4 Easy Steps on How to Restore Vintage Enamel Top Table

Finding how to restore vintage enamel top table? We have everything you need in just 5 minutes of reading.

So, your family’s vintage enamel top table has been passed down through generations. Depending on what it is, this could have been your grandmother’s focal point in her kitchen. A 1920s enamel table where she baked pies during the holidays, or perhaps you rescued one from a dusty corner at a weekend flea market.

In any case, while the retro vibe is out of this world, the table certainly has character, but is unfortunately in worse condition when it comes to restoration.

But no worries, Lumber Grand’s experts are here to guide you on how to restore vintage enamel top table instructions so that you can make this heirloom shine again and ensure it lasts for years on end. Let’s dive in!

9 Tools and Materials Needed for Restoring Vintage Enamel Top Table

There are a ton of things we can accomplish together this weekend, but before we jump into the action, let’s sort out everything you will need to do in our guide on how to restore a vintage enamel top table.

Get ready with the right tools to know how to restore vintage enamel top table

Photo: Instructables

We know from experience that making those last-minute runs to the store while fixing can be extremely annoying, so prepare in advance. So, what are they?

1. A good degreaser: Kitchen and cooking oil tend to build up over time, but that’s not a problem for Simple Green Cleaner and Clorox Scentiva. Many people were blown away by the results it had on vintage pieces. It has kept all kitchen grease and wax that’s accumulated over the years at bay without damaging the fragile enamel surface.
2. Wax (made for enamel or furniture): To give that squeaky clean surface some protection and a lovely sheen, you may try Lustra Table Top Wax or Fusion Mineral Paint Furniture Wax.
3. Chalk finish paint: Perfect if you're aiming for that cool, aged look on the base. You can use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint or Americana Chalky Finish Paint.
4. Battery-powered sander: Your arms will thank you for this investment. Trying to sand rusty table legs by hand is a recipe for sore muscles. Even an inexpensive model will make this job so much easier and give you more professional results.
5. Sandpaper: You can start with 120 grit for the first attack on that stubborn rust, then switch to fine grit (220 or higher) when you're ready for those finishing touches.
6. Mask: Keep your lungs safe from dust particles when sanding or inhaling fumes from spray paint, ensuring a healthier restoration process. Please don't skip this. We learned the hard way that breathing in century-old rust particles and paint dust isn't something your lungs appreciate. A simple disposable mask will do the trick for how to restore vintage enamel top table safely.
7. Microfiber cloths: For cleaning, waxing, and buffing.
8. Water: Mix it with your cleaner and rinse it.
9. Spray bottle: Perfect for evenly applying cleaner across the top table. It can make the cleaning process more efficient.
   

How to Restore Vintage Enamel Top Table in Just 4 Steps

To know how to restore vintage enamel table top, follow the steps below provided by Lumber Grand to save time and ensure a quality finish.

Step 1. Deep Cleaning the Enamel Surface

First things first, we need to tackle all those years of built-up grime. Let’s start by mixing your cleaner and water in that spray bottle, then give the whole enamel top a good spray down

After that, you should let it sit for 2-10 minutes (longer for tables with decades of buildup). This helps loosen all that gunk that’s likely been there for years. You should use the clean microfiber cloths to wipe everything down, and if you see any cleaner residue hanging around, just wipe it off with a damp cloth.

And the last thing for this first stage of how to restore the vintage enamel top table is to make sure that the enamel surface is bone dry before you move on to the next step. You don’t want any water getting trapped, as it can lead to rust buildup or cause the metal to weaken over time.

First step on how to restore antique porcelain top table is getting your enamel top table spick and span

Photo: Real Simple

Step 2. Repairing Chips or Cracks in the Enamel

Even the toughest vintage enamel tops can end up with their fair share of battle scars, chips, and cracks. Fixing these not only makes the table look smooth, polished, and restored but also stops any further damage from setting in, such as rust spreading or cracks deepening.

Take a real close look at the damage. Are they just little nicks? Are there any loose bits of enamel? Gently clean around any of these damaged areas with a damp cloth and make sure they're completely dry. Now for the fixing part:

For small chips: Got a small chip on your table top? You can easily fix it with an enamel repair kit. First, you need to find these kits at stores like Home Depot or Michaels, or even online. They come with a special paint or epoxy that’s usually white or another common color to match your item.

Just clean the chipped spot well, dab a little of the kit’s paint into the chip, and then you should let it dry for a day or two. It’s easy to use, but make sure the kit is for your type of surface. The color might not be perfect, so check it first if you can.

For bigger cracks or missing pieces: If you are dealing with even more serious damage, it would be nice to get in touch with someone who specializes in how to restore vintage enamel tops table on platforms like Airtasker or Etsy, or by reaching out to local restoration shops.

