Who doesn’t love a simple, inexpensive DIY. I mean there is nothing more satisfying to me than doing a project that can make such a big difference with minimal work. This table was one of those projects for me and I couldn’t be happier with the results.

We have had this old table for so long and I’ve wanted to update it because replacing the whole thing is not in the budget or practical at this time. I’ve done several stencil projects on tile and linoleum in the past so I thought why not try the table tiles…and y’all it was so easy.

 

 

Below is what it looked like before. The tile is in good condition it’s just not may favorite color and is kind of boring.

 

 

Here are the supplies you need for this project:

• primer ( I used Kilz brand)
• chalk paint -1 color for the base ( I used the Waverly brand in the color Plaster)
• chalk paint- 1 color for the pattern ( I used the Waverly brand in the color INK)
• small foam paint roller with an extra foam pad or 2
• small paint tray
• painters tape
• polycrylic (I used minwax in a matte finish)

The first thing I did was remove the tiles and bring them into the garage and place on a table for work space. I primed the tiles first  with one coat of Kilz brand primer and let it completely dry.

 

Next, I painted the tiles with 2 coats of the Plaster chalk paint letting them dry between coats.

 

 

Once your base coat is dry, it’s time for the stencil. I placed a piece of tape on each side and taped it down securely then load your roller with the paint but unload a little of it on a board or cardboard.If your roller is too heavily loaded, it could cause your paint to bleed underneath the stencil.

 

 

 

 

Be sure to use a firm, even press and directly on top of the stencil as you roll. Be careful not to angle it to where the brush slides or it will get paint underneath the stencil or slip. Remember this is “stenciling” so the color usually doesn’t go on perfectly even on the entire pattern like a regular paint job. It give a little more aged imperfect look. So if that bother’s you, it may not be the project look for you.

 

 

Once you’ve filled in the stencil pattern, carefully peel the stencil up off the tile. You will eventually end up with some paint on the backside of the stencil so be sure to dry the back with a fan or hair dryer each time before you lay it down. You can also purchase two stencils to alternate giving one time to dry and use the other. I did try wiping it the first time but it creates a worse mess in the long run.

 

 

 

 

Once all of your tiles are completely dry you can add the finishing touch to protect your tiles, but they need to be completely dry. Also, you want to be sure and use a foam roller and not a brush and roll the first coat very lightly barely covering it and let it dry. Then you next 2 coats and be heavier. If you go too heavy and brush too hard, you could smear your project (done that before!) so word of warning on this step.

 

I ended up doing 3 coats and it held up great in our first heavy rainstorm. I recommend adding a new coat overy year depending on your weather and climate.

 

 

I’m just so happy with the character it added to the table and fave it new life. It seriously looks like a whole new table (for under $50!)

 

 

So friends, what do you think? SOmetimes just a little out of the box thinking is all you need to refresh a space, piece of furniture or any decor for that matter. It really doesn’t have to be expensive to look fabulous. Your feedback is always appreciated. I’d love your thoughts and of course will be happy to answer any of your questions. Thanks for following along. and have a wonderful summer!

Happy Decorating!