Drexel End Table

Today's project is a Drexel end table. It was nice and sturdy but the finish needed some work.

Before

This particular end table is the Classic Treasury by Drexel manufactured in 1968. 

I used my orbital sander to smooth out the surface scratches being careful not to sand to deeply into the veneer.

Sanding with an orbital sander.

I applied two coats of shellac to the raw wood before painting.

Applying shellac to raw wood before painting.

I wanted a light and classic look for the end table, so I chose a color scheme of grey and white. I also wanted a blended effect, so I added Paris Grey and Pure White to a container and swirled it to blend. I dipped my brush into the swirled paint and let it blend naturally onto the table.

Paris Grey and Pure White swirled together.

After the first coat was dry I dry brushed a darker grey, French Linen, over the base of the end table. 

Dry brush a darker shade to add dimension.
I used French Linen over the Paris Grey / Pure White mixture.

It was a little too dark in spots for my liking, so I dry brushed a little of the grey-white swirl over the French Linen until I got the look I wanted.

Dry brush lighter color over dark.

I lightly distressed the edges with 220-grit sandpaper then sealed with soft clear wax. I sealed the top of the end table with General Finishes High Performance Top Coat for extra durability. I wanted to add just a bit more dimension to the color while still keeping it light and fresh, so after I sealed the paint with clear wax, I applied a white glaze. I used a foam brush to apply the glaze and then wiped the excess off with a shop towel.

Applying white glaze over the painted finish.

After

I'll finish today's post with the "after" photos. I'll include the supply list at the end in case you would like to create a similar look for your project.

Drexel Classic Treasury end table painted by The Black Sheep Shoppe

Side view of end table. I love the tapered fluted legs!

Deep drawer for storage.

Winter White glaze applied over painted finish.

Gorgeous details on the drawer knobs!

Details on legs.

Close up of drawer.

Supply List

Below are the supplies I used for this project. Some links are affiliate links.

• Orbital sander and variety pack of sand paper (60, 80, 100, 150, 200-grit)
• Tack cloths (for quick removal of sanding dust.)
• Shellac and disposable foam brushes
• Chalk Paint Products by Annie Sloan Paris Grey, Pure White, French Linen, and soft clear wax.
• Wax brush
• General Finishes High Performance Top Coat Satin
• General Finishes Winter White Glaze Effects
• Shop towels (for removing excess glaze)
• Wooster Vintage Effects paintbrush plus an old paint brush for dry brushing.