Repairing a Burke Tulip Table Top  

Hello everyone,
I have been using this site as a source to do some research on tulip tables and thought I would use it to inquire about a question I had. I recently completed a Burke tulip dining set as I finally came across a somewhat decently priced table on Craigslist after searching for almost a year, also after purchasing a set of six propellor base Burke chairs. Though the picture on the ad was a bit deceiving in terms of the damage the table actually had, I took it anyway as I was tired of waiting and I guess I was still getting somewhat of a deal compared to some Ebay prices that are probably just too high, despite the fact that a few days before there had been a tulip table very similar to this one for fifteen dollars which I unfortunately missed .
The base is perfect as well as the top but as I have read in many places that discuss Burke tables, the sides of the top are chipping and flaking and I wanted to ask if anyone knew of the material that makes the sides/if it is a possible DIY project. I really want to hope it is some sort of thick paint but it definitely looks like something else.
Also, other small questions are had are if Burke tops already come with holes that allow the base to be screwed in. The current holes definitely look like they were made by the last owner as they match up weirdly. My base also has room for four screws. I apologize for all the questions, I realize I am just dealing with a Burke but I was really excited to have a Tulip set for my first apartment (still in college).