Vintage enamel top table restoration

Bringing this vintage “topco” brand table back to life proved to be a challenge that included reproducing wooden parts, 5+ hours polishing legs as well as 8+ hours polishing the top and side extensions, along with multiple coats of paint on the skirt to get just the right finish.
#asmr
#diy
#woodworking
#furniture repair

[@janetburroughs7117]

What products did you use to get rid of the rust and polish the legs of the table? Also what did you use to clean the tabletop? Once the porcelain / enamel has chipped is there anything that can be done to improve appearance of chipped areas? Great job by the way!

[@LarryRohr-he7lj]

On the legs I used a product called Flitz it is a fantastic metal polish. The legs also had some rust which went down to the metal leaving spots where there was no chrome finish. After polishing the legs I (painstakingly) taped the legs and sprayed those areas with the same silver paint used on other areas of the project. On the enamel top I also used Flitz, it was a super slow process but took spots out that looked like scratches that weren’t going to come out. I’m not sponsored by them it is just an amazing product. Also on the top I used bar tenders friend in the liquid form. On the next enamel top item I have lined up to do I will use the bartenders friend product first then the Flitz. In the last part of your questions you ask if there was anything that helps if enamel has been chipped off. A better than nothing answer is a paint pen (the kind you shake ) is better than trying to cover with spray paint. You can typically find those at hobby lobby or Michaels etc. I hope this helps.

[@RebeccaRohrHome]

I enjoyed creating the chair pads with you. It was so much fun. I think it turned out great. Somebody going to love it❤

[@LarryRohr-he7lj]

That is an area I have no expertise in. thank you for the help making those, it made the chairs turn out very nice.

[@patbolstad3701]

Beautiful job ❤

[@LarryRohr-he7lj]

Thank you.

[@pitsnipe5559]

Nice work!

[@LarryRohr-he7lj]

Thanks. I have redone other enamel top furniture in the past it is unbelievable how clean they polish. Im eager to work on an enamel top Hoosier cabinet that is in line for refinishing. When it is completed I will share the video with you.

[@pitsnipe5559]

@@LarryRohr-he7lj Looking forward to that!

[@SparrowStockwell]

Nice work on those chairs!

[@LarryRohr-he7lj]

Much appreciated. Usually I do all work myself, but my wife Rebecca helped on the covers, as that was beyond my ability.

[@SparrowStockwell]

@ We thought that might be your wife. I’m glad she helped. ❣️

[@SparrowStockwell]

Excellent work on those corner blocks and how you did the pocket holes.

[@LarryRohr-he7lj]

The pocket holes made the table solid. The craftsman drill press belonged to an uncle and was from the 1950’s. I recycle/reuse everything I can (woodworkers seldom discard wood cut offs) those braces were made from left over oak flooring that I put down in the workshop. Thanks for watching.

[@SparrowStockwell]

@@LarryRohr-he7lj That’s so great about the Craftsman drill press that belonged to your uncle. That’s Sears! Awesome. Yes, you never know when you’ll need just that bit of wood that was saved. I saw you putting down that flooring! It was so nice for a workshop!

[@LarryRohr-he7lj]

@ most of the shop tools have come from my family in one way or another. When Ive gone on from this world I want to pass the contents of the shop on to family as well.

[@vickileonard72]

30 yrs ago my girlfriends dad gave me one of th I se tables & i replaced it in 1 1/2 yrs with a "nice" new kitchenette. 😢 oh boy was i foolish. I had no idea what i had been given. Oh well the clock doesnt turn back. Looks very nice😊

[@LarryRohr-he7lj]

Your girlfriend’s dad was being generous. This was purchased at a garage sale the seller was going to try to redo it, but it he never got around to it so I picked this up for little of nothing. Those tables were designed surprisingly well and the skirt is made of solid oak.

[@patriciacrozier7624]

I grew up with a table just like that except ours was green and beige. Our chairs were very different. Thanks for the memories! ❤ Well done and very special.

[@patriciacrozier7624]

I grew up with a table just like that except ours was green and beige. Our chairs were very different. Thanks for the memories! ❤ Well done and very special.

[@JenniferCousin-gx1pb]

I just purchased a table like yours with 6 chairs! I am worried about lead exposure, is this a real concern? Were you concerned about lead exposure while restoring yours? Thanks for any replies! Jenn

[@LarryRohr-he7lj]

I did not test for lead paint. The table in the video is from the 50’s to 60’s. There was not a large volume of wood to be scraped to be honest I was not overly concerned with lead paint. Before you start on yours there are lead test kits available. If the dust bothers you I strongly suggest a respirator. I’m not sponsored by woodcraft buy they have them in the 40$ range by eclipse. We have several in our shop. I’m sure you could order on line as well. Good luck with your set.

[@lzkileguevara98]

I have a table like that, except mine has two drawers in it.

[@LarryRohr-he7lj]

I’ve seen these tables with one drawer. Yours with 2drawer would be nice.