+ DIY duo-tone refurbished dining room table +

When we moved into this apartment, one thing I really did not like was the color of our dining table. The issue ranked low on our priority list, but I always wanted to do something about it. It was - and still is very practical and had this vintage vibe, but the color did not cheer me up when I looked at it to say the least. I tried to cover it up with different table cloths, but I did not like the idea of having to wash them all the time  - and they did not shout cleanliness after 1-2 dinners.

This is a before picture taken in the garage right before we started the project - not the prettiest table you've seen, right?  

Giving a new life to old furniture is not as difficult as it may seem. If you have an affinity for it, you'll find it rewarding. I am so pleased with the result.   Here's what you need for this project:  

• an old wooden dining room table (duh)
• sand paper or sander (with different grits  - huge difference! a power tool will make your life a 1000 times easier
• protective gear - safety goggles and a mask you DO NOT want to breathe in hardwood or enamel dust, both are very harmful to your health!
• paint diluent
• paintbrush
• wood stain
• enamel paint (I mixed white, green and blue to achieve this hip mint colour) 

Step 1: SAND! Sand off all the lacquer and previous paint coat. The top part of our table turned out to be made of OSB to our surprise, so we had to be careful not to sand more than needed. This is me using a sander, cause I'm badass. And this is how much dust floated around in the garage. I could barely see. 

Step 2: Thoroughly remove dirt and dust with a cloth dipped in paint diluent - this will prepare the surface for painting. 

Step 3: Coat the top part with your enamel paint and allow it to fully dry. (May take more than indicated on the can depending on humidity and temperature.)

Step 4: Coat the bottom part with your wood stain of desired shade and wait until drying time is up. 

Step 5: Repeat steps 3 and 4. 

Now you have a brand new kitchen table that you can show off to your friends during a gathering. 

Isn't it totally beautiful and fun? And yes, a girl can do this!