Checking out and carefully tending to chips in your enamel top table

Photo: Freepik

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Step 3. Removing Rust from the Base

Rust on the metal legs and frame is a common sight when you're learning how to restore vintage enamel top table. Getting rid of the rust makes a world of difference by improving the appearance of the table top and preventing further damage to the metal.

Time to put on that mask, you don’t want to be breathing in any of that rusty dust. You should use 120-grit sandpaper on your sander and gently sand the rusted areas. For tight spots, you might try to gently sand the rusty areas on the metal base by hand, making sure to keep the sander moving in smooth, even strokes.

Removing rust will give the rusty base a good sanding

Photo: Junk Is My Life

It’s recommended to paint a new coat for the vintage enamel top using finer sandpaper (around 220), and wipe away any dust with a clean cloth. Once your final coat is dry, you might want to add a layer of protective wax or sealant specifically designed for chalk paint.

This extra step makes your hard work more resistant to chips and scratches, so it's definitely worth the time!

Step 4. Final Touches

With that enamel top clean and any damage sorted, and the base looking sharp as a tack, it’s time for those final touches that really bring everything together and protect all your hard work.

Sealing or polishing the surface: To seal an enamel top table, you need to use a clear coat or varnish to protect the finish. Apply a thin, even coat of your chosen sealant, then allow it to dry completely.

Reassembling any parts: If you took any bits of the table apart to make cleaning or working on it easier, now is the time to put it all back together carefully. You should make sure all the screws and bolts are nice and snug.

Use furniture wax or paste wax, like carnauba or beeswax, which is safe for enamel surfaces.

Photo: Junk Is My Life

How to Keep Your Vintage Enamel Top Table Beautiful for Years?

You have put in the effort on how to restore vintage enamel top table, so let's make sure it stays looking its best for years to come! Here are the 3 tips on keeping it in great shape:

• Regular dusting cleaning: For everyday spills and messes, a little bit of mild dish soap and water on a damp cloth does the trick. Just make sure you wipe it dry with a clean cloth afterwards to prevent water spots, which can leave dull marks and affect the glossy finish over time.
• Use enamel safe cleaners for enamel: Because they can cause the enamel surface to lose its smooth finish and glossy shine, steer clear of any harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and those rough scrubbing pads.
• Avoid direct heat: Although enamel tables are pretty durable, putting hot pots directly on them for a long time can cause damage over time. So you should always use trivets or heat-resistant mats to prevent direct heat exposure, which can damage the table top surface over time.

Most importantly, don't place your table right next to an air conditioner vent or in direct sunlight for hours. Extreme temperatures can cause the enamel's vibrant colors to fade over time.

Simple tips can protect the charm of your vintage enamel top table

Photo: Ell Bell

FAQs

1. How to clean a vintage enamel table?

To clean a vintage enamel table, you should first remove loose dirt with a soft brush or cloth. Next, mix warm water with mild dish soap, then gently scrub the surface using a soft sponge. However, avoid abrasive cleaners or steel wool, as they can damage the enamel. Finally, you can rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly to prevent water spots.

2. How do you restore an old table top?

Restoring an old table top requires several steps. First, you need to sand the surface lightly to remove old finishes and smooth out imperfections. Then, apply a wood conditioner if the table is made of wood. After that, stain or paint the table top as desired.

Additionally, you can seal it with a clear varnish or wax for protection. As a result, your table will look refreshed and last longer.

3. How to repair chipped porcelain table top?

If you wanna know how to repair a chipped porcelain table top, you need to clean the damaged area first. Next, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the edges of the chip. Then, apply porcelain filler or epoxy resin that matches the table’s color.

Once the filler dries, you should sand it lightly for a seamless finish. Finally, it’s time to polish the area to blend it with the rest of the table. Therefore, the chip will be less noticeable.

4. When were enamel top tables made?

Enamel top tables were most popular from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s (especially the 1920s–1950s). They were common in kitchens, diners, and hospitals because of their durable, easy-to-clean surface. You’ll often find them in vintage or antique shops today.

So, now you bring new life to a piece of the past and add something truly unique to your home. With this beautifully handmade furniture, you have a meaningful way to reconnect with craftsmanship and even surprise your loved ones when it’s your chance to say, “I fixed it myself!”.

Besides, if you are searching for a handcrafted epoxy table that will serve as a centerpiece in your new home or office, look no further! Our tables exhibit a traditional warm feel while still elevating modern elegance.

Or if you wish to know more tips about how to restore vintage enamel top table, you can explore more ideas and expert guides from Lumber Grand on our official blog, or sign up with your email to get updates on new products!