Asked on Apr 02, 2014

To paint or stain?

Connie Murray
by Connie Murray
My husband bought me this table set for my birthday, I love it!!! But it needs to be redone. He wants to sand it and stain it, I want to have it painted with the chalk paint in black. What do you think? I know alot of people are against painting wood but I think it would look gorgeous and would match the hutch that is behind it!!
Table, stain it or paint it?
  169 answers
  • Pamela Pamela on Apr 02, 2014
    Why don't you compromise and paint the base black and sand and re-stain the top in a darker color? That would be pretty and tie in with your cabinet in the picture.
    • See 4 previous
    • Donna Rainey Donna Rainey on Apr 03, 2014
      @Pamela Recover the chairs with a black and brown (to match stain) print. Maybe paisley or a stripe!
  • Andrea Andrea on Apr 02, 2014
    Paint it for sure, its a pretty table but not such a gorgeous wood that demands to be brought back to its original state.
  • Connie Murray Connie Murray on Apr 02, 2014
    That's what I thought too Andrea, but my husband wants it to be stained instead of painted. I am so glad to know that I am not the only one who thinks it's ok to paint wood instead of sanding it. I think it blends in to much now with the woodwork and flooring in our new house. I think if it was painted black it would really pop against the rest of the woodwork.
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Apr 03, 2014
    I agree with painting the base and staining the top maybe a dark walnut. I use a lot of chalk paint but I don't like painting kitchen table tops with chalk paint. Unless it's done right you see every paint stroke. And then you will have to seal it. Wax melts if anything hot is set on it, and water rings how if it isn't cured properly. I have rolled a few and sealed the tops but I have never been satisfied with the tops,
  • Diane Coakley Diane Coakley on Apr 03, 2014
    Perhaps you could paint the base black and tape off the insets on the top to have them stained, and paint the border and in between the insets on the tabletop black too. That way you would have some black but not all black on the top and he'd still have the prettiest part of the grain showing under stain. Poly the whole top then. Just a thought.
  • Shari Shari on Apr 03, 2014
    Most men protest loudly at painting wood, even crappy looking wood, so I'm not surprised your husband is pushing for refinishing over painting. My husband has done the same thing but I'm the decorator in the house and I have a better eye for that type of thing than he does so every time I have painted something wood, he has admitted afterwards that he actually liked it better once it was painted. Now he doesn't even bat an eye when he sees me with a can of paint and paintbrush in my hand. :) It looks like you already have a lot of wood tones going on in the room so if this were my table, I'd paint in a heartbeat. I wholeheartedly agree with @Diane Coakley's idea of black on the bottom and a combo of refinished wood and black on the table top...not as a compromise but just because I think it would look really pretty. I also agree with @Sherrie about not using chalk paint and wax on the table top. A lot of people do it but I've heard from several sources that the wax just doesn't hold up well enough to all the daily wear and tear table tops receive.
  • Connie Murray Connie Murray on Apr 03, 2014
    That would look good too!
  • Chris aka monkey Chris aka monkey on Apr 03, 2014
    shoot didn't you say he bought this for YOU,i know compromise is a way of keeping the peace...but sometimes it's ok to just do what you want,paint it..i bet when he sees it all done he will love it,and the great thing about chalk paint is if the top gets scratched or something you can just slap on some more chalk paint to fix it xx
  • Jennifer G Jennifer G on Apr 03, 2014
    Stain the top Ebony - looks black but the grain will still show. Then paint or stain the legs depending on your preference. I agree the poly will wear better on the top than waxing - whether you stain or paint, make sure to get a good quality clear poly to protect the top and let it cure well before using.
  • Pat Dollar Pat Dollar on Apr 03, 2014
    IMHO the wood grain in the top of this table is gorgeous. It just needs to be brought back to life by refinishing with stain and poly. You could then paint the legs black to match the hutch. I think that would be a great compromise.
  • Connie Murray Connie Murray on Apr 03, 2014
    Pat my husband agrees with you. I am not going to be able to talk him into painting it. Although he did tell me it was my birthday gift to do as I wanted with it, but he would be the one paying for it as I am not able to work and don't have any money coming in and I want him to be happy too!!! So I guess staining it is!!
  • Connie Murray Connie Murray on Apr 03, 2014
    So I am not able to talk my hubby into painting it so we will be staining it sometime this summer. Thanks so much for all of your opinions and advice. Maybe I can talk him into staining the top and painting the legs. We'll see how it goes! Thanks again!
