Paint an antique table?

Colleen
by Colleen

This table has been in my family for years, I like it but it completely doesnt go with my decor...was thinking of painting it but before I do that How would I find out what it might be worth?

Thanks!

  12 answers
  • Contact a local antique dealer. It's gorgeous!

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jun 06, 2021

    What might help you is to look under it and see if there are any maker marks on it, you could get a sense of direction in your search. Ann's idea of an antique dealer is a good one.

  • Hi Colleen,


    That's an incredibly beautiful table! Personally, I wouldn't paint it because that will vastly diminish its value. Real wood, especially in good condition like what you have, is truly a work of art.


    As for finding out how much it's worth, an antique dealer *might* be able to help you, but many (perhaps most!) of them are only resellers, not experts in the field.


    If you truly want to know its value, you'll want to talk to an appraiser. Try searching Google for "antique appraisers near me", and I'm sure you'll find some great options.


    Lucky you to have such a gorgeous piece of furniture passed down through the family for years! Love it!

  • William William on Jun 06, 2021

    Look for any makers marks or labels. Any numbers with letters means it was mass produced. Prices have gone down since there is not much demand and there are so many out there. Price range from about $100 to $500 depending on the maker. People have found some at flea markets and garage sale for a song. They just painted and/or refinished them.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jun 06, 2021

    Take several photos from different angles with your cell phone and take that to an antiques business. They should be able to give you a good idea at that point provided you give them all the info they need. Good luck!!!

  • After checking for some makers marks, you can check online to get an approximate value but ideally an appraiser will give you a more accurate value. In all honesty, painting it will ruin any current or future value and know that values change. What might not have value now may in the future so you might weigh that.

  • Em Em on Jun 06, 2021

    I would seriously hesitate to paint it with all of that detail. It will be almost impossible to get out the paint from crevices if you do and ruin the value. If you MUST paint, do the top only as it is smooth and easy to remove the paint.

  • You can get in touch with your local antique dealer to give you an approximation for its price. And I personally love this table. I would certainly hesitate about painting it.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jun 07, 2021

    You could take it to an antique shop for an estimated value.

    As for painting it, I would spray paint it and add a glaze to highlight the details.

    My normal process for painting furniture is to scuff with fine steel wool, clean with denatured alcohol, then prime & paint. You might want to use TSP on this one to clean and prep for painting.

  • Dee Dee on Jun 07, 2021

    OMG I would NOT paint that table. It is absolutely beautiful. You did not state how old the table is, but I do not think it is over 100 years old to qualify for an antique. However, I would take several pictures and take it to an antique dealer to find out the worth. The frame on that table is so very pretty. If you find out it is not an antique, I would just paint the top, maybe a carrera marble look.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jun 08, 2021

    Hello, Ask a Furniture Restorer or Insurance Appraiser or Auction House! For heavens sake don't paint it!!

  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Jun 19, 2021

    I definitely would not paint this beautiful table. Even if it does not fit in with your decor, it provides what is called "tension".