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Design Dilemma
lorlor12

How to Refinish a Saarinen Table?

13 years ago
I was fortunate enough to inherit an original late 50's (I think) Saarinen coffee table from my grandparents. It has some definite wear and tear, including what looks to be a candle burn mark on the top. Can anyone tell me what the material on the top of the table is, and how I would fix it? The base looks to be painted, and I can have that sprayed and lacquered, but I'm not sure about the top. Hoping someone can shed some light! Thank you!
Featured Answer
  • 13 years ago
    Don't listen to these people that want you to change it too drastically! You will regret it, as it will be worth more the closer it is to original... and look better, too. For the base, A "Magic Eraser" will work wonders! (Available at the grocery or discount store). Just use elbow grease and patience, and keep it moist. It will also work on the top for small scratches and marks, but if the top is too damage from the burn marks, it may not remove that.. Frankly, I would consider it a character mark, or just set a vase or trinket over it. You could also just put a frosted glass on top of the table, and it would take care of the problem without damaging the original piece. If you paint the top of the table, you will regret it. I hope this helps!

    Comments (21)

    • 13 years ago
      last modified: 13 years ago
      The table was made in 1956. The top of the table was solid marble, wood veneer or laminate. The base was Cast aluminum with a Rilsan finish. Your table looks like laminate but hard to tell from the picture.If the top has a wood grain look of oak than it's probably a wood veneer. Solid marble would be very hard and have some gray in it. I hope this helps.
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      I have a similar Herman Miller Tulip 30 high table top is Formica, can not repair that. The cast aluminum base has also chips, what is Rilsan finish?

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    • 13 years ago
      Rilsan® nylon is an extremely hard wearing, scratch and chip resistant coating.
    • 13 years ago
      Easy solution but pricey - have your own marble top cut and then attach it / let the formica be the base for it - however, the extra weight may tip it when / if people lean on on side.
    • 13 years ago
      the formica an be removed and replaced or you could also consider granite, they do thin over lays for counter tops now.
    • 13 years ago
      Thank you! Yes, the top always seemed a laminate to me- this helps a lot. Thank you!
    • 13 years ago
      wallpaper with an interesting pattern on top, then lacquer the top or have a glass top made
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      (1) If the top is high pressure plastic laminate aka Formica, there are two alternatives.
      (A) You can sand the surface thoroughly and paint. I would recommend a good
      body shop do this because of the materials required. Plus utilizing automotive
      materials you will have a much wider selection of colors available.
      (B) Depending on the profile of the top edge, you may be able to glue another
      piece of high pressure laminate to the existing. Now both of these options
      will require sanding the existing material. Horizontal grade high pressure
      laminate is only 1/16" thick. So don't over do it.
    • 13 years ago
      Modernica in Los Angeles manufactures reproductions of these tables and can make a new one for you. This is an iconic piece and shouldn't be "improved."
    • 13 years ago
      I have two table height bases, one is a formica top and the other has a corian top. They have been used for over 40 years now and still look wonderful. If you want to use them put any type of top on it you want, if you plan on trying to keep the value then keep the original top. I'm using mine and I don't care what the value will be. Your choice. My corian table has been outside on my deck for over 20 years. Still beautiful and used every day in the summer. By the way most of the table bases are filled with a lead core to keep it from tipping over. Good luck.
    • 13 years ago
      Contact the Herman Miller company. They still manufacture the piece and may give you the best advice. I agree with the other readers, don't change anything from the original. Guaranteed you will regret the loss in value.
    • 13 years ago
      Thank you all for the excellent advice. I was swaying on the side of just trying to repaint the edges and underside, and just trying to clean it real well. Your advice is greatly appreciated!
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      I just checked Ebay and these tables are going for high dollars- glad you are trying to keep it true to it's original design...it's a great piece.
    • 13 years ago
      careful with touchups. these are worth so much more totally original even with wear!
    • 12 years ago
      I know it's not a great photo (it is in my basement), but do you think if I touch up the edges of the table (you can see how they are chipped) it would greatly compromise it's original value? Thanks again for all the great comments.
    • 12 years ago
      This is not the news you want to hear but, yes, anything you do will compromise the value. Do what you can to clean it up, and it will still be stunning. My table came with "fake" chairs -- they're Berke and a bit worse for wear, but they are still real and beautiful in their Miss Haversham way. Love the one you're with and know you are lucky to have such a wonderful thing is my lame advice.
    • 12 years ago
      Use fabric cover. This will also give a shining looks to the table.
    • 10 years ago

      Please don't touch up the edge. As others have said you will compromise the integrity and value of your table. It is also much more difficult to do well than you might think—the areas you repaint may be just as visible as the wear you have now. I would give your table a good cleaning and then enjoy using it. It doesn't need to look new as it is over 50 years old and has developed patina just like the rest of us.

    • 10 years ago

      Guys, this thread is three years old -- I think the poster figured something out by now.

    • 10 years ago

      Oops! Thanks acm, I knew I should have had a cup of coffee first to get my brain working before writing anything...

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