  • 117135 117135 on Apr 03, 2014
    Stain the top and paint the base. The top will be beautiful re-stained!
  • Pamela Pamela on Apr 03, 2014
    I suppose it is a matter of taste and whatever makes you happy I say go for it! If that is what will work for you then I think it is a wonderful idea.
  • Susan H Susan H on Apr 03, 2014
    There is a stain named Ebony that is almost black but shows the wood grain.
  • KrysFL KrysFL on Apr 03, 2014
    I would paint the legs black to match the cabinet and just sand/stain and finish the top as wood. Gives it such a rich feel vs just paint.
  • Brenda Z Brenda Z on Apr 03, 2014
    Not sure what the rest of the room is like, but I thinks I would paint it.
  • Kim McCall-Ruiz Kim McCall-Ruiz on Apr 03, 2014
    Paint it...β™‘
  • Sue Sue on Apr 03, 2014
    Black legs, stain the top
  • Kathy O Kathy O on Apr 03, 2014
    Im with everyone else, paint the legs, stain the top. What beautiful wood. On the chairs, I would paint the legs, leave the seat stained and the vertical slates stained with horizontal sides black, it will give it depth and interest to go along with your side board in the background.
  • Jan Sebestyen Jan Sebestyen on Apr 03, 2014
    Paint it with the black chalk paint mixed with old white to get the old hues from the 1700 s
  • Mureleen Watson Mureleen Watson on Apr 03, 2014
    Leave it natural, so the grain will show thru. Looks like it could stand to be cleaned good... Police will do wonders for a good old wood peace. You could use painted chairs. I wouldn't cover it with paint.
  • Keri Reyes Keri Reyes on Apr 03, 2014
    Like chalk board paint? I think the ebony stain would be beautiful with the grain of this table.
  • Mke136057 Mke136057 on Apr 03, 2014
    I too would either stain the legs and paint the top, or do the opposite
  • Debra Whaley Debra Whaley on Apr 03, 2014
    stain
  • Rose Toellner Rose Toellner on Apr 03, 2014
    I think I would stain the top and paint the legs!
  • Tammydavis1970 Tammydavis1970 on Apr 03, 2014
    i think it would look good sanded then poly it
  • Jjb311692 Jjb311692 on Apr 03, 2014
    I SAY share the ideas let Hubs do the top and you do the bottom ..would be beautiful!
  • Karen Rocher Karen Rocher on Apr 03, 2014
    If painting the whole table would give a good look with the other furniture then do so! I think it would be pretty.
  • Jeanette Navarro Jeanette Navarro on Apr 03, 2014
    I'm not loving that wood, so I'd probably stain it with ebony or paint it. It looks like your cabinet is stained ebony.
  • Cheryl Burns Cheryl Burns on Apr 03, 2014
    paint
  • Donna Rockwood Donna Rockwood on Apr 03, 2014
    Java gel
  • Peg Peg on Apr 03, 2014
    Stain the top a cherry color and black chalk paint on table legs and chairs. Whatever you decide to do please post pics for us .
  • Vickikleiner Vickikleiner on Apr 03, 2014
    paint the legs as the cabinet ...paint the str8 timber as the legs and the squares sand and stain..I would try that and see how it looks..can always change it...:)
  • Janis Janis on Apr 03, 2014
    If it is real wood definitely stain it !!! Don't paint real wood like that it is beautiful.
  • LeAnn O LeAnn O on Apr 03, 2014
    Stain! I will never paint a piece of wood.
  • Mary Anne Frick Mary Anne Frick on Apr 03, 2014
    stain and poly. We love the new chalk paint, it's new and fun BUT it's only a fad. nothing beats the look of real wood. it's timeless and classic!
  • Michelle Combs Snyder Michelle Combs Snyder on Apr 03, 2014
    He bought it for ( YOU )do what you want
  • Bethany W. Bethany W. on Apr 03, 2014
    Yep, stain the top and paint the legs. That way you're both happy, and if you don't like the stained top, you can still go ahead and paint it . . . the beauty of chalk paint!
  • Susan Williams Susan Williams on Apr 03, 2014
    Paint black with chalk paint...maybe a nice cherry stain for the top.
  • Linda Russell Linda Russell on Apr 03, 2014
    Had the same deal going on over here.Sand and restained looks New.
  • SANDRA BRYANT SANDRA BRYANT on Apr 03, 2014
    Paint it!!
