How to restore veneer top nesting coffee table?

juliamrth

We have a lovely set of 3 mid century nesting coffee tables and the tops are starting to show wear and I would like to extend their life by restoring.

I don't know if I should remove veneer and add new ones or if there's any other way to do it.

The photo of the worn top is the worst nesting table we have, the others are less significant.

Any help would be appreciated!

EricL

Hello @juliamrth 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your nesting coffee tables.

I propose doing a dual approach to the restoration of your table. If you are certain that the surface is veneer, I suggest using Poly 1L Polystrippa Paint Stripper - 1L in combination with a UNi-PRO 75mm Real Good Paint Scraper. Once the stain and varnish are totally removed you can then lightly sand the surface to get a fresh raw timber surface. By using the paint stripper, you won't have to sand so much of the veneer. Doing the light surface sand will still allow you to re-use the veneer that is there.

If the rest of the body is full timber, then it can be sanded regularly but if they are veneered as well, you'll need to use the stripper. Please remember to use personal protections such as gloves, goggles and a paint rated mask when stripping paint.

Here are some handy step-by-step guides:

• How To Restore Furniture 
   
•  How To Restore A Timber Coffee Table - Step-by-Step 

Here is a link for ideas and inspiration: 15 upcycled buffets

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric