Help! What can I do to re-surface a dining table?!

pandapaws

I've got a fairly cheap white oval dining table (think it is ex-Ikea). Problem is that it has got really bad scratches/chips in the factory-smooth painted surface. Replacing table not an option at the moment, so hoping to improve the top surface so it can be used and wiped down easily rather than covering it in tablecloths (2yr old makes such a mess that cloth always in wash).

I thought about sanding and re-painting it, but doubt I'd be able to get a good finish.

I'm wondering if anyone knows of anything that I might be able to stick over the surface, perhaps like Fablon but thicker/harder wearing? Can you buy sticky formica (without the 70's pattern!) or anything similar that can be cut to size?

All ideas gratefully considered!!!

debbie42

I was in a similar position a few years back and got some of that wipe clean, plastic coated fabric. I got mine from Fabric Warehouse, but I know a few other places that do it. It's brilliant stuff for cleaning, as it's thick enough to give it a good scrub, and waterproof so you can give it a good sluice. It comes in all sorts of patterns and colours. I ended up fixing mine with drawing pins to the underside of the table as it was more practical for me, but you could have it loose.

My children are a bit older now, but I could really do with some more, thinking about it! (Table covers, not children, that is!!!)

badgerboots

Is it in the kitchen ?
If so why not tile it with tiles that match or complement your colour scheme, it will be cheap and easy to do and to keep clean.

Maggiemoo_2

John Lewis do plastic material that you can have cut to size. My friend has 3 young children and buys a green one that looks like a chequered tablecloth. It is wiped clean whenever it gets dirty. Even pen/felt tip marks can be washed off. Hope this is of help.

:j

peachespeaches

debbie42 wrote: »

I was in a similar position a few years back and got some of that wipe clean, plastic coated fabric. I got mine from Fabric Warehouse, but I know a few other places that do it. It's brilliant stuff for cleaning, as it's thick enough to give it a good scrub, and waterproof so you can give it a good sluice. It comes in all sorts of patterns and colours. I ended up fixing mine with drawing pins to the underside of the table as it was more practical for me, but you could have it loose.

My children are a bit older now, but I could really do with some more, thinking about it! (Table covers, not children, that is!!!)

I use the plastic coated vinyl stuff (think its PVC) in a table cloth to protect it from little ones. They sell it on ebay, all sorts of patterns. Mine is a sort of Cath Kidston design, so looks quite nice! I recommend it.

Nobleck

Sand it down and use a wood stain

pandapaws

We tried those plastic coated tablecloths before, but because of the colourscheme, I need one in either completely plain white or red, looked at checks etc, but they just didn't go and I can't find plain ones anywhere - didn't try John Lewis though as there isn't one anywhere near here, might be worth a try in the future. I had tablecloth clips round it - can't believe I didn't think of drawing pins - that could work wonders!!!

I even bought a huge roll of disposable tablecloth which was could be wiped down until it got too damaged, but it kept getting ripped by toddler.

Tiling it could be a good idea, however it is oval, and it would be difficult to get a good finish around the edges. Also, it has 4 seperate leafs that you can extend so there would have to be gaps between the sections.

Because it isn't proper wood (probably MDF or something) it wouldn't look the best stained, but I have been considering sanding and painting it. Was just worried about what sort of paint to use and how to get a proper smooth finish with no brush/roller marks.

Ta for the suggestions - anyone with any ideas where I might get completely plain white or red PVC tablecloth, or some sort of sticky plain Formica stuff will have me forever in their debt (add to list below!!!).

finc

Have you tried Dunelm Mill? They sell loads of different fabrics including those plastic topped fabric IYKWIM a bit like this but in lots of different colours and designs.

They also sell this but not sure what other colours they do. I've also seen that sticky backed plastic that can be used on kitchen doors etc in there. They have modern designs as well as solid colours and clear ones but can't find them on their website.

Good luck!

pandapaws

Thanks for the links, but sadly I've tried Dunelm several times and they haven't got anything - loads of nice designs, but nothing completely plain white or red! The leather one comes in a dark red, but is much more traditional looking and wouldn't go with the white table legs.

The protectors with the circles indented in them would look ok, but they're hopeless as they stain really easily, and you've got to clean them really well as bits of food get stuck in the grooves - my mother in law has one so I speak from experience!

I keep checking to see if they've got anything new but sadly nothing so far - if you happen to come across any new designs though, please let me know!

pandapaws

P.S. NICE avatar finc!!!
:happyhear

finc

pandapaws wrote: »

P.S. NICE avatar finc!!!
:happyhear

:drool: Thanks.

Sorry dunelm is no good.