  • Jennifer M Jennifer M on Apr 03, 2014
    I love chalk paint, but it is for ugly wood, or fake Formica wood, or pieces beyond hope. This top has the potential to be gorgeous w stain. I would not cover that beautiful wood grain on this particular piece.
    • Diane Wilson Diane Wilson on Apr 03, 2014
      @Jennifer M I agree with you Jennifer. It has such a beautiful grain. I think it would be gorgeous and worth a lot if you chose not to keep it if it was sanded and stained
  • Debbie Powers Debbie Powers on Apr 03, 2014
    Do whatever makes u happy.
  • Sherri P Sherri P on Apr 03, 2014
    paint!
  • McKalyn Ezop McKalyn Ezop on Apr 03, 2014
    Chalkboard paint comes in all colors, so it wouldn't have to be black. You will be able to start a new tradition. You could pick a fun color, and let the kids draw on it first, while you're getting a Pizza ready. They'll be Happy to set the table. Could become a Game Night Table...Just Saying & thinking Out Side of the Box...McKalyn
  • Kathy Rick-Altschuler Kathy Rick-Altschuler on Apr 03, 2014
    stain the chairs black. add some loud color covers on the chair seats. paint table legs black...... stain and paint the top of the table with a stensil. use bear 50 on the table top.
  • Traci BlitzenBenish Traci BlitzenBenish on Apr 03, 2014
    I think the top is beautiful if it is real wood and not laminate, strip and stain the top. Paint the bottom/legs of the table black to match your cabinet. I did this for my son and his wife and the table is beautiful!
  • Brenda Deener Brenda Deener on Apr 03, 2014
    paint it the chalkboard paint
  • Megan C Megan C on Apr 03, 2014
    I like the chalk paint idea...stain the legs, and paint the top, and when its not being used for dinner the kids can do chalk art on it. I think its a very functional idea.
  • Carissa Kelly Carissa Kelly on Apr 03, 2014
    I love the options with staining :) and no chipping!
  • Karen Gastrock-Gamlen Karen Gastrock-Gamlen on Apr 03, 2014
    I am for stain the top and paint the rest. You can always paint the top later if you don't like it.
  • Mary D Mary D on Apr 03, 2014
    I paint everything unless it is a really good antique! ! Go girl and paint it!
  • Joyce Joyce on Apr 03, 2014
    Paint.. Men have a thing with wood..lol
  • Lorraine Rabalais Lorraine Rabalais on Apr 03, 2014
    I am a naturalist so I say satin it and let the beautiful wood grain show. There are such a variety of stain colors out there you could do an Ebony stain that would work well with your cabinet.
  • Carol Carol on Apr 03, 2014
    Has a beautiful grain in the wood. I would stain it!
  • Jackie I Jackie I on Apr 03, 2014
    It's hard to tell by the picture but with the wood grain going in different directions it makes it a bit more challenging to sand and stain but it can be done. Let him sand and stain the top and you paint the legs !
  • Barbara L Barbara L on Apr 03, 2014
    Stain no question...
  • Linda Tanner Linda Tanner on Apr 03, 2014
    Stain top, paint legs.
  • Nancy Nancy on Apr 03, 2014
    I would stain the top (it has an interesting pattern) and paint the legs and chairs.
  • Donna Donna on Apr 03, 2014
    Stain
  • Michelle hayes Michelle hayes on Apr 03, 2014
    Refinish the top and paint the legs and remember its your bday present not his...happy birthday...you get to have it the way you want it. πŸ˜„
  • Julie Dunkin Julie Dunkin on Apr 03, 2014
    Stain it with 2 different colors, maybe a border, I love the look of the different color's of stains. Whatever you do have fun with it and enjoy it.
  • Michele Franck Michele Franck on Apr 03, 2014
    Paint! Bring it into this century!
  • Carren Bowden Carren Bowden on Apr 03, 2014
    Stain top a dark shade and paint the legs in the black you want
  • Terri S Terri S on Apr 03, 2014
    Paint it all or paint the bottom parts black and stain the top. Happy birthday!
  • Denise P Denise P on Apr 03, 2014
    Paint it :)
  • Mary Player Mary Player on Apr 03, 2014
    Stain it please...it's beautiful
  • Cathy Soukup Cathy Soukup on Apr 03, 2014
    Stain it. Don't hide the interesting grain. Paint the chairs black instead. Besides, it's boring when everything matches.
