Unusual Table - Help with Finish?

I am helping a friend build a table using timber from an old wool press 100 years old or so and he was hoping to retain the original paint as a feature.

The idea is to use the old wool press pieces and put a redgum border around them (redgum also from the same property). We have made the top and frame (not glued up yet) and constructed such that the timer has about 10mm of free play for moisture movement across the grain.

The dilemma is what sort of finish can we use? The paint is old (obviously) and very "chalky" and it is planned to use the table regularly, so the finish needs to be hard and durable, yet be suitable to go over the old paint and retain the feature. I don't think a high gloss would be appropriate.

Initial thoughts are lacquer of some sort - either two pac or single pac pre-cat. Thought about wipe on poly - but it says remove all old paint! Thought about Kunos Countertop oil, but not sure how it might react with the paint, and not sure any other oil finish would be durable enough.

Any ideas you could help me with would be appreciated.

Regards

David

I doubt if this is much help David but back in the days of fairground trucks etc they were finished with a lacquer to bring out the gloss and protect it. Whether it would be suitable for a table-top is another matter. All I can suggest is you find a paint suppliers or spray painters that have an old bloke working for them. Give him a chance to show off his knowledge in front of the young ones.

Hi Dk5
What an unusual and interesting table. I’m sure it will lookamazing when finished.
The frame would look great treated with the Kunos countertophowever as the oils are penetrating oils, it won’t work too well over thepainted parts.....and if the paint is not intact, then some will come off inthe application process. Once you find a product that would be compatible withthe paints, spraying will most likely be the best option.

Speak to your local trusted paint shop. You should be able to find a water based/borne clear sealer that can safely go over the old paint/stencilling without dissolving or distorting it.

Normally when you see "remove old paint", 90% of the time it is mainly referring to peeling or flaking paint.

Clear top coats of good quality can normally be sourced with low and/or very low gloss level.

Don't rule out floor coatings either, they can be extremely durable.


...love the table.


Craig.

Thank you guys for the help.

Regards, David