Do you have a 1920s enamel top table that's seen better days, and wondering how to restore vintage enamel top table back to its original beauty? These classic tables have incredible character, but years of use often leave them with chips, stains, and rusty metal frames.
Before you consider removing it to the garage, you can refinish enamel top table at home with some basic supplies. Our team at Flowyline discovered 4 simple yet effective methods that consistently bring these tables back to life. The process isn't complicated, but the results can be dramatic once you’ve done it.
Let’s take a look!
Does Vintage Enamel Top Table Have Lead Paint? Quick Check
If your vintage enamel table is from before 1980, you MUST test for lead paint before any sanding or restoration work. Lead can be released as dust during sanding, paint stripping, or polishing. It can pose a danger when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
If lead is detected, you should:
- Stop all work immediately
- Consult EPA guidelines for lead-safe work practices
- Consider hiring a certified lead-safe renovator
- Never dry sand or scrape lead-containing surfaces
- Use only wet methods if proceeding with DIY restoration
If the swab turns pink to purple (or red), it indicates that the table’s paint contains lead.
Photo: Freepik
How to Restore Vintage Enamel Top Table: DIY Made Easy in 4 Steps
If the paint on the table doesn’t contain lead, you can start restoring the enamel top table. Here’s a detailed 4-step guide to restoring your vintage enamel top table. Flowyline will walk you through each step with detailed instructions, so anyone can easily do it at home.
Step 1. Gather Tools and Materials Needed for Restoration
The first step of how to refinish an enamel top table is to gather the necessary supplies. You’ll need to purchase:
- Soap
- Baking soda
- Sponges
- Enamel repair kit
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Enamel paint
- Metal paint (if needed)
- Protective equipment: N95 mask, safety goggles, rubber gloves
- Drop cloths for lead dust containment
Gather all the necessary tools to restore more effectively
Photo: Freepik
Then, you should pick a spot with plenty of light and room to move around. Working outside or in an open garage is perfect since it gives you better airflow, especially important if your table still has old paint. Don’t forget to lay down some plastic or an old sheet to keep your floor safe.
Before diving into the next step, grab your phone and take a few photos of your antique enamel table. It’s fun to look back at the “before and after,” and those pictures can also help you remember the original colors and details in case you want to match them later.
You might like: How to Restore Leather Table Top in Only 6 Easy Steps
Step 2. Clean the Enamel Surface
Now, you’ll need to give your table a good clean and get rid of all that built-up dirt. Simply follow us:
- Start by grabbing a microfiber cloth or a soft brush and gently dusting the entire surface. Don’t skip the corners and edges, since dust hiding there can scratch the enamel once you start sanding.
- Next, mix a little mild soap with warm water and wipe the table down with a soft sponge. Focus on spots with grease, fingerprints, or dried food.
- If you run into stubborn stains, you can try a bit of diluted white vinegar, but test it in a hidden spot first. Don't leave it on longer than 15 — 30 minutes, as it can damage the enamel.
How to clean old enamel table top?
Photo: Freepik
Once the stains are gone, take a clean cloth and dry the whole surface thoroughly. Be sure the enamel and all those little crevices are completely dry. This helps prevent rust or mold from forming before you move on to the next step in how to restore an enamel table top.
You might be interested in: How to Remove Rust From Metal Furniture With 8 Methods
Step 3. Repair Chips & Rust
The third step in how to restore vintage enamel top table is fixing chips and rust. This stage is super crucial because it really affects how your finished table will look. Start by checking carefully for any cracks, chips, or peeling enamel. A careful inspection will show you exactly where the table needs repair.
To make things easier, let’s break it down into smaller steps:
1. Repairing small chips
You can use fine-grit sandpaper (400 — 600 grit) to lightly sand around the edges of the chip. Next, wipe away any dust using rubbing alcohol or a damp cloth.
Then, apply touch-up enamel paint in the matching color to cover the chip, and let it dry according to the instructions. Repeat the same process for any other small chips on the table.
Lightly sand the surface to help the touch-up paint adhere better
Photo: Freepik
2. Repairing larger scratches
For bigger imperfections, you’ll need a specialized enamel epoxy. First, use a putty knife to apply the epoxy evenly, and make sure it fills the crack completely without overflowing.
Once the epoxy has fully cured, sand the area with 600 — 1000 grit sandpaper until smooth. Then, apply a layer of matching enamel paint so the surface blends naturally with the rest of the table.
3. Treating the metal frame and legs
Now let’s take care of the frame and legs. Remove any rust with steel wool or specialized rust remover. Once the rust is gone, sand the surface with 120 — 220 grit sandpaper until smooth and prep it for primer.
If the legs are badly damaged or too rusty, it’s best to replace them or use high-quality metal table legs to ensure long-lasting durability.
