Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Re-vamping an old table
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englshcntryk8
08-12-06, 09:42 AM
When i moved out of my parent's house i inherited the kitchen table and chairs that i grew up with.They are pretty beat up, but since i'm going for an english country cottage-esque look in my kitchen, i figure it should be ok. My question is this:
There is some type of veneer or something on the table top. How the heck do i get that off? Or if i don't need to get it off, how do i scuff it enough so that, when painted, it matches the "distressed" look of the rest of the table? The table and chairs are stained, but most of the stain is scuffed off on the edges and arms, exactly where you would SAND it off if you were starting from scratch. So i figured i would just put an off white wash on it and it would look great- my only stumbling block is that veneer.
I appreciate any suggestions!!
-kate
There is some type of veneer or something on the table top. How the heck do i get that off? Or if i don't need to get it off, how do i scuff it enough so that, when painted, it matches the "distressed" look of the rest of the table? The table and chairs are stained, but most of the stain is scuffed off on the edges and arms, exactly where you would SAND it off if you were starting from scratch. So i figured i would just put an off white wash on it and it would look great- my only stumbling block is that veneer.
I appreciate any suggestions!!
-kate
englshcntryk8
08-14-06, 10:44 AM
UPDATE: I talked to my dad and he told me it's "formica lam"- anyone have any comments/suggestions to make? I really want to get started on this table!
leewaytoo
08-14-06, 10:39 PM
are you sure that everything except the table top is just
stained?
if it is stained and then has a finish on it. your "white wash"
will fail.
although if you use a green pad to scuff up the surface
with the grain, then apply your white wash then top coat
with a waterbased urethane, or oil based poly, you will
be fine. tack after scuffing.
poly adds yellow
urethane is clear.
as to the formica top.
you can sand it with 180 and paint it white,
then top coat with poly or urethane
three or four coats of finish for the table top
try to sand length wise , not in circles.
you could, after painting white use a stain to
tone down the white to match the "wood" that
you white washed.
or just have a white top with a "stressed base and
chairs.
stained?
if it is stained and then has a finish on it. your "white wash"
will fail.
although if you use a green pad to scuff up the surface
with the grain, then apply your white wash then top coat
with a waterbased urethane, or oil based poly, you will
be fine. tack after scuffing.
poly adds yellow
urethane is clear.
as to the formica top.
you can sand it with 180 and paint it white,
then top coat with poly or urethane
three or four coats of finish for the table top
try to sand length wise , not in circles.
you could, after painting white use a stain to
tone down the white to match the "wood" that
you white washed.
or just have a white top with a "stressed base and
chairs.
englshcntryk8
08-15-06, 10:10 AM
thanks- I'm not sure if it has a finish, it probably does since it's a kitchen table and made for durability, although where it is scuffed it's pretty much down to the wood. There are some places on the table legs where it's not quite as scuffed as i'd like, and i'll take your advice when i start on it.