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An old and damaged coffee table given a makeover with fresh paint and giant popsticks arranged in a herringbone pattern.
The project
I found a very sturdy but old and damaged coffee table on Facebook Marketplace and thought I would refurbish it for my son and his girlfriend who have just bought a house in the country. Although it's not really country cottage style, it turned out to be more of a coastal-look piece. The kids love it and I'm so glad.
I also thought I would try a herringbone popsicle stick hack I had seen on YouTube. Although the first attempt was a real fail, the second try turned out really well and just makes the piece pop.
I knew when I saw this that there was potential for a lovely makeover.
Unfortunately, it looked like their dogs had used it as their chew toy.
I sanded the corners back and put some wood filler on, then repeated the process. It wasn't perfect, but once painted, the damage was virtually unnoticeable.
I deglossed the surface by using a sanding block and Sugar Soap, then wiped it over with a wet rag.
The first coat is always the worst, especially when you don't use primer. I used five coats of paint on this, six on the top, so yes, I think I'll invest in some primer next time.
I lined the bottom of the drawers with some rattan-look vinyl film.
I used the back of a big picture frame as a base to make a decorative insert for the side of the table. It fitted perfectly.
I saw some tutorials about using popsicle sticks to make a herringbone feature for furniture.
The first time was a failure, but if you don't succeed the first time, try again, and it worked.
I had to cut off the overhang with a Stanley knife.
I filled the gaps with white Timbermate wood filler, then sanded it back. It gave it a lovely, whitewashed appearance.
I love balsa wood and have used it in a lot of projects. For this one, I used it to make a border around the herringbone panel to neaten its appearance.
I used a matte varnish to seal and protect the herringbone panel. I was glad to have reached this point and have finished these pieces. Applying the varnish was very therapeutic.
Love the beeswax.
As an extra personal touch, I decided to add some special messages in each of the drawers. I don't think they'll expect that.
After trying to stick the panels on with PVA glue which did not work, I resorted to my Maxi nails glue which I love and use for everything. It's only a bit more than $2 and it lasts forever.
With the leftover balsa wood pieces, I made some herringbone coasters to match the coffee table sides.
I think it's adopted more of a relaxed coastal vibe.
I'm now a bit addicted to doing this herringbone and I am thinking now of other things I can make with it. Placemats might be on the cards.
Here's a video showing how I did it.
And here is a video on how to do the herringbone.
More inspiration for your upcycling project
Community member Ranya also used Facebook Marketplace to source old furniture and created this retro buffet upcycle unit.
Workshop member Sandy created this unusual upcycled tallboy using timber Venetian blinds that someone had thrown away.
There are more clever ideas in upcycled buffets. You can also Ask a question if you need a hand. We're here to help.
Afternoon @daniknight4
That has come up nicely. You projects really do give me second thought on passing over an older piece of furniture. I liek how if you dont first sucede, try, try again 
I was only talking about that type of deal today with my workmates. Scary but as you said with that varnish going on it was therapeutic
Nice restore into a clean and modern look
Dave
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