I managed to get my hands on a really funky mid-century style table.It was in reasonable condition so I was on the hunt for some inspiration to up-cycle the table. I have always admired the geometric designs that people are starting to incorporate into their designs, they take a bit of skill and patience to execute. With a free weekend ahead I thought "RIGHT - it's my time to give this a nudge"!!!I am so glad I tried this - the end result is amazing, it always helps using Dulux's Duramax paints because they do such a great job at hardening fast so you can get to work with the taping right away.Grab a coffee (and some cake) and i'll run you through how I DIY-ed my own herringbone pattern on mid century coffee table. [gallery ids="421,431" type="square" columns="2"]

STEP 1 - Choose colours and prep

Colours for me are the hardest part, I like to up-cycle to my style however I up-cycle to sell so I have to think where this piece will go. I chose neutral colours for this project so it can be utilised in a lounge - office or bedroom!Shopping list.....

Frog tape - low adhesion and wont take paint with it
Undercoat - 1 can
Base colour - 1 can
Herringbone design colour - 1 can
Top clear coat - 1 can
Craft Knife
Ruler
Newspaper
Pencil
Beer/wine (for in between coats - essential*****)

STEP 2 - Sand

She was in an okay state - but still needed a good tidy up before I started painting.Using an orbital sander (really cheap from Bunnings or Mitre 10) I went around the outside trim and the top of the table trying not to take off too much as the outside was veneer. I sanded it back so all the polyurethane was gone and it was ready to undercoat.

Step 3 - Undercoat

ALWAYS buy a matching undercoat for your paint, if you don't know what you need, just ask the shop attendants - they do an amazing job at telling you what you need! Wipe your furniture down with a microfibre cloth before starting to make sure all dust etc is removed.Undercoat twice and sand very lightly with a light grit between each coat (this will promote adhesion between layers).

Step 4 - Paint the base colour

I used Duramax Antique white USA gloss, if your piece is in great condition you could even leave the top wood (I wish this piece was). The Antique white is AMAZING - I use it for every white as its not a white where you need sunglasses to look at it.I gave my piece three coats - allowing to dry 30 minutes between coats and sanding in between (you know why!)I let the table dry inside overnight to allow it to off-gas and do its harden thing.

Step5 - Tape herringbone

Follow this guide and you will be loving the end result.

Measure the mid point on either end horizontal and vertical and put a light pencil mark
Put tape along the middle on either the left or right side and this will act as a guide.
Choose the width that you want the herringbone to be in total, I chose 160mm - mark in three places vertically and tape on the outer edge of the points.
Now you are ready to choose the angle of the herringbone with a piece of tape as your width guide, start at one end and continue up the length of the table, use a piece of tape as your spacer each time to keep consistent with your angle.
Once you have completed one side you will be ready to start on the other edge, with a ruler and pencil, square two pints on the opposite side so you can duplicate the angle. Once you have done one its very easy from there.
Use each point to line the new side up wth so the shapes align and don't stagger.
Once you have completed the second line you can then begin the cutting, make sure your blade is nice and sharp! Run your ruler along the middle and cut wherever the tape overlaps (lightly). You can then cut out each shape that will be painted (every second in a line).
Once this is done you have probably just polished off your 5th bottle of wine and starting to open the beers (the result is at the end - I promise).
Using newspaper tape all edges off so there is no bleed
PAINT! x2 coats, not too heavy otherwise you will have risk of bleed and thick edges.
I let each coat dry for 10 minutes and then peeled off the tape nice and slowly.
Now you are patting your self on the back - you can now touch up any paint with spaying on a paint brush if any has come off and touching up. Spray the finished piece once or twice with a clear coat and let dry for a few hours before styling.

I really loved this - it pushed my boundaries as an up-cycler (is that even a thing?)I really hope you give this a go and let me know how you get on via instagram

@moochstyle

or facebook

@moochstyle

or commenting below!Here is how I have styled it.