Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - How do I refinish this table top
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NancyDz
09-23-08, 01:29 PM
Hello,
I'm a newbie, just received a table that is at least 30 years old, it's in very good shape structurally but I'd like to refinish the top and paint the legs and base. I have never done anything like this before and I don't even know what the table top is made of? I assume it's wood but could be laminate? I'm hoping some of the experts here can take a look at my pictures and give me some direction. The table has a marking on the bottom saying "Walter Abash" I tried to research that online to see if there was any info and I only found a couple other people selling tables on craigslist but no info about the manufacturer. The other tables were maple ... so maybe this is maple.
So my plan is to paint the legs and base( or whatever you call that area under the top black again. I would like to refinish the top as original. It was used heavily by a family with 3 young children so it has some paint and slight scratches on the top but nothing major.
Here's some pictures:
http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y8/Nancydz/Table/
Thanks for any help or suggestions!
Nancy
I'm a newbie, just received a table that is at least 30 years old, it's in very good shape structurally but I'd like to refinish the top and paint the legs and base. I have never done anything like this before and I don't even know what the table top is made of? I assume it's wood but could be laminate? I'm hoping some of the experts here can take a look at my pictures and give me some direction. The table has a marking on the bottom saying "Walter Abash" I tried to research that online to see if there was any info and I only found a couple other people selling tables on craigslist but no info about the manufacturer. The other tables were maple ... so maybe this is maple.
So my plan is to paint the legs and base( or whatever you call that area under the top black again. I would like to refinish the top as original. It was used heavily by a family with 3 young children so it has some paint and slight scratches on the top but nothing major.
Here's some pictures:
http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y8/Nancydz/Table/
Thanks for any help or suggestions!
Nancy
the_tow_guy
09-24-08, 06:56 AM
It appears the top is a veneer over solid wood; sort of like plywood only instead of the core being plies of thin material it is planks of lumber with the top layer of veneer laminated to the core.
Looks like a pretty DIY-able project. On the base, make sure you have thoroughly cleaned it up and lightly sanded it to make sure the paint will adhere properly. The top should only need a light sanding. If you have, or can borrow, a random orbital sander, once over with some 220 grit should do it. You want to be pretty careful with sanding, however, especially if you use a sander, because you can actually sand through the thin veneer (been there, done that). Hand sanding will work just as well, but will be a little more labor intensive. Sand with the grain. As for what to use on the top, I would use Minwax's water-based poly, Polycrylic. After cleaning and lightly sanding, put a thin coat on and let dry. Lightly sand and apply a second coat; this one can be heavier. Additional coats can be applied as desired; I usually like three coats on my projects. Follow label directions carefully and be sure to remove all dust after any sanding. A good oil-based enamel would be my choice for the base.
Will probably be some pro painters chiming in with more professional advice.
Looks like a pretty DIY-able project. On the base, make sure you have thoroughly cleaned it up and lightly sanded it to make sure the paint will adhere properly. The top should only need a light sanding. If you have, or can borrow, a random orbital sander, once over with some 220 grit should do it. You want to be pretty careful with sanding, however, especially if you use a sander, because you can actually sand through the thin veneer (been there, done that). Hand sanding will work just as well, but will be a little more labor intensive. Sand with the grain. As for what to use on the top, I would use Minwax's water-based poly, Polycrylic. After cleaning and lightly sanding, put a thin coat on and let dry. Lightly sand and apply a second coat; this one can be heavier. Additional coats can be applied as desired; I usually like three coats on my projects. Follow label directions carefully and be sure to remove all dust after any sanding. A good oil-based enamel would be my choice for the base.
Will probably be some pro painters chiming in with more professional advice.