Refreshing Mid-Century Cocktail Tables

Jamala W
by Jamala W
3 Materials
$15
2 Hours
Easy

Saving a pair of cocktail tables that were almost ruined

Cocktail tables are those cute little tables designed to be placed in front of the sofa or next to a chair to be used when entertaining guests, as supports for beverages and other things. I purchased a pair of these mid-century nesting tables from an estate sale a while back and thought I’d use them as plant stands on my porch. Here’s where I confess my big mistake. I completely forgot there was pressed-wood involved and the weather took a toll on them.

The paint on the legs was completely faded and the wood underneath was beginning to crumble.

The leather-like top was completely sun damaged and rust had formed on the top of the legs.

I began to wash the legs using Murphy's oil soap with a Scotch brite sponge using the scrubber side. The paint came completely off.

I applied Scotch guard on the legs and the natural color began to come back. Once dried, I applied another coat and then followed up with lemon oil

I applied lemon oil on the top of the table to restore the luster of the leather. I gently scraped the crumbling wood that was around the edges to give the piece a more finished look so you wouldn't see it.

They won't be going outside anymore.

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Jamala W
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