I have a fondness for black and white and adore the high contrast buffalo check pattern. I have been incorporating this primarily red-and-black flannel pattern into my fall/winter wardrobe and home decor. Last year, I adorned an entire Christmas tree for only $10, with the buffalo check taking the spotlight.
When I stumbled upon this sturdy little table at a thrift store for $8, I saw an opportunity for a dramatic gingham makeover.
With a bit of paint, tape, and patience, I was able to turn this uninspiring side table into a bold statement piece.
How to create a buffalo plaid painted coffee table
Supplies:
- Black, white, and grey paint (I used Americana Decor Chalky Finish)
- Foam paint brushes
- Drop cloth
- Tape
- Pencil and measuring tape
- Sealer (I used Decor Art’s Creme Wax)
I had been interested in experimenting with chalk paint, although I had never used it before despite being an avid DIYer. I had the misconception that it was solely for shabby chic furniture, which didn’t align with my style. However, I found out that chalk paint dries quickly, which would be beneficial for the multiple layers required for this project. I can confidently say that I now appreciate chalk paint, particularly its fast drying.
Begin by thoroughly sanding the furniture piece. I used a power sander for a quick and smooth surface.
Clear the furniture of any dust.
Apply a coat of primer to the piece. I utilized a spray primer for a quick application and a clean surface for painting. Then coat the entire piece in white, including the table top and legs. Let it fully dry.
Using 1 1/2″ wide painter’s tape, create 3″ stripes across the top of the piece, maintaining equal spacing between the stripes. This will form 3 x 3″ squares in the final buffalo plaid pattern.
Paint the stripes grey (you could also use black if your alternating color is going to be red). Let it dry.
Remove the tape.
Now, tape 3″ sections in the opposite direction on the table. I started from the