Birthday Coffee Table W/PICS

[Chris DiCiaccio]

Well, here is the finished Coffee Table my daughter-in-law wanted for her Birthday. The base is solid poplar. She painted the panels and drawer fronts smooth and all the rest of the carcass stippled. She did a great job on the painting. The top is solid figured/curly cherry. The finish is Bartleys Gel Varnish. The last time you saw it this is what it looked like:

<img src="http://members.aol.com/woodwk/Coff4.jpg">

And here is the finished table:
<img src="http://members.aol.com/woodwk/lisacof1.jpg">
<img src="http://members.aol.com/woodwk/lisacof2.jpg">
<img src="http://members.aol.com/woodwk/lisacof3.jpg">
<img src="http://members.aol.com/woodwk/lisacof4.jpg">

[Todd Burch]

GOOD JOB Chris! Your DIL did good in the painting too! I like painted woodwork with stained tops. I've done a few built-ins this way.

[John Shuk]

Very nice. It is a really good job on the paint. I stink at painting

[Pat Salter]

That looks good. Both your part and hers. Are the drawers made for anything special? DVD's, videos, remotes? At first I thought the white was a strange choice of colors, but it really stands out on that dark carpet. And I like the white with natural top too.

And my father also taught me not to ask a lady how old she is. But tell her happy Bday from us all.

[Joe Bourbois]

That looks good. Both your part and hers. Are the drawers made for anything special? DVD's, videos, remotes? At first I thought the white was a strange choice of colors, but it really stands out on that dark carpet. And I like the white with natural top too.

And my father also taught me not to ask a lady how old she is. But tell her happy Bday from us all.

Chris, that turned out really nice. Your DIL did a nice job with the paint and hey you did pretty okay too!

[John Miliunas]

Hey Chris, that's hot! I'm usually not one for having the wood painted, but that turned out real nice! Beautiful figuring on the top, as well! You are both deserving of compliments for a job well done! :cool:

[Terry Hatfield]

Chris,

It turned out GREAT!!!! Both of you did an excellent job.

t

[Roger Barga]

Beautiful - the crisp white and warm cherry really complement each other. kudos!

[Chris DiCiaccio]

That looks good. Both your part and hers. Are the drawers made for anything special? DVD's, videos, remotes? At first I thought the white was a strange choice of colors, but it really stands out on that dark carpet. And I like the white with natural top too.

And my father also taught me not to ask a lady how old she is. But tell her happy Bday from us all.

Thanks for the comments. As for the drawers, no they are just open drawers. She wants to put misc. "stuff", magazines, etc. in them. She's happy, so I'm happy. Have a great day.

[Jason Tuinstra]

Chris, great looking table. The contrast between the white paint and the cherry top adds a nice effect. Thanks for sharing.

[Mark Valsi]

Sorry that I don't agree.

The top is spectacular, and the painted body is not so hot !!!

in my humble opinion, that would have looked a lot better had it not been painted.

[Chris Padilla]

I'm torn on this one as well. I bet it looks very nice with the decor of the room (which is quite important).

The cherry top is super although I think I would have sought out another piece of curl for the middle board.

Overall, nice clean simple lines with a bit 'o flair on the side panels...great piece and nice craftmanship.

I wonder if a white pickling stain might've worked for the body? I haven't done anything with poplar myself but it does paint up nicely.

[Jim Hill 2]

Great job Chris, I love it when a project comes together! I love the top, how did you end up finishing it? Any advice for someone about to finish a coffee table? Thanks for posting!

Jim

[Daniel Rabinovitz]

Chris
Looks G R E A T!
Daniel :cool:

[Chris DiCiaccio]

Great job Chris, I love it when a project comes together! I love the top, how did you end up finishing it? Any advice for someone about to finish a coffee table? Thanks for posting!

Jim

Jim, I don't know if I'm the one to ask about finishing. I just do my best. This finish is Bartley's Gel Varnish. I sand to 320 grit and then wipe on the gel and immediately come behind with another cloth. Usually two or three coats and it dries pretty smooth. Then I usually make a decision to accept it as is or to rub lightly with 0000 steel wool. Make sure you send me a pic, I'm interested in seeing how it "should" be done.