  • Patricia W Patricia W on Apr 03, 2014
    Stain! I picked up so General finishes stain in Espresso, this stuff is amazingggggg!
  • Alva Jean Sharp Alva Jean Sharp on Apr 03, 2014
    STAIN TABLE TOP PLEASE DON'T COVER WITH PAINT. OKAY TO PAINT CHAIRS.
  • Vicky J Vicky J on Apr 03, 2014
    Paint the bottom, leave the top.
  • Terry Spurgin Terry Spurgin on Apr 03, 2014
    Stain it.
  • Tina C Tina C on Apr 03, 2014
    Love the table top, I would stain it, and bring out the wood grains.
  • Jeanette R Jeanette R on Apr 03, 2014
    You could compromise and paint the top and the chairs to match the hutch and stain the legs or visa versa. :)
  • Judy Fletcher Judy Fletcher on Apr 03, 2014
    Paint it, it not pretty
  • Dawn Koch Celmins Dawn Koch Celmins on Apr 03, 2014
    two tone would be good
  • Ellen R Ellen R on Apr 03, 2014
    Sand it so it won't have a shiny finish then paint it with a good enamel paint.
  • Nadja Nadja on Apr 03, 2014
    He bought it for you so it's yours. Do what you want with it !
  • Ann Brownlee Ann Brownlee on Apr 03, 2014
    Finish the top with stain to bring out the wood grain, and pattern. paint the base/legs black and also paint the chairs black.
  • Sheryl Johnson Sheryl Johnson on Apr 03, 2014
    Paint the chairs and table skirt/legs. STAIN THE TABLE TOP!! It's too lovely to hide.
  • Karyn Hughett McNicoll Karyn Hughett McNicoll on Apr 03, 2014
    Stain the top and paint the bottom.
  • Barbara Niedergerke Barbara Niedergerke on Apr 03, 2014
    Stain or paint the top with a grey/medium gray stain so the wood grain shows through, instead of polyurethane - use Tung Oil. Black Legs, The chairs could be a mix of both too. You could try that & if you didn't like it, then paint it.
  • DeAnna Outlaw DeAnna Outlaw on Apr 04, 2014
    I would stain the top of the table, paint the legs and chairs to match.
  • Darryl Darryl on Apr 04, 2014
    I think either way would be great. Your choice.
  • Caroline Hargrove Caroline Hargrove on Apr 04, 2014
    Agree on leaving the table top stained in this case. If you do paint it, NOT black.
  • Laurel Giard Laurel Giard on Apr 04, 2014
    Paint It. It's Not Very attractive
  • Deb Bushman Deb Bushman on Apr 04, 2014
    We also were just given a table, chairs & buffet. My hubby wants stain too...and I black chalk paint! Chalk paint! It's easier and in style now!
  • Barbara williams Barbara williams on Apr 04, 2014
    Paint it..
  • Luz Ramos-Galarza Luz Ramos-Galarza on Apr 04, 2014
    Chalk paint or milk paint would updated nicely, go for it. Just not black. You can paint it a light color and stain it black.
  • Sandra Hellewell Sandra Hellewell on Apr 04, 2014
    I'd paint it with Annie Sloan Paris Grey & Graphite if you want to incorporate some black to go with your hutch. The graphite doesn't look black till you use the dark wax. If you haven't used chalk paint before do some research online. there's lots of tutorials on YouTube. I learned a lot from the Blue Egg Brown Nest tutorials. Good luck!!
  • Donna's Pendergrass Donna's Pendergrass on Apr 04, 2014
    Strain the top a nice rich color and paint the rest black. Or my next choice would be to paint it black.
  • Barbara R Barbara R on Apr 04, 2014
    It looks the "eyes" have it here lol ...sand and stain the TOP!!! Gorgeous.
  • Peg Zunt-Kolofer Peg Zunt-Kolofer on Apr 04, 2014
    I always would try to save the original wood look, then if it does not turn out well paint it.
  • Karen B Karen B on Apr 04, 2014
    What kind of wood is it? I'm curious to see the end results; please don't forget to post whatever you choose to do.
    • Connie Murray Connie Murray on Apr 04, 2014
      @Karen B HI Karen, I am not sure of what kind of wood it is but I know it is solid wood. I will post for sure what I end up doing with it
  • Sheepgirl1 Sheepgirl1 on Apr 04, 2014
    Stain the top, paint the bottom and chairs to match the buffet behind it. Please post photos after you're done.
