I want to buy a copper topped dining table. Have you had any experience with such a table top?

Question

I thought a copper table top would look good in my breakfast room since it will sit in front of the picture window that looks out to my courtyard which is decorated with Mexican Talavera tiles.

3po3 · Answer

My mom had an antique Middle Eastern copper-topped table. It was beautiful, but we had to be really careful with putting glasses or food on it, and you need special cleaning materials.

Marilyn S · Answer

Oh, I'm disappointed to hear that.  What happened if you put glasses or food on  the table?  And what are the special cleaning materials.  Do they work?

Douglas Hunt · Answer

I had a copper-topped breakfast bar in my kitchen. If you have copper, you have to embrace the fact that it will deepen in color, as well as show rings from glasses and get brighter spots if you spill something acidic on it. You can always, however, bring back the shine with a copper cleaner.

Becky H · Answer

Sounds a lot like brass Douglas!  Always pretty, with continuous care.

3po3 · Answer

I think Douglas pretty much answered your questions based on my response. Glasses and plates can leave rings and marks, but it's not irreversible, as I understand it. This is the type of cleaner I was talking about:http://www.amazon.com/Mauviel-Copperbrill-Copper-Cleaner-150/dp/B0002L5GKG

Mark · Answer

Try application of a clear epoxy on the copper,this will be see through as glass but nothing will touch the copper and the oxidization process will be halted permanently.

Elitecoachb · Answer

I have copper topped several tables, you can buy just the right weight at most hardware stores it is flexible on the roll. you will need a good glue, snipers, a mallet, and some time. As far as the do not use with food or drink and that you need special cleaners, well here is how that goes, you treat and clean just like you would a copper bottomed pan.  The marks that drink glasses may leave will come right off. Your patio looks a lot like mine I have made it a Spanish design and have used the table for years now.  I took  REGULAR PICNIC TABLE, covered a thick sheet of plywood and then attached it to the all ready existing top, then I made side tables to go along but used the mallet and hammered the tops to give it a more rustic look.  It will get a patina from just sitting there but is easy shined with copper cream, you can also spray with clear sealer if you want.  Don't be afraid of this project...have fun it will look great.

Nancy Hatcher · Answer

I'm too lazy to want to spend a lot of time having to clean a table top! I would try one of the really pretty metallic paints in copper and see how you like it. Then if you decide you want to go to the trouble and expense of real copper it could be added later.

Lisa Schneider · Answer

Rustoleum makes hammered copper paint. We painted our gutters and down spouts with it and it looks like real copper. Maybe you could use it to make your table top.

Jennifer G · Answer

I had 2 Gothic Revival copper topped tables with silver stud accents. They had a lovely dark patina that I loved, but wet glasses or warm dishes left rings. Adding glass to the top helps, but if it moisture gets under the glass, it may still cause issues.

Also, I've had problems with a clear coat chipping and peeling on metal (on a stainless counter)… excess moisture, heat and heavy wear caused scratches which allowed water to get in, which led to peeling :(
I vote for the metallic copper paint - The real stuff is beautiful, but the maintenance is high on a table top that gets used frequently. Let us know what you end up doing! :)

Frankie Laney · Answer

Good call!

Melanie · Answer

I have a 6' round hammered copper table top in dark patina. I had it coated with an acrylic coating to preserve the color and protect the surface. With 2 little kids, I'm so glad I did! It's 6 years old and looks brand new!

I want to buy a copper topped dining table. Have you had any experience with such a table top?

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I want to buy a copper topped dining table. Have you had any experience with such a table top?

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