Look What Happened To The Flip Top Table

This is a great example of how not to be afraid to paint furniture for fear of ruining it. This is the second makeover for my black French poem flip top table. That's the beauty of working with chalk paint if you're not 100% satisfied it can easily be changed with little prep, even after waxing.

The first makeover involved metallic gilding wax and decoupaged paper and still, the table could be redeemed. Heck, it even survived falling onto a concrete floor and part of the trim flying in two directions. My hope is that you walk away encouraged to pick up a paintbrush and give that piece of furniture collecting dust in the basement a fresh new look.

Flip Top Table Makeover



Look What Happened To The Flip Top Table


Today is Furniture Fixer Upper Day where five talented furniture painting friends and I come together to breath new life into six pieces of furniture. You can find links to the makeovers at the bottom of this post.

For last month's challenge, I shared how I completely transformed my glossy white Vintage 9-drawer dresser by giving it Farmhouse charm with chalk paint and sandpaper...a lot of sandpaper.
But first, let's look at the table before I repainted it.

Black Flip Top Table Before

You can see remnants of the metallic decoupaged paper from the original makeover on the top and a close up of the metallic silver gilding wax details.

Black Flip Top Table Damaged Top

To see the original makeover and the terrible shape the table was in before that makeover, visit my Antique Scalloped Tilt Top Table post.

There was nothing wrong with the first makeover and I thought the table was quite lovely but it didn't sell. Perhaps the papered top was scaring people off. I decided to keep it but the metallic finish didn't really suit our home so onto plan B.

Black Flip Top Table Opened

I think it looks so much classier painted black, wouldn't you agree?

I love all things with a Parisian flair, especially French typography on furniture so I couldn't resist adding a French poem on the top.

Black Flip Top Table Stenciled French Poem

"O time, suspend your flight and you, propitious hours, suspend your course. Weary you enjoy the fast delights of the most beautiful nowadays."

Black Chalk Painted Flip Top Table

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience so you can see what products I used or recommend to make this project. See my full disclosure policy.

Here's how I did it

Like I said at the top of this post you can chalk paint over previous chalk painted furniture, even if it has been waxed. Visit this post on How To Prep Furniture For Chalk Paint A-Z for more information.

Chalk paint over clear wax

It doesn't matter if the wax was applied 15 minutes ago or 15 months ago, as long as it is NOT tacky to the touch, you can paint right over it with chalk paint. I painted over the original white with three coats of Raven black chalk paint from FAT Paint Company.

After the final coat was completely dry I applied black wax to deepen the color and protect the finish. But I didn't do that step until the table was completely finished.

Black Flip Top Table Base

It was at this point went things went awry.

Remember I mentioned the scalloped trim along the top suffered some damage? I had detached the top from the base to remove all the remnants of decoupaged paper and fill any imperfections. I had just finished sanding the top to a perfectly smooth finish and was moving it over to the worktable to start painting when it slipped out of my hands and went crashing onto the concrete floor.

After a few choice words, I threw my hands in the air and marched myself upstairs and straight to bed feeling totally defeated. Thankfully stubborn is my middle name and when I woke up the next morning, fueled by coffee and determination I showed that broken top whose boss.

Black Flip Top Table Broken Trim Repairs

Repairing broken trim

I reattached the broken trim but the wood had suffered some damage on both ends so it didn't fit seamlessly back in place like a jigsaw puzzle so the repairs are not perfect.
  1. On a time crunch to get this table finished for today's post I needed to use strong, quick drying glue. I applied this glue on both the back of the broken trim and the table and held it in place with these clamps until cured. Sorry for the lack of photos of this process, I was in panic mode at this point and didn't stop to take photos.
  2. I used non-shrinking, fast drying filler to conceal the joints and fill the missing bits of trim. If I had Bondo on hand, that would've been my preference but this did the job. With my fingers I applied it in two layers, letting it dry about 30 minutes between applications. The photo above is after the first application.
  3. Once the filler was dry I sanded it with 180 grit sandpaper. 
  4. Then I finally returned to the task of painting the top with the same Raven black chalk paint. 

