Step by step tutorial on layering and blending paint to repurpose a vintage buffet table. This is a stunning way to transform a dated furniture piece.

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Let’s take a minute to appreciate how stunning this Vintage Buffet Table turned out. I mean from the ombre style blended paint to the Gold Leafing, I honestly can’t stop staring at it.

Okay but enough of me just complimenting this piece (which will be really hard as I am obsessed with it) and let’s get on with how I achieved this gorgeous blended paint finish.

But before we do, you should definitely check out my Thrift Table Makeover using Gold Leaf and Wood Applique Table Makeover for more inspiration.

Now back to today’s vintage buffet table transformation.

Before we jump into the actual makeover I have to show you guys how it actually looked.

I honestly got really lucky with this table and scored it for a whopping $0.

But just with anything free in life there is always some drawbacks.

The table looked good but had a lot of damage.

One of the drawer pulls was missing which wasn’t that big of a deal as it could easily be replaced.

The table overall had a lot of dents and scratch marks especially the top part.

Some of the sides were damaged and wood had chipped off. And one of the legs was really damaged.

But honestly it still did not make me want to give it up as it had so much potential that I just had to have it in my life no matter what.

Before I even began to paint this piece, it took me an actual full day to clean it first as it was so old and dusty.

Tutorial for Vintage Buffet Table Makeover- Layered and Blended Paint Technique

Step 1

Okay so this is how it actually is when I start painting a furniture piece.

Utter mess and chaos but there is actually a method to all of this madness.

Do yourself a favor and fully cover the space you are working in with a plastic sheet and not what I did with little pieces of paper and plastic.

First you need to remove all hardware and set it aside.

The Idea for this piece was to start off with a darker blue shade at the bottom and then have a light blue color at the top with the middle having a mix of both colors in the shade of turquoise.

So that is what I did by painting the bottom half and the legs with the dark blue chalk paint.

The best and quickest way to get paint coverage is to use a large fluffy brush specifically designed for chalk paint. The one I love and use the most I have linked in my material list.

It is best to use chalk paint as it is easier to blend and layer.

Step 2

So at this point you can see how harsh and obvious the transition of the colors are but do not worry as we will blend it later on.

At this point just layer on your second paint color which in this case was a turquoise color.

Also don’t forget to paint the sides of the table with the same colors.

Step 3

After the turquoise paint color it was time to paint the buffet table with the lightest shade of blue.

This color was also going to be painted on the top part of the table.

So to achieve the seamless blended look you need to have a water sprayer and you can see in all the above pictures I have a water sprayer bottle on hand.

The way I blend the paint colors is to start with one side and spray one band of the paint colors with the water and with a clean brush start blending it.

Since we used chalk paint, spraying it with water will activate it again and you will be able to easily blend it.

Take your time and do not rush this process as this is the most important part of the process. This will take a while as it does involve a lot of brushing to achieve the blended look.

The biggest tip is to keep the brushes separate.

For instance the dark blue to turquoise blending paintbrush should be separate then the one you use to blend the turquoise and light blue paint color.

Step 4

I spray painted the hardware with Metallic Gold Spray Paint and it needed about two coats.

You can also notice that I added a little metallic blue paint on the tips of the legs of the table. This step is optional but I really liked the way it turned out hence I kept it.

Time for Gold Leafing the entire table.

Be warned that this is also labor intensive.

The amount of gold leafing I did can take a while but if you just add a few touches of gold leaf you will be done way quicker.

With Gold Leaf you have to be patient as it is really delicate. Start by applying a thin layer of decoupage glue and place the gold leaf on top.

Dust off the excess gold leaf with a dry soft brush.

I did not really have a certain design for the gold leaf but I just wanted it to be the center of attention.

Keep gluing and adding gold leaf as you move along.

It took me a total of two days to finish golf leafing as I took my time and breaks in between.

I also covered the top part of the table with gold leaf in the same “spider web” fashion as the front.

Step 5

The last step to this entire process is to give a coat of Polycrylic Sealant. You can see in the above picture how the colors come alive where the sealant has been applied.

Give the entire buffet table a coat of the Polycrylic Sealant. I chose a semi gloss finish but you can also choose matte to retain that chalky finish aesthetic.

And there you have it.

All Done.

What do you guys think of this gorgeous vintage buffet table makeover.

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