Farmtable Transformation Part 1
One of the great things about my job is that I get to uncover things that no one expects. Let me explain.
The first time I saw this table I fell in love with the bench. Honestly it was the only reason I bought this set. Because a laminate table isn’t really my style and I don’t have people knocking down my door to buy one, that’s for certain.
But what I didn’t expect was what would be underneath that laminate.
It turns out underneath that ugly laminate was some of the most beautiful wood you’ve ever seen!
Let me show you…..
Removing laminate is a tricky job. I usually use an iron and some wet cloths.
I heat up the cloths with the iron creating steam, which helps loosen the glue and then I use a putty knife to gently peel it back.
I’ve also used a heat gun but I find the iron and steam work better. It’s a time consuming job and not one I love doing but knowing there’s possibly beautiful wood underneath keeps me going.
Once everything is loosened up it’s time to sand off all the glue.
Let’s just say this is also time consuming.
Like days worth of sanding time consuming.
Because once you get through the glue you realize there’s a sheet of 1/8 inch luan plywood….
that you have to get your planer out and plane off.
And then sand some more.
Now I know that by now most people would’ve given up. I know at this point that I’m completely nuts and my sander and I are no longer getting along like we used too. But I press on.
to uncover this…..
And I step back and appreciate all the beautiful wood grain and decide that a dark stain finish is what’s gonna be best.
But first I’ve gotta have some coffee. Like a giant cup of coffee.
So come on back tomorrow and I’ll show you how all this ends up.
WOW! I am curious about a ’60s laminate on a similar Ethan Allen style spoon foot dining table that belonged to my parents. It’s very slick, and have no idea if it would come up the way yours did (I always thought they were permanent). However, it’s a moot point since my brother owns it. I recall when my Mom bought it, she had the option to add a laminate top, which I thought at the time, was tacky (I was 11). She decided to get it because, “she didn’t want the table to be marked up” and I thought, “Oh Mom, you’re defeating the purpose of getting faux antiques!” Your project is truly a labor of love, and I’d be right there with you cheering and sanding. Great job! Now, can I have “a go” at your garage?? Can’t wait for Part 2.
Hahahahahah Margaret. I bet it’s exactly the same because this one is an Ethan Allen too.
I’m finishing the post to share tomorrow right now.
🙂 Beth
Nope, it was in the Ethan Allen style, but not the brand. Their laminate is one solid color-like Formica. Yeah, it pretty much is icky. But, I read Pt. 2, and I gotta say you did a fabulous job. You were brave in adding the nicks, but I like it! Are you keeping the set?
Thank you Margaret. I’m always taking chances with my fingers crossed that it’ll work out. I actually already sold the set. Most of the projects I get to work on get sold. I just don’t have the space to keep them all.
Beth
Wow. If I hadn’t seen this, I would not have believed that someone would cover a wooden table with laminate. Can’t wait to see what you do with this.
Hi Chris,
I know! Would you believe it’s an Ethan Allen!?!?!?! Crazy that it came from the factory that way!
🙂 Beth
Wow! I am shocked that the beautiful wood was underneath the laminate. Great job uncovering it. I love benches at kitchen tables too. Don’t you feel like you got a new table for a fraction of the cost? Love that feeling.
I bought a faux granite high top table from the outlet store 6 years ago and just recently used Rustoleum counter top paint to give it a concrete look. It’s a little too perfect looking so thinking of sanding it and roughing it up a little. Other than that, it looks like a brand new table.
Love to see what else you do.
Thank you Diane!!!
🙂 Beth
How did you know there was wood beneath the laminate? Or did you just take a chance without knowing what was under? I have a kitchen table with laminate and want to remove the laminate but I’m nervous there isn’t solid wood under it. 😬 Any tips or advice?
Hello Bailey,
On this particular project I just took a chance without knowing for sure what was under the laminate. However most times you can look on the underside of things and see what they’re made of. Is it possible for you to look under your table and see anything?
Thank you for reading,
Beth