I like the texture, seems to ”go with” the style, but if you don’t like it I understand. Just curious, what color are you planning to paint it?

if it were mine, I'd clean it all down to the natural wood.

Hmmm. … I wonder if that’s real wood ? As in “sandable”.

It was a shame that table was painted. I might consider stripping the top.

I like the style as is

@BeverlyFLADeziner and @Lyn Nielson - It was never stained. It was sold in this color. @K Laurence Whether it's real wood - not sure. Not much is these days.

Strip a small area and if wood, then decide if you want wood or a painted table. The chairs you plan on using may also influence your decision. If painting, only do one coat to see if indents still bother you and if so, fill/sand smooth before continuing. .

The texture, which IMO is visually interesting, will continue to telegraph through the paint unless the top is sanded smooth.

I would consider painting the top a high gloss walnut.

get a new top. grooves like that...just no. you can find a crafts man to give you a new top

old looking tables..but the tops either have patina from time and refinishing or tops actually replaced so to have smooth surfaces you can wipe .

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