Console table upcycle coastal-style

[TaylerMayd]

This sideboard was stripped back to natural timber before a light paint wash and stain and varnish was applied. It was the winner of best upcycling makeover in our 2024 search for Australia's best D.I.Y. projects.

• The project
• Steps
• Tools and materials
• Before and after
• More inspiration for your upcycling project

The project

I wanted to update this old console to create a fresh coastal feel. I'm really happy with how it turned out! 

Steps

Step 1

I started by removing the handles and all of the existing finish. I used a carbide scraper to remove the varnish, followed by an orbital sander to reveal the natural timber. I worked up from 120 to 400 grit sandpaper to ensure a smooth finish. I used my Ryobi multi tool as a detail sander for the hard to reach areas.

Step 2

Once the old finish was completely removed, I gave the sideboard a thorough clean and applied a light paint wash (in Dulux Colorbond Evening Haze) to keep the timber from yellowing. I then used a foam brush to apply one light coat of Cabot's stain and varnish, followed by two coats of just the clear. I sanded with a high grit sandpaper between coats to ensure a silky-smooth finish.

Step 3

For the handles, I cut some pine dowel to size using a mitre box, sealed the dowel with clear coat for durability and fastened to the drawer fronts with wood screws. And this is the final result!

Tools and materials

Materials used in the project:

• Cabot's stain and varnish
• Cabot's cabothane clear
• Pine dowel
• Dulux paint
• Sanding pads.

Tools used in the project:

• Orbital sander
• Wet and dry vacuum
• Multi tool
• Foam brushes
• Carbide scraper.

Before and after

After:

More inspiration for your upcycling project

Bunnings Workshop member inspiredcoastal upcycled a timber cabinet by sanding and using paint and varnish. 

Experienced community member Claire upcycled an old timber cabinet to use as a bathroom vanity.

Get more ideas from our Top 10 most popular indoor furniture projects.

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @TaylerMayd 

Wow! Seriously wow, I was just showing one of my mates the before and after shot. You have done some nice work and lots of it in stripping it back. 

So worth it tho! And another one to "not drive past" on the side of the rd

Dave

[Dave-1]

Congratulations on The Win @TaylerMayd   

I would really like to do the level of work that you have done!.

Dave

[TaylerMayd]

Thanks so much for your kind words @Dave-1 it’s amazing what can be achieved with a bit (or a lot) of sanding haha

[tnsmith001]

Thanks a really beautiful result. Well done! 

[agi]

This looks so great @TaylerMayd! I’m attempting to do something similar however the stain I purchased is looking quite yellow, wondering what Cabot’s stain colour you used above the paint wash, and how you applied it?

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @agi. It's sensational to have you join us, and great to see this project has inspired you.

I do note that @TaylerMayd mentioned, "I gave the sideboard a thorough clean and applied a light paint wash (in Dulux Colorbond Evening Haze) to keep the timber from yellowing.". Hopefully, they can update us on the stain they also used.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[TaylerMayd]

Thanks very much @agi 

On this piece I used the colour Hickory, diluted with a little of the clear. I applied with a foam brush, as in the pics. Pine in particular can turn yellow with clear coats and light coloured stains but a paint wash beforehand will help prevent this. Hope this helps

[agi]

Thanks so much @TaylerMayd, this is my first ever project so certainly lots of trial and error ( mostly error ) ! Your work definitely inspired me to pick up some tools.

After the paint wash, I imagine you used water based stain and varnish mixed with the water based cabothane clear before applying your top coat? I think the mistake I made was using oil based, luckily I only did a test patch!