You can replace the table legs if they are too old or unstable
Photo: Freepik
Step 4. Refinish & Protect
The final step in how to restore vintage enamel top table is all about refinishing and protecting your hard work. We’ll break it down into four easy parts:
1. Apply a rust-resistant primer
Coat all the metal parts of the table evenly with a rust-resistant primer. Make sure the layer goes on evenly, then let it dry for about 1 — 2 hours so it bonds well to the surface. This primer acts as a shield against rust and keeps the metal strong for years to come.
Read more: What Are the Different Types of Metal Finishes?
2. Apply enamel or metal paint
Next, it’s time to add some color back to the frame and legs. Use enamel or metal paint and apply it in several thin coats. Let each one dry before adding the next. This helps you avoid drips, bubbles, or patchy coverage.
When it comes to color, you can play around a little. Go for a bold, contrasting shade on the legs for a statement look, or stick with a matching tone to keep the design clean and cohesive with the enamel top.
Apply enamel or metal paint to the table
Photo: Freepik
3. Seal with a clear topcoat
You also need to apply a clear protective topcoat to lock everything in. Go light with each layer — too much at once can cause drips or clumps.
The topcoat acts as a shield, which protects the enamel and paint from scratches, stains, and everyday wear. It’s what keeps your table looking fresh and sturdy for years to come.
4. Polish the enamel surface
Finally, for the finishing touch, give the enamel top a nice polish. You can use car wax or an enamel-safe polish to buff the table top. Rub it in with gentle, circular motions, then wipe off the extra with a clean microfiber cloth.
The result? A smooth, glossy shine that makes your table look just like new.
And that’s it! You’ve officially completed your how to restore vintage enamel top table project! Time to step back and admire your handiwork.
Apply a layer of car wax or enamel-safe polish to make the table top shine like new
Photo: Freepik
5 Useful Tips for Long-Term Antique Porcelain Top Table Care
Now that your table looks brand new, it’s time to make sure it stays that way. With just a little regular attention, you can preserve the charm and durability of your enamel top table effortlessly.
- Always use placemats or trivets: Get into the habit of placing coasters, hot pads, or trivets under cups, plates, and kettles instead of setting them directly on the table. This simple step protects the enamel from cracking, blistering, or scratching caused by heat and friction.
- Clean regularly with mild soap: Wipe the table top periodically with a diluted warm water solution. Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals such as bleach or abrasive cleaners because they can corrode, dull, or scratch the enamel.
- Protect your floor with leg pads: If your enamel table has wooden or metal table base, add felt or rubber pads to the bottoms. They’ll help protect your floors from scratches and make it quieter and easier to move the table around.
- Polish periodically to maintain shine: After a few months of use, reapply car wax or a specialized enamel polish. This helps maintain the natural shine while creating a protective layer against scratches and stains.
- Store in a dry, well-ventilated place: Don’t place the table in a humid place or expose it to direct contact with water for a long time. High humidity can easily cause the metal frame to rust and damage the protective paint layer. Choose a ventilated and dry place to prolong the life of the table.
Use floor pads to prevent scratches
Credit: Flowyline Design
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Important Safety Disclaimer
This restoration guide is for informational purposes only. Restoring old furniture can be risky, especially if there's lead paint involved. If you find lead paint when you test your table, then you should seriously consider getting a professional to safely handle it. Your health comes before saving a few dollars on this job.
FAQs
1. How to Clean a Vintage Enamel Table?
Dusting can be done first with a gentle brush or cloth. Next, use a sponge dipped in warm water with mild soap to clean the table. Steer clear of steel wool and harsh cleaners, as they can scratch and harm the enamel surface.
2. How to Clean Old Enamel?
To clean old enamel, start by using a soft cloth or a soft-bristled brush to remove dust. Then, wipe it down with a solution of warm water and mild soap. For stubborn stains, use baking soda or diluted vinegar.
3. How to Remove Rust from Enamel Table Top?
Try cleaning the rust with a gentle brush and a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice. After half an hour, wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
Use steel wool or fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the area if the rust hasn't been removed yet, and then use a moist cloth to wipe away any remaining material. A specialist rust remover is the best choice for more difficult-to-remove rust.
4. Can You Use Vinegar to Clean Enamel?
Yes. To clean the enamel surface, dilute white vinegar with water. After a few minutes, use a gentle cloth to wipe the mixture clean. A small amount of baking soda can be added to the diluted vinegar solution to give it more cleaning power for stubborn stains.
How to Restore Vintage Enamel Top Table: Final Takeaways
Before you start restoring, it’s a good idea to test for lead — especially if your enamel table was made before the 1980s. Restoring the enamel top table becomes easier than ever if you follow these 4 simple steps:
- Step 1: Gather all necessary tools
- Step 2: Clean the enamel surface
- Step 3: Repair chips and rust
- Step 4: Refinish enamel top table
And don’t forget to keep the 5 handy tips we shared in this how to restore vintage enamel top table guide. They’ll make it easier to maintain your table and keep it looking gorgeous for years to come. If you’re excited to learn more DIY tricks and creative ways to upgrade your furniture, don’t forget to check out our blogs. Thanks for reading, and happy restoring!
