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Questions on Marble finishes on Knoll Saarinen Tulip Table  

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Whiteisthenewblack
(@whiteisthenewblack)
Active Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 14
19/04/2015 12:54 am  

Hi everyone, I am in the market for a new Saarinen oval Tulip coffee table from Knoll with a marble top (Arabescato, I think). Now, it seems that Knoll offers two polyester finishes - glossy and satin (matte). My question is, what would be the better option? We have an older original Knoll Tulip side table (about 15-20 years old) that generally held up quite well, but has yellowed slightly and shows a few scratches and hairline cracks. It's nothing extraordinary given its age, but the one we are planning to buy is a coffee table for a family with small kids etc., meaning that it will be used heavier and on a more regular basis than the side table.Knoll claims in their promo videos that you can spill anything on it no problem (red wine, coffee etc.), which is reassuring, but I would be happy about any first-hand experience from this forum regarding how the two finishes differ in looks (glossy may be more classy and closer to the original, but matte may be easier to handle and I kinda also like the subdued look), and if there are any differences between the two finishes in terms of holding up to the test of time (chipping, cracking, blebbing, yellowing, scratching etc., you name it).I would also appreciate some good photos of the matte finish, since they are hard to come by online.Thanks in advance! 


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rockybird
(@rockybird)
Famed Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 301
19/04/2015 8:20 pm  

This is not much help, but I had the same issue ordering knoll Schultz chaise chairs and the white petal table.   I had a choice of glossy or matte (or powder coated?).  I cant remember the exact descriptors.    It was difficult because I had no idea on what I was truly ordering and I couldnt find pics or descriptions of the different finishes.   I chose the matte finishes.   I dont have the items yet, but they should be here soon.   I think if I were you, I would choose the matte finish, especially with kids.   It might be less likely to show scratches, plus I like the less shiny look.


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fastfwd
(@fastfwd)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 1721
19/04/2015 10:54 pm  

When glossy finishes do get damaged, the chip or scratch can be repaired easily and invisibly without refinishing the entire piece.  An invisible repair to a matte finish might be impossible.
 


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objectworship
(@objectworship)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 1184
19/04/2015 11:34 pm  

Both finishes will be equally durable, high gloss finishes tend to show wear less gracefully than lower gloss finishes.  You might benefit from calling your dealer and simply asking which one they sell more of and why.  I'm sure you can't go all that wrong whichever way you go.
Though the tabletop is sealed in plastic, of course it's still highly advisable to wipe spills ASAP and use placemats, etc., and to just generally err on the cautious side as far as that goes.  For example, I was fairly recently made aware of damage to a steel topped table incurred by the opening of a jar of olives by setting the jar on the tabletop and twisting.  A folded cloth napkin beneath the jar would have saved much grief.  Fabrics also add visual interest and tactile comfort to the surface.
 
I wonder why plastic laminate isn't more popular.  Are these tables even available in laminate anymore?  
 
 


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Whiteisthenewblack
(@whiteisthenewblack)
Active Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 14
20/04/2015 3:06 pm  

Thanks for all the comments so far.
 
Objectworship, I think the laminate tops are still sold, but I like the marble look, and I think laminate ages even less gracefully.


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_ _
 _ _
(@sebastien-alaingmail-com)
Active Member
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 13
21/04/2015 9:15 am  

Note that the yellowing and hairline cracks you're seeing on your table are the action of the sun on the polyester coat. Knoll also offers "natural marble" which doesn't have the polyester coating. It can be sealed (I personally add sealant every 6 months).


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