Refinish or paint my clawfoot solid oak table?

I like the idea of refinishing the top and painting the legs, Debbie. I once did a table that way. Here's a link:

https://theapplestreetcottage.blogspot.com/2016/06/no-more-polycrylic-for-my-tables.html

Years ago they used to leave the top wood grain (that's how I did mine), but it seems more popular now to paint the whole table. It's just what looks the best to you. Have fun with it, Debbie! Here's a few videos on the two differences.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=paint+clawfoot+table

I like the idea of painting the base and re-staining the top. I've painted the base in several colors, including bright blue and black, but the most classic is antiqued, distressed white, in a farmhouse style. Check out how I did this one. https://youtu.be/dhThB_EnM3E

I never like to paint beautiful wood. Your table looks to be in very good condition. If all you are looking for is a darker color of wood tone, there are a lot of different shades of oak stain and finish out there. I would think you should be able to give a light sanding and then apply a coat or two of your darker stain and finish. Then you have not destroyed the character of the wood. I always paint as a last resort.

I know it will be beautiful whatever you decide.

This is a personal choice. For myself, I think the claw base too beautiful and ornate to be painted. I would stain. If you like the two-tone effect, you could apply a darker stain on the base and a lighter on top, where it's easier to sand down the old finish to pure oak color.

Also, when I look at the interior decor of your room, I think that a rich wood remake will fit better. Looks more high end as a whole.

good answers-refinish-you have a wonderful table

Hi. It's a very nice table. Lots of memories, I'm sure. Consider leaving the top and gel-staining the base along with the legs of your chairs. Gel stain is a great product. Give it a try; I think you'll really like the end result. Happy DIY'ing!

I have a table lik this I sanded it and painted it red it

looks good

Do both! 🙌🏻❤️

There is a paint product online (and in limited locations) called ReThunk Junk. I really like what they've done to furniture, distressed or not.

I agree with Lauren … Stain the top and paint the base :)

Please don’t paint beautiful wood, refinish.

I would definitely REFINISH. Why paint over such a beautiful table.

I say refinish the top, paint the sides and bottom.

Definitely refinish the whole table. Sand it, put 7 applications of satin polyurethane

Paint or stain the base black. Strip the top to get rid of the yellowish stain and retain in a nice cherry. Put a lighter colored circular rug underneath (unless you have toddlers!!)

I’d refinish you could go with a darker stain on the base of the table and lighter on top. I’ve got a love for seeing the wood grain. And stripping paint is a pain in the butt.

I WOULD NOT paint this table unless it’s in bad condition.

once painted, you will never be able to strip the paint off completely, if you change your mind. You won’t be able to get the paint out of the grain of the wood