How to: Tables and staining particle board

I finished up that three piece dining set and I wanted to share some thoughts with you about the table.  As I mentioned in the post about the buffet - the tops were sandable/stainable wood - the edges or trim of the top was not.  I ended up just painting the trim on the buffet but I wanted to stain the whole top of the table and of course when a challenge arises, I am up for solving it!

First, the best way to paint any sort of table or chair is to flip it over.

As you can see from the picture - it is a whole lot easier to get to the underneath and the bottom on the legs.  You won't miss any spots - trust me on this.  

So, you want to do the base of the table first because when you flip it you don't want your finished top to be on any sort of surface. 

Here is what the table looked like with the base painted and ready for the top to be completed.  This was done in French Linen by Annie Sloan - 2 coats.

First, I painted around the edge of the table - twice.  For a more finished clean piece 2 or 3 coats is a must!  Once the edging around the top of the table was painted - I went to town sanding.  

You can see the table half way sanded to see the difference - I only used the 120 grit sandpaper on this due to the thin piece of "real wood" that was on the top of the table.  I didn't want to get down in to the particle board.  Not sure if you can see the layer of dust on my face - but just trust me when I say I am NASTY when I am done sanding.  :)

If you look closely at the picture - you can see once I sanded it gave me a nearly perfect line from the top of the table to the lip or edging (the edging is painted French Linen).  

Once it was all sanded - I applied the Kona colored stain to the top.  I, as usual when I am in deep thought, was just staring at the table trying to figure out how I could make the lip match the stain.  So, knowing I may have to paint the lip again - and tape the whole thing off if I mess up, I applied the stain to the French Linen chalk paint.  Worked like a champ!  The chalk paint absorbed the stain and because chalk paint leaves a "brushy" type texture...it looks like wood grain!  

Let me just say - I am REALLY glad it worked because I would've been upset with myself if I would've had to go back and tape around the lip and paint it again.

This is so good to know for future projects!  There are so many pieces I have to tell people we HAVE to paint because it is not sandable/stainable!  

I applied a clear coat of wax - and it's done!

Here is the final product:

My kids go back to school tomorrow,

Julie