Kids’ Plastic Picnic Table Makeover

As you know, we entertain a lot in the summer, hosting quite a few family picnics. Guests include my 3-year-old nephew and 2 and 4-year-old nieces. It was decided that I needed a kid’s table and mom scored a Little Tykes picnic table at a yard sale for me for $15. Hurray for yard sale season (and moms)!

How to paint a child's plastic picnic table 

But when you don’t have a yard full of fun brightly colored kids’ toys; the red, blue and yellow looks out of place, not to mention it was faded and a little worse-for-wear. 

kids picnic table before

I decided a little makeover was in order. 

Materials:

  • Spray primer (2 cans)
  • Spray paint (2 cans for all over) I used Rustoleum Oil Rubbed Bronze.
  • Another can for decorative purposes (optional)
  • Spray clear coat
  • FrogTape
  • Vinyl decals (I made my own using supplies from Happy Crafters)

Tutorial:

First, I lightly sanded the picnic table with a fine grit sandpaper and gave it a good spraying with the pressure washer. (Thanks, Steve!)

washing picnic table

This also comes apart some how, but I couldn’t figure it out so I didn’t bother. Apply a coat of primer: 

DIY plastic picnic table transformation

Then spray paint:

painting plastic picnic table tutorial

I let it dry and ‘cure’ for a few days. 

Using my FrogTape, I created a rectangle (table runner) outline on the table part of the picnic table and taped off the rest of the table top. 

child's picnic table makeover

Using my Silhouette Cameo and Silhouette Design Studio software, I created and cut out the letters for a dinner time prayer.

Silhouette Studio designer software

Happy Crafters

I applied the sticker type vinyl letters to the center of my rectangle and made sure FrogTape and vinyl letters were pressed down securely.

kids picnic table makeover

Then gave it a coat of spray paint in Rustoleum’s Lagoon. (I used a large piece of cardboard to shield the benches.)

painting plastic picnic table

I peeled away the FrogTape and decals while the paint was still wet. I still have blue fingernails to prove it. 

picnic table makeover

I let that dry for a few days (in my vehicle mostly since it’s been raining off and on so much)…which is why I had no choice but to be patient as well! Then I used my FrogTape again to create a border around my “place mat” and filled it in with DecoArt’s Patio Paint. Then peeled away my FrogTape and again…let it dry for a few days.

painting kids plastic picnic table

I had to touch up the paint here and there. Then sealed it with a spray clear coat (satin finish) and let that dry.

clear coat

Much better! And a sweet little reminder for the little ones to pray before digging in. 

childs picnic table makeover after

 

We tested it out over the fourth of July. Now it fits in with our patio…

plastic picnic table makeover

*This sponsored by FrogTape. FrogTape provided by Shurtech. The opinions are completely my own based on my own experience.

 FrogTape Blog Squad

 *Vinyl provided by Happy Crafters.

HClogopngsmall

Before/After Thrift Store Play Kitchen

No little ones at our house but I do have a 3-year-old nephew and two nieces under 4-years-old. Not to mention someday (not anytime soon…I’m in no rush), I’ll have grandchildren. So when I see fun do-it-yourself kids’ ideas, it does make me get all DIY-itchy to do something creative.

It’s almost yard sale season here in western PA and I’ll be on the hunt for an old kids’ kitchen or furniture that looks like it’d function as a play kitchen. Love this thrift store find “after” from Serena at Thrift Diving {what a great find and awesome transformation!}…

before-after-wooden-play-kitchen by Thrift Diving blog

“Thrift Diving, a blog that strongly believes that LIFE shouldn’t be financial suicide! I turn what could be expensive (i.e. decorating) into affordable, such as furniture makeovers from the thrift store. I found this $2.50 wooden play kitchen from the thrift store, and knew instantly that it would be amazing, with the right TLC. More importantly, I wanted to give it a vintage look, and less “kiddie” look. Also, I have boys, and I wanted it to be something that even they wouldn’t playing with!

 

I painted it in Annie Sloan Antibes Green, with Napoleonic Blue inside. I mitered some wood trim and added panels to the front, which I lined with a $2.00 vintage table cloth that I found at the thrift store, as well. I also used my Silhouette Cameo to cut new burners from vinyl, and add some finishing details, and cup hooks for the side, which hold thrifted measuring spoons.”

thrift-diving

See the full original post from Serena at BEFORE and AFTER: Makeover of a Wooden Play Kitchen at Thrift Diving. Great job, Serena! Thank you so much for sharing your creativity!

More inspiring play kitchens:

9-diy-play-kitchens

  1. DIY Play Kitchen – Dans le Townhouse
  2. Play Kitchen from Always Preparing for Peanut
  3. DIY Play Kitchen from Bali with Love
  4. Great for small spaces: Create a play kitchen on the wall. {source}
  5. Cute Play Kitchen at Narrating Life
  6. Naptime Crafters Toddler Dream Kitchen
  7. DIY play kitchen – The Dancing Toad
  8. Famers Nest DIY play kitchen
  9. Play Kitchen Makeover at Thrift Diving

Another DIY play kitchen from The Blooming Hydrangea. The “window” above the sink is so sweet!

play-kitchen by the blooming hydrangea

Adorable! Have you made a play kitchen? Email a picture and/or link and I’ll include yours in these DIY play kitchen features.