AW Antiques & Collectibles Restoration
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Antique Tables - Restoration Projects







1930s OAK GATE LEG TABLE.

This gate leg table with Oak top and Beech bobbin turned legs needed to be re-polished as the original stained varnish had become dull, scratchedl and was also water marked etc..
It is a very useful size for the modern home as when the flaps are folded down the actual size reduces to 12 inches wide by 24 inches long, so fits in any small space in the room.


Removing all of the original varnish it was then rubbed smooth with fine steel wool, then stained to match the base.
Finally given several coats of Finishing Oil which enhanced the warm colours of the wood which had been concealed by the old varnish.




This 1930s solid oak extending dining table required the surface finish to be completely stripped off by hand, as the owners request was to lighten the whole appearance.

This was done by using a strong varnish remover and lifting off with steel wool when softened. The effect off using the steel wool not only removes all the old varnish but also leaves the wood very smooth for final polishing. This process does not in anyway spoil the natural wood colour underneath. The table top because it had suffered water damage and had become stained was sanded to remove it, then polished to a smooth finish with fine sandpaper. Finally it was given a coat or two of finishing oil to leave a natural mellow colour.







Gate Leg Table

A very nice antique mahogany gate leg table of small dimensions.

The top had faded due to being positioned in direct light from a window. After removing the original finish the top was restained, to closely match it's original colour. It was then given a new finish by applying antique oil. Several coats were applied giving the finish some depth. Any loose joints were re-glued and the legs etc. were cleaned with antique wax remover and repolished with antique oil.




Inlaid Table

This rather nice inlaid Marquetry oval occasional table is what is termed a "marriage" meaning that the top and support were not made to match but were taken from two different pieces of furniture and made up. The top is walnut veneered and the base although covered in a dark varnish, showed when removed that is was solid oak.

The original finish on the table top was removed along with the water stain and re-polished. Once the dark varnish was removed from the base stand is was lightly stained to match the colour of the top




Below I have detailed two antique tables that have undergone a complete restoration.


The shaped top occasional table shown is in walnut, and had been rather neglected. When fashions changed these items tended to be relegated to the attic or shed.

This piece would have been made in the Edwardian period 1901-1910.

The old finish was completely removed and the wood smoothed off with fine steel wool. Instead of staining and polishing, a number of coats of boiled linseed oil were thinly applied to treat the wood. This would be done over a period of weeks, allowing each coat to soak in before applying the next.

This method gives a naturally deep and rich colour to the wood and will also act as a barrier against stains and water. Buffing with a duster afterwards, is all that is required.

Antique Table Restoration Photo Project 1 - Before        Antique Table Restoration Photo Project 1 - After




The following drop leaf mahogany Pembroke table was a popular design in the mid- to late 18th C. Possibly designed by Henry Herbert, Earl of Pembroke (1693-1751).

This example is in solid mahogany and dates around the mid-Victorian period. Still a very useful size, even today. It has one deep and one dummy drawer.

It was mostly in its original state and required little restoration except for a good clean and finally, french polishing.


Antique Table Restoration Photo Project 2 - Before        Antique Table Restoration Photo Project 2 - After






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If you would like advice or a quote on restoring an Antique Table, please get in touch by completing this short form. I am located in Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.