Table to Desk...in process

My next DIY project is turning this old, plain and small kitchen table into a beautiful desk and chairs!

This was my first kitchen table when I lived alone right after college. I lived in a small one bedroom apartment and it was perfect for just me. I got it from Ikea for $99. After Tate and I purchased a new kitchen table last fall...I wasn't sure what we would do with this one. After some thought...I realized our current desk in our office (which I also purchased from Ikea when I lived alone) is really small and that if I 'updated' this small table, it would be perfect for a desk.

My plans for the table is to stain the top part a dark walnut color and paint the bottom portion an off-white color. I sanded the table and chairs first and then started staining first. I stained the top first because I new that would be the messiest part and wouldn't want any stain to get on the bottom portion after I had already painted it white.

These are pictures of the stain 'setting'. I put it on using a foam brush and let it sit for a good 20 minutes. I then wiped it off with an old t-shirt. I repeated this about 3 times because it wasn't as dark as I would have liked it.

I used Minwax in a dark walnut finish. After I wiped off the stain for a third time...it was time to let it dry and see if it was dark enough.

This is the project I have been working on Sunday's during tax season. It has been fun and very time consuming. I can't wait for it to be finished and show you the final product.

More to come...