DAYS

In the meantime, my kids and I have been using it as-is for over six months.

We are tired of the damaged bumps tipping our drinks, water rings being ever-present, and also the overall dingy look of it.

REPAIR TIME

You can guess what I’m ’bout to do, right?

First, I drag this thing outside so I can make a hot mess (literally in this heat) and be in the shade and hope my fractured thumb allows me to work quickly.

Without question, my sander is my best bud for this adventure, and I burn through a stack of sanding pads.

Notice I have a certain lovebug watching over me.

Knowing that I would most likely have those bubbles break through to the pressed board below.

Sadly, there are several spots that came through from the water damage. One spot was about two inches long. So, that means I sand best I can, fill with wood filler and begin to paint. Those cats have such a way with adding character to furniture, eh?

Thankfully, not my cats.

PAINT

First, I clean it up to prepare for paint with my sprayer.

Then, after waiting for the first coat to dry until the next day (wicked-high heat and humidity here), I paint it inside using a foam roller like I did this dining table set HERE.

The next day, I use Waterlox, like I used on my kitchen counters and on the old table I had originally, and also on my bathroom vanity (dresser turned vanity). It is ambered and I took that into consideration as I didn’t want a solid white table anyway.

This will provide a wonderful topcoat to last years as well as an aged appeal with the amber color. It takes 24 hours for each coat to cure, so after two coats, I call it ready to go.

TIME TO EAT

Because I did this while my kids were at their dad’s, it was made simple and less disruptive, thankfully. Here is my dining table reveal with a new “old” look and ready for all that they (and my pets) have to throw at it.

It’s not perfect, but it works for us and even affords me the extra space when the whole gang is here.

Kids came home happy to see they could set a glass of water on it, even spill it, and no hot mess. whew!

I’m glad the eyesore is gone, and I can move on to the next hot mess. haha.

With blooms from my garden that is teaching me so much this year, I’m so thankful God brought this table at just the right time, exactly what I was looking for, and gave me the skills and ability (with still painful thumb from fracture) to complete it.

INSPIRE

Feeling inspired? I sure hope so! Leave some comment love below and share your stories where you’ve been blessed at just the right time. Also, pin and share to inspire others too.

Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter. Until next time!

PINTEREST | EMAIL

While you’re at it, check out these other furniture makeovers like this dining table: