I got this table free at a garage sale. It was not in the best of shape as one drawer was stuck and the outside just needed help. I was pretty sure I could refinish the top, but the bottom of the end table had too much "curly ques" to spend the time on. This table was definitely outdated with the old hardware too. My "after" pic does not show handles as I redid this for my son and thought he might like to pick out his own handles.
Approximate Time: 6 hours
By Elaine from Belle Plaine, IA
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
Since my Mersman 8086 will not increase in value, is it safe to refinish? The top is watermarked and gummy and I will try to be faithful to the original finish.
More than likely you are right on this one. I think it would be safe to refinish this table. Before you try to strip the table with a stripper, you should test it on an area under the table first. Now, you can strip off the finish, give it a very light sanding and add the new finish tot he table. I don't see any harm in this and it can or might help to increase the value just a bit because it doesn't look so bad.
Can this Mersman hall table be refinished? Is it solid wood with veneers? This belongs to my son-in-law who inherited it from his grandfather. Hewould like it refinished to a different colour, but I want to make sure it solid wood and not MDF or something else.
The finish now has dark flecks of stain to give it texture, which is throwing me off. If anyone could give me any information on wood type or history, I'd appreciate that. Thanks!
As a general rule, Mersman tables were made of solid wood but many styles did have veneer. This table has inlaid squares so I feel sure this is veneer. They did not use anything like 'particle board'.
As to refinishing or changing color; that would have to be a personal choice and what plans he has for the table would be another choice.
Your pictures look as if the table finish is in great condition which proves we cannot tell anything about what you're relating to.
Dark flecks of stain to give it character? Not sure I understand this comment but if you plan to sell this table then I would suggest you do no more than refurbish/refinish this table as the inlaid squares are beautiful.
Some people may like a lighter finish but that would be a personal choice.
You did not ask about value so I'm assuming you do not plan to sell it but should you decide to part with it and it is cleaned up properly, you should list it with a starting price of $500 with best offer considered and local pick up or freight shipping paid by buyer.