  • Meg D Meg D on Apr 04, 2014
    I'd say paint it! Good luck
  • Linda bishop Linda bishop on Apr 04, 2014
    Paint it!
    • See 1 previous
    • Shari Shari on Apr 04, 2014
      @Connie Murray I'm sorry but I've just got to say that as someone who has been married more than 41 years, it bothers me deeply that he isn't the least bit receptive to what you want to do with the table...supposedly the "gift" he gave to YOU. A gift given with strings attached is not really a gift.
  • Sheila L Sheila L on Apr 04, 2014
    Paint itπŸ˜ƒ
  • Stephanie George Stephanie George on Apr 04, 2014
    I'd keep the top wood, give it a good sand and stain. Paint the rest.
    • Connie Murray Connie Murray on Apr 04, 2014
      @Stephanie George That seems to be what a lot of people think I should do with it.
  • Lynda Good Lynda Good on Apr 04, 2014
    Paint it black!
  • Aragorn Aragorn on Apr 04, 2014
    Sand and stain the top, you don't hide nice woodgrain!! If you must paint, do a wall!!
  • LuAnn LaFogg LuAnn LaFogg on Apr 04, 2014
    Paint!
  • Angie W Angie W on Apr 04, 2014
    Do something really wild and paint it Turquoise....
    • Connie Murray Connie Murray on Apr 04, 2014
      @Angie W I think I would love that color in a small cabinet, I might get tired of it in such a large piece, but it sure would look great wouldn't it?
  • Angie W Angie W on Apr 04, 2014
    Or turquoise and black top...
  • AJ AJ on Apr 04, 2014
    Paint it black but sand and stain the top. It will be beautiful.
  • Colleen Knight Colleen Knight on Apr 04, 2014
    Stain it black...
  • Ahren Ahren on Apr 04, 2014
    Paint with tile inlay
  • Linda Linda on Apr 04, 2014
    Sand and stain
  • GR GR on Apr 04, 2014
    If the table is going to be used regularly I would sand and stain the top and paint the legs black to match your hutch. I've been painting furniture for over 15 years now and I still haven't worked out a way to make a painted table top as durable and easy to care for as wood!
    • Connie Murray Connie Murray on Apr 04, 2014
      @GR I wondered about that as well. The lady that was going to do it was going to wax the top of it to make it durable, but I wasn't sure how long or how well it would hold up
  • Laura Dennison Laura Dennison on Apr 04, 2014
    I agree with the comments of staining the top and painting the rest black. That will give you some contrast and keep it from looking too matchy-matchy.
  • Leighann Barney Leighann Barney on Apr 04, 2014
    Do both sand and stain the top so you can see that beautiful wood grain and paint the legs black!!!!
  • Debra Debra on Apr 04, 2014
    Stain the top and paint the bottom, if you paint it black it will soak up so much light in the room and you Wil. Also see every speck of dust or anything on the table.
  • Suzanne Suzanne on Apr 04, 2014
    I think you should paint the bottom black and stain the top a nice warm brown tone.
  • Jean Ouellette Jean Ouellette on Apr 04, 2014
    Here is a pic of one I just did.... stained the top, painted the bottom black... chairs, I will be staining the seats and painting the rest black... It is a process, and a lot of work, but, I LOVE how the table turned out!
  • Heather Heather on Apr 04, 2014
    I say paint the legs and stain the top! That would be beautiful. It would incorporate the hutch as well! I love two toned furniture! I think it keeps everything from being to matchy matchy! I redid a desk recently and went with two colors and love how it turned out. Here is a pic of mine. ( http://blissfullychicdiy.blogspot.com/2014/03/my-new-desk.html )
    • Connie Murray Connie Murray on Apr 04, 2014
      @Heather (The Wilson Farm) That looks great!! Thanks for sharing! The more I see the more I am leaning towards staining the top and painting the bottom and the chairs black
  • Lynne Lynne on Apr 04, 2014
    Stain the top & paint the legs black. The stained top would pick up your trim & the black picks up the hutch behind it. All black would look too heavy in the room.
  • Susan Cryor Susan Cryor on Apr 04, 2014
    Yes totally agree. With others
  • Connie Murray Connie Murray on Apr 04, 2014
    Thanks Lynne!
  • Doreen Gregorchik Doreen Gregorchik on Apr 04, 2014
    I would San the top and paint the legs.
