Hey
I recently found this guy. It is either a model 5402 or 5403 for Dunbar. Pretty versatile larger sized table. I guess I have two questions...
A. You see these sold as Wormley Interlocking tables in a set of two, but there are two different model numbers one for each table. I wish I had found both but I only have this one..My question is is this considered incomplete without the other table or were they sold separately or individually?
B. The top has a lot of scratching and the sides of the top are flaking...it seems to be a very thin plastic laminate...or is it some kind of paint? I am looking for advice on refinishing the tops...or would this not be advised and would it just be better to "polish it up" and keep it original. As far as refinishing I was thinking of taking the top off and sanding, then priming, then spray painting, then clear coating? Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
The black coating may be a lacquer. If so, it might be possible to re-amalgamate the surface using a technique similar to French polishing if the coating is thick enough. A pro would be able to determine if this is an option with a simple solvent test. I'd recommend doing a test anyway before overpainting to determine compatibility.
If you do want to refinish, I think you have the right recipe in you post -- unless the table frame can't easily be separated (if necessary) to release the top panel. In that case you'll have to mask and sand and paint.
Clear coat only if the sheen of the black finish isn't what you want . . . I'd say.
Wish I had the answer to your question about the pair vs a singleton, as I've never encountered this design. What is the approximate date of the design, do you know ?
You can test if it's lacquer very easily by dabbing an inconspicuous spot with nail polish remover on a Qtip. Lacquer will start to dissolve immediately.
What tktoo said about restoring a lacquer finish---it is possible to dissolve the lacquer and but not remove it, just let it dry again after smoothing it over the bare areas...? But it takes skill to do properly and is best left to a pro.
I have heard that it's not too hard to get a good lacquer finish with spray lacquer---if you do end up having to redo it completely. The trick seems to be in applying it pretty heavily, at least that's what i've read. This wouldn't be a big deal when doing a flat surface---just make sure you put it on a level surface so that the wet lacquer can't flow to one side and create sags as it dries.
Lacquer is naturally glossy so there's no need to clear coat it as far as I know.
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