Mapped End Table

This is a brief tutorial for creating the mapped end table! I started with one of those two tiered or step-down end tables. This one had a lovely leather top (uh-hmmmm). As you can see in the first picture, it really needed cleaning.

So I cleaned it twice...yes, it was that dirty. I knew I wanted to use maps to cover the top so I picked three colors from the map. From my "ooops section" I picked a chocolate milk brown that complimented the neutrals in the map. For an accent color, I picked red and as my final color, well, Behr Gulf Winds was perfect to compliment the maps' blues. I mixed my Websters Chalk Paint Powder into 1 cup of "chocolate milk" paint. Sorry, it doesn't have a name. I gave the whole thing one coat.

I wanted some red to show a little here and there where I sanded so I strategically painted on some red. I then took a pic because sometimes I forget where I place those strategic marks ;)

 I keep Behr Gulf Winds on hand (already mixed with Websters) and gave it one coat.

Then I sanded. I used my new little mouse sander but I also used a sanding sponge block. I really wanted to take off more blue paint then I did. But I was liking the look so I stopped. In some places, I exposed the brown. In some places I exposed the red. In some places I went down to the wood and exposed the brown and the red. There is no right or wrong way to distress. It's just a matter of personal preference. I wish you could feel how smooth it is....soft as velvety butter.
   I have a box of maps and chose the state of GA and a close-up of Atlanta. I figured it would probably go to a new home in the south ;) I cut the maps to fit the leather top and the incised bottom. I applied Modge Podge with a sponge brush, smoothed the maps into place and applied another layer of MP. I applied Fiddes and Sons Rugger Brown wax to darken and age the maps! Knowing that a sweating glass of sweet tea might ruin it, I sealed it water based polyurethane.
   Now all it needed was to be waxed.

I applied F&S Light wax to each section and then applied Rugger Brown on top. I use a "swipe-on, wipe-off" motion with the brown. I added and wiped away to achieve the look I wanted. I wanted some age and a little masculinity so I used more brown than I usually do.

 

Polished with a clean dry cloth to bring up the shine. All finished!