Hand Painted Table Top Seafood Design

Hand-Painted Dining Table Top Seafood Design by Self Sagacity
What: This is my hand-painted seafood dining table top. The table is about seven years old with a great looking base, but the table top has shown its use over the years with kids. There were patches of super glue, hot food burns, cold drink rings, and sewing machine scratches. This table is the heart of our family. It is loved and used for everything.
Why: The table always looked dirty because of the burns, scratches and glue patches. I felt uncomfortable, even embarrassed when guests come and afraid to set their things down because they thought the table was dirty. Although we all knew something has to be done, my family had a hard time with the thought of replacing the dearly beloved beat-up table.

When: I could not handle another day of feeling like I live dirty, like I haven't wiped the table down in years. I painted this table and one side of my buffet cabinets (see how to paint cabinets) during my break from Trinity. I had a week to think, be creative, and to spread-out the materials I needed freely.

Who: The design came together with a lot of MattLove, my son's input. He is a great critic,  because he is very honest and very observant. His opinions kept my decisions more precise. I was challenged by his suggestions and motivated to transform the table into greatness, not just mediocre.

How: The hardest part about this project was coming up with what goes on the table. I wanted the design to express something about me and my family, but that has to do with food - since it is a dining table. I also wanted color in the design, not just black and brown.

Steps:
1. Paint the table top to a light cream shade. Follow painting directions on the How to Paint Wood Cabinets post. 
2. Layout your designs. Measure, tape, and hand draw.
3. Hand drawn or trace your selected images.
4. Use acrylic paint, or make your own chalk paint. Cover the designs with appropriate shades.
5. Sand the entire surface lightly, but enough that you cannot feel the bumps.
6. Wax the entire table top for a nice soft glow like the look of my restored buffet.
7. Find a glass top.
8. Use the glass stick and put under the glass to hold it in place.

Lay Out Designs

      

Hand-drawn Designs

Hand Painted Designs Completed

Table Before

Table Completed with Glass Top

The same week that I completed painting the table top, I also found on Craigslist a brand new 54" glass top with beveled edges still in wrappers. SO helped me hauled it home. It certainly seemed like it was meant to be.
Now my family and I will have more reasons to hold on to our beloved table. We will build more memories with family and friends around this table. We will use it for more purposes and it will be with us for many more years.

Thanks for stopping by today. And here is the table again.