{layering paint technique}

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I recently refinished a classic pine sofa table for my friend Katie.  She wanted it black, but when the table was distressed she wanted red to show through.

Before…

After…

Since the table wasn’t red to begin with, and the wood was already stained i started off by painting the table red (sorry no pic).  Then, when that was dry, i painted the table black (New Black by Valspar).  I waited for it to dry and then got out some sanding blocks.

I used a 220 grit sanding block and then rubbed through the black paint to show the red paint underneath.  In some spots it went down to the natural wood underneath – and that is fine, it just adds more depth :)

Then i finished it off in a coat of poly so that you cant see the sanding marks – otherwise on the black paint the finish can look a little dull and show little scratches, the poly will take care of that.

Also, if this table weren’t already stained and raw wood, you can paint the table black, sand through where you want it distressed and then wipe on some red stain – i have done that before as well.

How easy is that to show a little character with some layered paint?! And think of all the different combinations that it can be done in.   Love it :)