Hi everyone,
I have the opportunity to buy a Carlo Scarpa Doge table with steel base.
However the steel base has some distinct rust spots particularly around the screws and on the legs of the table. In the past i did came across an exact same table that also had quite the rust spots all over the steel base...so for some reason i'ts not that rare on these Doge tables.
I'm not sure if its even possible to remove the rust...the steel base seems to be coated with some kind of varnish or plastic like thin layer (?).
Does anyone know how to remove the rust and clean up the entire table...anyone with experience or tips on this. I would like to make sure i'ts possible before buying.
Picture to clarify included.
All help, tips would be really appreciated.
Thank you everybody!
Recommend getting an estimate from a professional metals refinishing specialist and using same as a bargaining chip when negotiating final sale price.
Appears as light surface corrosion due to use/storage in high-humidity environment and degradation of (lacquer?) coating applied to help maintain original burnished or brushed surfaces.
Impressive piece and certainly worth restoration (within reason). Bon chance!
Giving a little update...
I took the risk and we agreed on a price and i bought the table for 500€ (around 580$). I had to make a quick decision since there was another guy interested in buying it for 500€. Unfortunately i don't have an idea about the restoration price yet...so i'm hoping to keep the entire project > purchase + restoration at 1000€ max. I did email some pictures to a metal worker and the only solution to removing the lacquer is to sandblast it. downside to sandblasting is that the table with lose it's shine (sandblasting is going to give the metal a mouse-greyish look.
Annyway i hope i did an ok deal...part from the rust stains on the frame the glass top is in good condition and the base weighs a ton (solid steel).
Contacted the company (Cassina) that makes the tables and they replied saying that it is normal for the steel base to show rust overtime...it's actually written in the catalogue 'steel is subject to oxidation overtime'. they have an alternative more recent version in aluminum that doesn't rust.
I would not recommend media-blasting under any circumstances. The brushed/burnished surfaces are an important design feature of your table and should be either preserved or reproduced. Too bad the alloy used is so susceptible to surface corrosion. However the job is accomplished, though, a new coating will need to be applied.
Don't be discouraged. Keep looking for another vendor. Maybe a company that specializes in fabricating/restoring interior architectural metalwork or perhaps even shops that restore classic cars.
FWIW, I think $500 is a very reasonable price for that table in as-is condition.
The only way to restore metal without changing the metal surface in any way at all is to have it laser stripped, then powder coat in a clear lacquer before any moisture can re affect the metal so blanket it to stop any moist air getting to the metal as soon as its been stripped. I have no idea if it's possible to separate the metal from any other material involved. Carlo would want it to look nice so this is the only way to keep the metal as it was when it was made, as it should be if you do decide to go ahead with the process. If you ever get to Italy go see his cemetery for Briovega boss, on a hot day it's calming cool, lovely.
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