Stenciled top

I used this delicate surface tape to hold the French Poem Stencil onto the center of the painted top. I didn't risk using stencil adhesive because the paint had only been dry for a few hours and didn't want to risk lifting the paint. I stenciled with this Antique White craft paint using a small stencil brush.

After the stencil paint dried I lightly sanded over it with 220 grit sandpaper to remove the raised bits and then waxed over the entire top with black wax, buffing to a matte finish. The black wax also gave the white paint an aged appearance, which I love.

Next, I attached the top to the base SUCCESSFULLY this time!

Black Flip Top Table French Poem Stencil


Scalloped Top Highlights

At the last minute, I decided to highlight the scalloped edge by rubbing white wax with my finger and buffing it smooth with a lint-free rag. I like how it adds some visual interest AND masks the damage.

Black Flip Top Table White Wax Highlights

I hope this table and its challenges and metamorphosis served as a good example that it takes a lot to ruin a piece of furniture. And that after putting paintbrush to furniture and not being 100% satisfied with the results, it can always be changed. It's just paint!

Black Painted Flip Top Table With Stencil

If you have any questions about this makeover, please leave them in the comment section below or press the Contact Me button at the top of the blog to drop me an email. I love hearing from you!

Black French Poem Flip Top Table


Now let's see how my talented friends in the Furniture Fixer Uppers group transformed these furniture pieces...

Furniture Fixer Uppers - February 2019
Press the links below to see the after photos and tutorials...
  1. Girl In The Garage
  2. Confessions Of A Serial DIYer
  3. Petticoat Junktion
  4. Prodigal Pieces
  5. Just The Woods
  6. The Interior Frugalista (that's me)

I share my projects at these inspiring link parties.


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Comments

  1. Your table is beautiful and so many great tips that I need. For example, I never know when I need to prep with chalk paint. I guess I really don't so that's wonderful news. Thanks. Pinning for when I forget. :)

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    1. Thank you so much Patti, appreciate your visit! Glad you found the tips helpful. But I hate to disappoint - I always prep furniture UNLESS it was previously painted with chalk paint and doesn't have a glossy finish. Sorry ☺️

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  2. That patch compound is currently unavailable so what do you suggest instead?

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    1. Pam, you can get it at Home Depot. I've since updated the link to other options as well. Bondo being one of them. Hope this helps!

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  3. Looks amazing and I love the contrast of the black table with the white lettering/poem. Those flip tables are so easy to tuck and away and bring out when needed too... great space savers if need be! Pinned. :)

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    1. Yes, they really are which is exactly why I'm keeping this one for our small home. Now that it's painted classic black, it fits with our decor so much better. Thanks for the visit and the pin 😊

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  4. This looks amazing Marie and I love the stencil you added! It really sets the piece apart from most side tables!

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    1. Thank you so much Gail 😊 That top was begging for a little something-something and my go-to is always something with Parisian flair. LOL

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  5. Very pretty re-REmake! How can anything go seriously wrong with such a pretty table though? 😊 I really like the highlighted trim!

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    1. Thank you very much Becky! I'm glad you like the highlighted trim because it was an after thought. I like how it frames the French stencil. Appreciate your visit 😊

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  6. Good for you for showing that table who's boss! It feels so good when you overcome those obstacles! Sleek black paint and a pretty graphic were exactly what this piece needed! XOXO

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    1. I just couldn't walk away from this one especially because flip top tables are not easy to come by. I'm so glad I didn't give up because now I have a pretty black French table for my home that doesn't take up a lot of room when not in use.

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  7. This accident turned out to be a GOOD thing! Your tutorial about repairing broken trim is great! Love the black with white!

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    1. Thank you very much Cecilia! I'm so glad you found the tutorial helpful. I'm loving the black and white too because it works in any room in our house now. Thanks for stopping by, appreciate the visit 😊

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  8. Nice makeover, big improvement. But I personally don’t care for the white wax that you chose. I find it distracting.

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    1. Thank you Vicky! Fair enough about the white wax, I understand how it isn't for everyone. I'm keeping it for our home and it's quirkiness works well in my home. Thanks for the visit 😊

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  9. You're right it is classier in black. So beautiful Marie and you really did a great job of getting it together in a short time.

