The table just a few hours ago!
Uh-Oh...help painting coffee table
+19
My husband just began sanding our coffee table. It had many nicks and scratches so needed a lot of attention. He had assumed because it was Thomasville and it is extremely heavy that the table was solid wood. After much sanding he found it is laminate. Which obviously cannot be stained. He’s beside himself! Although we bought it on craigslist it was extremely expensive even then and I would really like to keep the table. I have seen on here many projects with painting dining room tables etc. I know it can be done! I just don’t know how. Any thoughts or ideas would be so appreciated! I really just want it back to the way it was so we are looking for more a traditional look as a final result. A nice dark color. Thank you so much!
You can do a faux wood finish with paint.
Sorry to hear this happened...if you don't want to add a new top to it, a dark-color chalk paint would be an easy solution.
Wish I had a nickel for every time I did something like this. Oh wait, I do. Every disaster is an opportunity. You and your husband have an opportunity to make something better than it was. Here's a link to DIY Network simple instructions for the faux painting:
http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/decorating/how-to-paint-a-faux-wood-grain
ya.. that’s a veneer on top. Check at a diy store...you might be able to find a or 2 roll of veneer to replace it with. . I think it was a rubber cement bob used to adhere it to the base. Read up on the how to...ie google it. I have 3 cats in my lap at the moment. Trying to interrate the new kitten.
You can paint it or reface it with new veneer that can be stained. Check the home centers. There is a veneer that can be ironed on. Heat activates the adhesive.
You can use a flat acrylic paint also then add a couple coats of polycrylic for durability.
I painted this laminate cabinet, i wanted it to look like it belonged with my dining room table witch was wood so i used 7 different color of paint watered down by half to archive this look.
Before paint
If there is a Woodcraft or other Woodworking store near you stop in an ask them. You can also look at their sheets of thin wood veneer that you could just cover the top with and stain as you like. I replaced the veneer on an old table and it looked Gorgeous! Unfortunately had to sell when we downsized or I would send pic. . . . .
ps...if this was sold as a real wood top..technically that’s true...veneeres are real wood...just cut really really thin.
I would certainly use wood veneer if you want to keep the wood look. You can even chose the essence of wood (even mix them) and create a real designer look.
I have a post for a coffee table on which I used oak veneer. Have a look... Easy to use, but make sure to buy pre-glued veneer!
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/furniture/turning-old-coffee-table-into-memory-32202057
Turning Old Coffee Table Into Memory!