embracing the chippy.

Recently my friend Donna emailed me and asked if I’d like some furniture.  She had a few random small pieces that she was going to take to Goodwill unless I wanted them.  It’s always nice when people think of me!  She and her husband (a former co-worker of mine) even delivered them to me.  It doesn’t get any better than that.

Included in the mix was a pair of small tables.

small tables before

They have removable glass tops, which is kind of cool (the glass top isn’t pictured on the smaller table).  Their only flaw was that they were missing the little finials that go here …

missing finials

There was a little hole that they fit into, so I could have opted to just fill the hole and go without.  I thought that would look just a little off though.  So I dug through my stash and came up with two finials that were originally used to hold a dresser mirror onto its harp.  They were the perfect size.  I just had to glue them into place.

finial before

After painting the washstand that I posted yesterday, I had just enough of that custom mixed color left over to use on the smaller table.

french table chippy

And it got gorgeously chippy!

The chippy-ness works on this table because it is so ornate and has such a vintage feel.  You can almost believe this is an 80 year old paint job.

chippy finial

People often ask me if chippy milk paint will continue to chip over time.  My answer is: it depends.  If you seal it with the Tough Coat Sealer, it shouldn’t continue to chip.  But if you just use wax or hemp oil, it will.  Go check out {this post} to see an example.  But personally I am fine with continued chipping.  It just adds more personality to the piece over time.  That’s why I chose to just use wax as the top coat on this table.  I am embracing the chippy!

When Donna gave me this table she mentioned that she pictured a stencil on the top, under the glass.  She was right, it was the perfect spot for a stencil and I just happened to have a new one that was just the right size.

french table stencil

I staged this little table on my front porch which is finally open for the season.  I don’t know what took me so long to get out there this year!  Usually I am out there setting it up for summer in April, and here it is almost June.

french table on porch

I took most of my photos with the glass top removed to cut down on glare and reflections, but the beauty of the glass top is that it will protect that chippy paint job.

french table with glass top

But obviously you could choose to use it either way.

french table on porch 2

This little table is the perfect size for between my wicker chaise lounge and my adirondak chair on the porch, but it would also work as a small coffee table.  If I didn’t already have a fab old trunk that I use in that spot I’d be tempted to keep this there.

porch trunk 2

But I’m fond of that old trunk, so I’m planning to take this one into Reclaiming Beautiful to sell, unless someone nabs it here first!

12 thoughts on “embracing the chippy.

      1. Love this! Where can I get this stencil? Its perfect for a big wood chest I found. Going to try the milk paint too!

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  1. What a surprise to read your blog this morning and find it all about me. I said when I gave you the furniture I would like a picture to see what you did but I just thought it would be a picture taken with your phone and sent as a text message. It turned out amazing as I knew it would. Love the color and of course the stencil.

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    1. It’s the same mix I used on the washstand in yesterday’s post. I copied it from Miss Mustard Seed and it’s equal parts Shutter Grey, Eulalie’s Sky and Layla’s Mint.

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  2. Beautiful! Did the tables have a glossy finish before you painted them with milk paint? It always seems to be a guessing game regarding what gives you the best chippyness.

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    1. The table was not really glossy. I have to say I was a little surprised by the amount of chipping. I’m with you, it’s a guessing game. Just when I think I know when and why pieces get chippy, another one comes along and surprises me.

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