Distressed Metal Table that Looks Better than it did New

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I found this metal folding table at an estate sale for $8.  I need a folding table for the weekend. But I don’t need it to look this bad.    A distressed metal table is what I made. 

Distressed metal table | Furniture makeover | Folding metal table update | rope trim |

I’m hosting a thrift event at our Humane Society’s Resale store.  Last September, I hosted a painting event.  The vintage styled folding table can hold treats.

folding-table-before-country-design-style

The table is an unusual pick for the distressed theme. It seemed already distressed. But, let’s do this.

It seemed already distressed.

But, I went for it…

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Painting the table

remake-folding-table-country-design-style

First, I painted the top with chalk-based paint by Heritage in the Colosseum.  I painted those tube legs with brown mixed a little black for a richer brown.  The whole table was waxed and buffed.

Humph…I took distressed and cleaned it up.

So, now to add correct distress and added a little pizzaz.  It needs to dress up or down for the event.

Dressed up with Rope Trim

folding-table-trim-country-design-style

Have you seen the thick rope trim in your local home improvement store?  I’ve always wanted to do something with it.  This table said it wants thick rope trim around the edge.

Remember I paid $8 for the table and I’m adding $30 in trim!

But it will be worth it…I hope!

Cutting the trim

trim-for-folding-table-country-design-style

Notice the table has a handle on the edge, plus little buttons that click through holes to hold the legs up. 

PLUS, the table does fold in half!!!

So, I drew a rectangle and started on the side without buttons, holes or hinges.  I labeled it “A.”  Then I measured and cut the trim.  This piece was an outside 45° angle on both sides.  After cutting the trim, I wrote an “A” on the back.

remake-folding-table-country-design-style-2

I continued measuring, cutting and labeling all the way to “M!”

I even cut trim to go between the handle.  Two pieces because there was a button there too.

Distressing the trim

Distressing trim with tea, vinegar and lime wax for a metal folding table. Country Design Style

NOW for the distressing!

Tea and vinegar stained the rope trim.  You can read more about aging with tea and vinegar by clicking here. After the trim turned aged and distressed, I lime waxed it.  Lime wax {or pickling} is a white soft wax.  I applied it with a chip brush making sure to push it into the rope crevices.  A quick buffing and…started applying the trim starting with “A.”  I used liquid nails to glue the pieces in place and painters tape to hold until dry.  Over the hinges, I used clamps until the glue dried

Easy as ABC!

D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L & M!

It was worth it!

distressed-folding-metal-table-country-design-style-sq

I like the aged trim that matches the legs and the lime that matches the top.

Now to dress the distressed metal table to p~a~r~t~y!

Making over a folding metal table and adding distressed rope trim along the edge. Country Design Style

 This works!

Now…will it fold???

Folding metal table repainted and distressed trim added! Country Design Style

This works!

Folding table makeover, DIY painting with chalky paint added distress wood trim. Country Design Style

Notice the use of the handle to hold a hand towel. 

The distressed metal table is ready to party and use for creating demos.  If this project is a bit much to take on, here’s an idea for a table makeover farmhouse style.

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19 Comments

    1. Wendi, I can’t wait to see what you come up with for the trim. The best part of working with the rope trim is either way is the top. I thought at first if I cut a piece upside down the rope would be wrapping the wrong way. 😕 Jeanette

  1. You are so clever! I would never have thought to give a piece like this an update. This folding table is going to be so useful for picnics and other fun events and it’s so pretty now that it doesn’t even need a tablecloth. Great job!

  2. Wow Jeanette! I love all your things but this may be your most brilliant moment! I pride myself in seeing the potential in pieces that others don’t but I think I would have walked right past this one! What intricate work for the trim! And I love the lime wax- I have been wanting to try that. Awesome job! Sharing and pinning!

    1. Thank you Laura, I’m still looking around for a white wax in the chalky paint line up. I found one but it’s on backorder. I really like the look. Even layering dark wax with white is fun. Take care. Jeanette

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