Painting end tables with leather inlay

Question

I have two end tables which I would like to paint, but they have leather inlay with gold scroll covering most of both top and bottom shelves. I make my own chalk paint and would prefer to use that to paint them with, but I am unsure about painting over the leather inlay. Will the paint crack eventually? Will it cover properly? Thanks for any suggestions.

Kim Steiner · Answer

I have the same tables! Was also wondering how to paint the tops. Hope you get a response :)

Susan Sease · Answer

I have seen people paint the leather tops with chalk paint and it looks good. I'm not sure about how it will hold up but I think it's worth a shot!

Sharon Russell · Answer

My aunt had these. She sanded and painted the legs and edges and then bought scratch cover for leather and touched them up. Personally, although she did a good job, I liked them the original way better. They're very classy.

Janet Manger · Answer

There are several types of paints for different surfaces and I have seen people paint shoes but don't know how the paint holds up. There is stains to change the color of leather to (shoe repair shop). Can the leather be removed? You might be able to paint what is under it. If you do try to paint the leather, you might put a piece of glass to protect the tops afterwards.

Clbensch · Answer

Good idea about the glass tops, Janet. When I did mine, I cleaned the leather with a leather cleaner, then sprayed clear coat over the whole table, including the leather. Turned out well & made the leather waterproof too. I used a satin clear coat so it is not really noticeable on the leather.

CK · Answer

I'd paint the tables in your DIY chalk paint but not paint the leather tops. Leather can be restored with several types of leather restorer found on the market. Need help finding a good restorer? Check with a shoe store that does repairs or a leather worker. My brother is a leather worker and you'd be amazed at how he can restore old leather items! I think painting on top of leather will eventually result in a cracked appearance because the leather 'gives' a little. I know you'd like to paint the leather white like the rest of the table....but I fear it may not be long lasting. Have you considered trying to stain the leather a different color? There would be certain ways to do that......I could ask my brother if you're interested ;-)

Kim · Answer

You might find some help in an Annie Sloan blog.  I know there is one on Facebook.  It is full of people with different experiences involving chalk paint.

Gnomee · Answer

I've painted 3 tables just like these with chalk paint then finished them with poly. I painted them all in black.
They get heaps of use and still look brand new. You can still see the grain of the leather (vinyl actually) & I couldn't be more happy with them.

Bella Nouveau Furniture · Answer

I would paint the table but restore the leather top. They have products you can buy for this. It would look beautiful that way! https://www.facebook.com/BellaNouveauFurnitureCreations

Renae Breskovich · Answer

If you're not married to the leather top - pull it off once you've finished painting the rest to give a two toned look? I have a table like this but the leather is loose, wood underneath is pristine and no glue.

Caroline · Answer

Have you considered adding a bit of mod podge to the paint, or after. Also if you are waxing the chalk paint it will remain flexible. I covered a similar one with tissue paper and it looked cool. A layer of mod podgy hard on top ?

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

As suggested, try to remove the leather.

Carla · Answer

I did a pair of tables like this and used Annie Sloan chalk paint and wax. Works beautiful and my customer loves it! Here is a picture for you.

Lorie · Answer

Love the color you selected. Thanks for the picture. Did you paint the leather inlay also?

Carla · Answer

Thanks Lorie. Yes, I painted all of it. The colors are Emperor's Red and Graphite by Annie Sloan. I used the clear wax over it to protect.

Carla · Answer

Thanks Lorie! Yes, I painted everything in Annie Sloan. The colors are Emperors's red and Graphite. I used clear wax for protection.

Lorie · Answer

Thanks for the tips Carla. Have a great week.

Carla · Answer

You too Lorie!

Marie R · Answer

I have tables that look just like this...after several years...my son declared they were not leather top. They have the exact same design as yours and many others I have seen...but he is right....so...are you sure? I should put up a pic...cuz they're almost identical

Stacy · Answer

Hello there. What beautiful tables. I think the leather is quite charming and with your chalk paint and some distressing wax you could have two very beautiful tables. This is just my opinion. I don't think painting the leather is a good idea. If you really don't want the leather on your tables; maybe you could neatly cut it off ( for another project) and then prep, prime and paint your lovely tables.😊 This is just my thoughts. I hope you find the answers you are looking for. Blessings, E.

Painting end tables with leather inlay

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Painting end tables with leather inlay

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