  • Mary Carper Mary Carper on Apr 04, 2014
    Compramize and stain it with ebony stain..
  • Barb Barb on Apr 04, 2014
    Both paint legs and stain top
  • Sharron Sharron on Apr 04, 2014
    I agree with the others whole-heartedly! I love the idea of painting the legs and chairs black, and stain the top! Of course, you could really go either way with the chairs...stain to match the top or paint to match the hutch and the legs of the table...either way, the set will look stunning in your dining room!
  • Judy Wise Judy Wise on Apr 04, 2014
    I agree with paint legs and stain top. Just did mine
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Apr 04, 2014
    Paint the legs and stain the top. I say that because I just think stain will wear better than will paint. Be sure and post results.
  • Amy Dietz Amy Dietz on Apr 04, 2014
    Look unanimous, I too agree, stain top paint legs ..... Already started mine the same way! .... Popular I guess ( is that good or bad?😜)
  • Candy Thompson Candy Thompson on Apr 04, 2014
    I agree with everyone on the black legs, stained top....but how about doing that nice border around the edge in black too?? Might add more interest...
  • Connie Murray Connie Murray on Apr 04, 2014
    Oh no you are mistaken Shari, he has told me if I want to do it that I can do whatever I want to it. But as I explained in an earlier comment, I am not able to work and have no money coming in and the money that he works hard for would have to go towards changing this table from the way it is and was to how I want it to look. He would never stop me from doing it but I know he wouldn't like the end results and I want him to be happy as well. It goes both ways, if you gave someone a gift and they wanted to change it, would you be happy with that decision????
  • Jan Remling Jan Remling on Apr 04, 2014
    stain the top and paint the legs....lots of tables and cabinets at this site showing the combination and they really look great....let him see some finished products.
  • Theresa Hughes Theresa Hughes on Apr 04, 2014
    How a about stain part of the top into say an oval overlay then paint and add golden embellishments or a nice classy stenciling to the remainder of the top and paint legs to match top painting
  • Joleah Biellier Joleah Biellier on Apr 04, 2014
    Stain the legs and chalk paint the table top
  • Helen Helen on Apr 04, 2014
    I like the stained top and the black legs and support areas.
  • Judy Gramig Judy Gramig on Apr 04, 2014
    paint
  • Elizabethdickinson Elizabethdickinson on Apr 04, 2014
    i don't care for the wood design on top ---paint the whole thing
  • Joy Hendricksen Joy Hendricksen on Apr 04, 2014
    Paint the top with a faux stone design and the legs metal tone paint.
  • Joan Kincade Joan Kincade on Apr 04, 2014
    I am a stain fan, Really hate painting wood
  • Sheryl MacNair Sheryl MacNair on Apr 04, 2014
    OMG! Stain the legs, chairs and the frames around the insets. Paint the insets with the black chalk board paint in black. It will look like 4 framed out chalk boards. You can then write your place cards directly on the table and be perfect for our dinner guests to have a little chalk board fun. :)
    • Connie Murray Connie Murray on Apr 05, 2014
      @Sheryl MacNair That would be awesome, but I think it might get messy with my 2 year Grandson who lives with us and this is our only table,lol. But that would look amazing!
  • Rachel H Rachel H on Apr 04, 2014
    Painting over beautiful wood is just plain WRONG!!!!
  • Betty Williams Betty Williams on Apr 04, 2014
    Would need to see the legs before I could say what I would do!!!
  • Fran thomas Fran thomas on Apr 04, 2014
    If it's a good wood don't paint it brings down the value . If it's not paint away.....
  • Fran thomas Fran thomas on Apr 04, 2014
    Paint away
  • Rebecca Terry Rebecca Terry on Apr 04, 2014
    Paint the legs black with distressed marks allowing the wood come through and then the top in a chalk black and wood checkerboard....
  • Beth Hall Beth Hall on Apr 04, 2014
    Paint it all ..top dark and legs dark. You'll love it
  • Raymona Oak Raymona Oak on Apr 04, 2014
    I think the chalk paint would look great.
  • Raymona Oak Raymona Oak on Apr 04, 2014
    I mean chalk board...
  • Monna Albright Monna Albright on Apr 04, 2014
    I like paint too but with this ...stain the top and paint the rest :0)
  • Carol Carol on Apr 04, 2014
    No way with chalk paint!!
