I was given this Mersman Drum Table for FREE when picking up a pair of chairs from a homeowner. I was so excited to take this table off their hands. #decoratinghappydance

Overall, this drum table was in good condition. The only thing wrong with it was one of legs was broken. However, it was an easy fix. A little wood glue and this gorgeous table was back on it’s feet.

It took me over a year and half to finally do this furniture makeover. Thankfully my wife doesn’t get too on my case about my furniture projects taking up room in the basement. God bless her for putting up with me.

Easy-Peasy Drum Table Makeover

This table makeover was simple to do. Here is what I used.

  • Kilz 2 Latex Multi-Surface Primer
  • DecoArt Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paint in the Vintage
  • DecoArt Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paint in the Everlasting
  • DecoArt Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paint in the Relic
  • DecoArt Americana Decor Clear Wax
  • A Foam Brush
  • DecoArt Americana Decor Stencil – The French Inn
  • Sand Paper with Medium & Fine grit
  • Painter’s Tape
  • Lint-free rag

  • Sand the Top

The top of this drum table had a gloss finish. To ensure the new paint had something to grip to, I sanded the top with medium grit sandpaper.

  • Prime It

I first removed the brass hardware and foot tips and set them aside for cleaning. Typically I don’t prime my furniture before painting with chalk paint. However, with this piece I thought a base coat primer would be help cover the mahogany stain.

  • Paint Everything But the Top

Next, I painted the everything but the top a soft shade of aqua. For this project, I had the great opportunity to use DecoArt Chalk Finish Paint on this drum table makeover. It was my first time using their paints, but it won’t be the last time.

DecoArt Americana Chalk Finish Paint in comparison to the more expensive brands of chalk paint, is excellent for the quality and price. A 16-oz container costs $16, which is half the cost of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. Plus, the Americana paints apply easily and the coverage is great. For this project, I used maybe 2-3 ounces, so I have plenty for another DIY project in the future.

I did apply two coats of chalk paint. Waiting a hour between coats.

  • Paint Top

I painted the top white to contrast the base. Again I did two coats of the Everlasting Chalk Paint.

When painting the top I used long strokes in one direction. Doing this helped minimize brushstroke lines.

  • Stenciling Time

After the top had dried, it was time top stencil. I’m not one who usually likes to uses stencils on furniture. However, I thought this French Inn stencil was fitting for the drum Table.

Using painters tape, I taped the stencil center on the top and drawer. Then I painted over the stencil with the base color. This helps seal the stencil and prevents bleeding.

Then I painted the stencil with the color Relic. Be sure get the paint in all the crevasses by moving your brush In more than one direction.

Unfortunately, after I took the at stencil off I did have some areas where the paint bled. No worries if that happens to you. Use a small artist brush to touch up the stencil with the base color. For intricate areas you can use a toothpick.

OOPS!

  • Distress the Stencil

The stencil looked too new. I wanted it to have a distressed weathered look. To do this I did two things.

First, with a medium grit sandpaper, I lightly sanded the stenciled area. This roughed up the design a little bit.

To really get the weathered appearance, I did some finger painting. Actually, it was more like hand painting. I would put some white paint on the stenciled design and then rubbed it around.

I did this until I was happy with the look.

  • Wax and Buff

Lastly, I applied a wax protective coat to seal the paint. After the wax dried, I buffed the wax to a satin sheen with a lint-free rag. I love the look using wax over polyethylene sealers. The wax is softer and easier to apply. You can’t go wrong!

What a Better Gift…

As much as I wanted to keep this drum Table for myself, I really didn’t have a good spot for it in my home. You can’t keep it all, but I try sometimes.

I thought about selling it. However, since getting this table my mom had been swooning over it. She told me that her mom had a table just like this one when she was growing up. What a great coincidence that this table found its way to me?

Since, Christmas is just around the corner I gave my mom the table an early Christmas present. She was over the moon happy with the gift. It brought me so much joy to give this to my mom.

What do you think about this drum table makeover?

If you loved this furniture makeover, check out these other DIY Projects I have done.