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    1. Thanks Kathy, this one is definitely a keeper! Sometimes this old gal works great under pressure...ahem...is too stubborn to give up 😏

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  10. The table is beautiful Marie. Another beautiful re love. Glad you got away to where it is warm and sunny.
    Hugs,
    Kris

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    1. Thank you Kris, I'm glad you like the table. It's a keeper! It was wonderful escaping from the winter but since being home my tan is literally flaking off 😪

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  11. Marie,
    I LOVE how this table came out!! And the writing on the top makes it look all the better!! Thanks so much for stopping by and for taking time to leave such encouraging words!! I truly appreciated it!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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    1. Thank you Debbie for your sweet comments about the table makeover! You're welcome and are in my thought. xo

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  12. Im so glad you were able to save the table. I love the black, it def looks classy and such a space saver too with the flip top!

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  13. I know right, me too! It was iffy there for a few hours but so glad I was persistent. The table is a keeper, perfect space saving table when not in use for this little house of ours 😊

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  14. Oh, my gosh, I would have been SO mad if I had dropped that table! And you know when you are that mad you better get out of the area or you will do more damage of some type! You were right to go directly to bed!

    I definitely think that the black paint gives the table a more elegant look. I'm not so fond of the white wax on the edges although I do think it needed something to accent them. I think maybe faint brushes of....I was going to say silver paint, but then I don't know if that would look right either. I just think the white wax is too opaque or something. Anyway, the black is much better than the white. I'm wondering whether it has sold yet or not.

    Oh, and I wanted to tell you that I tho't you did a skillful job of repairing the edging
    on the table.

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    1. Thank you so much Naomi, I'm glad you like the table and thought my repair job was skillful. You are the second person who isn't fond of the white wax edge. It was an after thought and I personally love it because it's unexpected. Because I'm keeping this table, so will the wax. LOL You know when the table crashed onto the concrete floor I was more devastated than mad. But I woke up anger and determined to redeem the hot mess. So glad I did because now I have a cute French table to call my own. 😊

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  15. Marie, the new look is fantastic and chic! It looks like a chalkboard actually - very much in style right now. xo

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    1. Thank you Jen 😊 It really does look like a chalkboard! I better let my 4 year old grandson know that it isn't because this table is a keeper. LOL

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  16. It is just paint indeed Marie. You know one of my all time favorite's of yours is the french script in red. So it should come as no surprise that I love this one too. It is a beautiful classic color and sure to sell now.

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    1. Thank you Mary! Yes, that red French drop leaf table was one of my favorites too and it was very difficult letting that one go when it sold. This one, however, is a keeper.

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  17. I love this makeover, Marie! I have a flip-top table that was refinished in a salmon color. It's pretty, but not really my color choice. This has given me some great inspiration for my own makeover.

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    1. So happy to hear my flip top table gave you the inspiration for yours, Kim! Have fun with the makeover 😊

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  18. Turned out fantastic and love the colors. Thanks for sharing.

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  19. I'm actually loving touches of black in my decor more and more these days. This table re-re-do is lovely, Marie! Thanks for sharing on Homestyle Gathering!

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    1. Me too, Julie, black is a nice anchor in a room! Thank you for stopping by to visit and have a great weekend 😊

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  20. It looks so elegant now. Love the black look, it makes it seem like a work of art or chic signage from an upscale Parisienne cafe

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    1. Oh I like that, "upscale Parisienne cafe signage", Michelle 😊

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  21. What a great flip! I am working on a table with a similar shape and I still need to add the stencil to the top. Seeing yours finished is very motivating!

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    1. Yay, glad to hear my table is motivating your table makeover, Randi 😊 Sounds like you're at the finish line!

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  22. Such a great makeover!! Your repairs after the fall are amazing - no one would even know :). thanks for sharing through Homestyle Gathering!

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    1. Thank you Cindy! I was so relieved when I managed to redeem this table after the fall. If you look closely you can see the repairs but they just add to the charm of the table...ahem...at least that's the story I'm using 😉

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