  • Pat Dareneau Pat Dareneau on Apr 04, 2014
    Major no-no. No paint on fine wood. Paint chairs, paint walls, colorful center pieces and runner ok
  • Jeannine A Jeannine A on Apr 04, 2014
    If its pine, I say paint it!!!!
  • Pam Bolton Pam Bolton on Apr 04, 2014
    I just tried a (new to me) product called driftwood wood finish by DIYdriftwood. It was so easy to use. Mix the powder with water, then brush it on and let it dry. If it isn't dark enough, do it again. Then wax or coat with poly. The wood pattern and grain on your table looks very lovely. This driftwood stain would look very nice with your black dresser. The website is www.diydriftwood.com for more info on that product. BTW, I am completely ok with painting furniture, but I also like to stain as the piece dictates.
  • Debbie Machmer Debbie Machmer on Apr 04, 2014
    chalk paint gets my vote :)
  • Martha Mothershed Martha Mothershed on Apr 04, 2014
    Any one that loves antics like you do, would know how much value and good looks that table would bring by just follow your husband good judgement.
    • Connie Murray Connie Murray on Apr 05, 2014
      @Martha Mothershed I'm not a big antic lover. The black hutch was a lucky find, I had a big china cabinet that was to big for our new house and I had to sell it and found the hutch in a local store and loved it and it fit and I bought with the money I got from selling my china cabinet. I am not sure what this table is worth, certainly not more then we paid for it the way it is now. But I know it is pretty and will look good whatever we decide to do with it.
  • Lori J Lori J on Apr 04, 2014
    It is your birthday, right?
  • Marianne Marianne on Apr 05, 2014
    Paint it black, I also love paint.
  • Connie Murray Connie Murray on Apr 05, 2014
    I think we have decided to stain the top and paint the legs and sides of it with the chalk paint in black, as for the chairs I am undecided yet as to what to do with them, but will see once the table is finished and go from there with the chairs.
  • GR GR on Apr 05, 2014
    Hi Connie, I find wax is ok for light use but if the table gets marked you're going to have to strip it back and start again whereas with wood stain you can just treat the affected area. You can get some very dark wood stains which would look good with the black and you can wax on top of them to get a lovely finish.
  • Jamie Jamie on Apr 05, 2014
    I would paint it someway. I wouldn't just go back with regular stain. I love wood, but I also love painted furniture. So mix and match is the way to go. While I love wood grains, the table is just too choppy of a wood grain and that could be because I do think it's pine.
  • Nancy Hatcher Nancy Hatcher on Apr 05, 2014
    The wood has so much personality I would sand it and very lightly stain it so the grain will stand out. NO PAINT, especially chalk paint!
  • Joan @ Nicer Than New Joan @ Nicer Than New on Apr 05, 2014
    Strip and stain the top and paint the base
  • Connie Murray Connie Murray on Apr 05, 2014
    I think that is what we have decided to do Joan!
  • SK on Elderberry SK on Elderberry on Apr 05, 2014
    cool project. make sure we get pictures of the finished project. sk
  • Shari Veater Shari Veater on Apr 09, 2014
    My dining table has a wood stain top and black painted base and legs....yours would look great like that :)
  • Betty McCalip Betty McCalip on Apr 09, 2014
    Stain is the best for wear, and there are lots of cool and fun colors available at Home Depot or Lowes. You can even have it custom mixed. If you want better coverage maybe a second coat would be necessary. You can add to the durability by clear coating it in the same product in a matt sheen for a more current look.
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Apr 10, 2014
    you mentioned earlier,,,,a good comprimise to paint legs and stain the top..I like that look,
  • Liliana Wells Liliana Wells on May 09, 2014
    I think with black hutch, black table, dark trim on windows, it would make the room look darker. Sorry, I say, do not paint black.
  • Mary Mary on Oct 07, 2014
    I would also stain just the top, but also add a black or dark glaze to the edges heavily and lightly over the stained top for just a hint of what's going on at the base & hutch.
  • Msm59081316 Msm59081316 on Feb 25, 2022

    The table difinitly needs something,it appears to look a little on the dated side.

    A black top I don't know how that would look.

    I do agree with maybe the legs black.

    Although from what some have said chalk paint and wax wouldn't be a good idea.

    Things to think about.

    Totally agree with some others.

    Not fair of your hubby to make u feel u should do it his way.

    Don't let money be the deciding factor.

    If that's the case wait until u have your own and do it the way u want.Do what makes u happy.It was a gift to U!😊❀️