Well, it certainly took longer than I anticipated.  With Summer being exceptionally busy and then, of course, I had to start the refurbishing process all over again because I used the wrong type of wood filler.  Anyway, I finally had time this weekend to devote to working on the table.

Here are the things I learned so that you don’t have learn these lessons on your own:

1. If you are repairing veneer or anything other than a superficial scratch – use bondo. I know.  It’s stinky.  It probably isn’t that good for us.  The thing is – it actually works.  It works well and it sands down very nicely. It actually adheres to the existing wood.

2. Take your time.  It’s better to do things correctly the first time (note to self) than to have to re-do them.  Often, doing things correctly requires time.  Time for products to cure.  Time for your wrists and shoulders to recover.  All in all – I would just encourage you to enjoy the process and take your time.

3. Minwax Polycrylic is your friend.  I generally prefer natural waxes to seal wood furniture – because they look less shiny, are easy to maintain and are nontoxic.  However, a table surface needs some serious protection.  Water will be spilled on the table.  Coffee mugs will be set down.   Toddlers will eat pasta with marinara sauce. So, I recommend using a water based polycrylic.  It is easy to clean up, does a great job at protecting surfaces and BEST OF ALL does not turn yellow over time.  I am not getting paid to write this.  It is just genuinely a product I like to use.

So, with all that said/written – here are some “after” photos:

 

Refinished Antique Pedestal Table

 

Refinished Pedestal Table

 

Pedestal Paw

 

Here is a close- up of the legs/paws.  I love the carved details. Also, I love that there are wooden casters under the paws! You can see them in the previous photo.

Now let’s revisit some “before” photos – just to refresh our memory.

 

 

Top of table as veneer is being removed

 

That was the top of the table as the veneer was being removed. (Yikes. What was I thinking???)  If you look closely, you can see there is still good wood under the veneer. This part of the process required giving my wrists and shoulders a rest. Even with a heat gun, that veneer did not want to come off.

 

 

Veneer on top edge of table

 

The photo above shows some of the veneer on the edge of the table top.  This was also removed during the process.

 

Pedestal – table base with no top

This was the pedestal base of the table.  It was in good structural shape.  Basically, it just needed a good cleaning, sanding and some minor repairs.

Now, I hope this table will be around for another fifty years.  Perhaps even longer. They sure don’t make tables like this anymore!