I picked up this Saarinen tulip table recently. I recognized the table and it still had a the Knoll sticker so I knew what it was but I had never done any research on them nor ever examined one up close. So I was curious about a few things.
1- the color of the base is light tan. It does not appear to be painted, this looks like a baked on finish. Is this color original?
2- The top shows some major wear and water stains. Should I refinish the top, and if so any suggestions? I was thinking Teak cleaner (star-brite) and very light sanding then a new coat of vanish. 
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Sounds like a good approach.
I think those teak brighteners are mostly oxalic acid. You may find that, after stripping, it's not needed.
Sometimes if all the marks don't come off the base using detergent, a plastic polish like Novus2 can work wonders.
Pretty little table. Nice find.
The base's color is "putty", ...
The base's color is "putty", and is original. re: the top - I'd put some rejuvenating oil on it and just see what happens!
I picked up a table almost exactly like this (putty base, walnut top in need of some love) a couple years ago off craigslist ($60!) and used a magic eraser to clean up the base. I didn't find that soap and water did much, but the magic eraser worked a charm.
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