An old side table, in our case a folding metal one, can easily be given a new look and a new purpose.
Decorate it with patterns of your choice using a stencil, and put it to use as a hall table, a writing table or a drinks tray at a party!
We found the steps below on designspongeonline.com and are passing them on so that you can easily try this project yourself.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
an old metal (folding) side table
fine sandpaper
metal primer spray
decorative patterned paper of your choice
craft knife
spray adhesive for paper cutting
metal spray paint in two colors of your choice (one for the base and one for the pattern)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. First, clean the table thoroughly. Then use the fine sandpaper to sand the surface you are going to paint lightly, removing any remnants of old paint layers and rust.
2. Spray the surface you are going to paint with the metal primer and wait for it to dry completely.
3. Spray the table with the metal spray paint, following the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times and the number of coats. Use your chosen base color for this step.
4. Make the stencil. Choose a sheet of patterned paper and use the craft knife to cut carefully around the design, creating your own stencil.
5. Spray the back of the stencil with the spray adhesive, then place it on the table and press down firmly so that it sticks.
6. Cover the areas you don’t want to paint, then spray over the stencil with the metal paint in the second color you chose. Remove the stencil and wait until the surface is completely dry.
Your decorative table is ready!
If your table is made of wood, the process is more or less the same, except that the materials you use (sandpaper, paint and so on) must be suitable for wood rather than metal.
