Painted Console Table | Layered Grays

This painted console table project began when Katie, a new client, brought me this vintage dusty gal.  It has great lines, but the finish is damaged and definitely dated.

Dark pieces like this always have the best before & after because paint shows off the details.

Here are the products I used to achieve this look.

Resource List:

(Note: These are affiliate links for which I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for your support!)

• Console table (client-owned)
• White Lightning
• Gray BOSS
• Mason Dixon Gray
• Sawmill Gravy
• French Linen
• Clear Coat Flat
• Knobs (Hobby Lobby)

Layered Grays on a Painted Console Table

Katie requested the same finish as I had done on this desk at the beginning of last year.

I also did the same technique with 3 different colors on these night stands.  So if you fancy something darker or lighter you can easily switch up the colors.

For these tables, I used Manatee Gray, Gravel Road and Fluff.

Preventing Bleed-Through with BOSS

Now back to our cute console table that needs some love.  Obviously, I cleaned it first with White Lightning. 

While I was washing and rinsing it, there was a red color coming off on my paper towels.  That’s a great indication that you have a bleeder. 

If you’re seeing that happen, it’s always a good idea to use BOSS.  One use for BOSS is to stop bleed-through, so I painted 1 coat of it in the gray color.

By the way, if you want to see me doing this linen technique, you can check out the video here.

Dry Brush Technique

For this dry brushing technique, I like to use a chip brush to add additional texture. 

Start with the darkest color, then do the lightest color and finish on the medium color.  I go through this full rotation at least twice, but you can do it as much as you want until you like the final look.

To start, I dip my brush in the paint and then dab most of it off on a paper towel.  Then I brush it on the piece lightly going up and down and side to side in a cross shape.  No circles or diagonals, just straight lines!

You can see the color variation is subtle, but gives it more texture and interest.

Before sealing it with a flat sheen clear coat, I sanded slightly with a 400 grit sanding pad.

I really loved the original vintage pulls, but Katie picked out these flower knobs from Hobby Lobby.  They are cute too!

Here comes that before & after I was telling you about – it’s a good one!  Please Pin!

If you want tons of information on Dixie Belle paint and products, you can check out these Comprehensive Guides and download them free by clicking the picture:

Here are some more popular projects you might enjoy: