Clients often ask me about lacquering their dining tables or purchasing lacquered dining tables. However, my advice is always the same – avoid it!
Okay, okay, hear me out first and then make a decision.
Before making a decision, consider my experience with a vintage faux bamboo dining table with Greek key details. I had it redone in Benjamin Moore White Dove, and it looks stunning. However, it’s also incredibly impractical and difficult to maintain.
How Utensils Can Damage Your Lacquered Dining Table
A lacquered surface, like that of a dining table, is vulnerable to damage from everyday utensils such as knives, forks, and metal serving pieces. Even accidentally dropping a fork on the table can cause immediate chipping or denting of the finish. In fact, we have a small chip on our own table, which was likely caused by a tipped water glass.
It is important to handle utensils with care and avoid dropping them on the surface to maintain the pristine appearance of your lacquered dining table. Consider using placemats or tablecloths to provide an additional layer of protection. By taking these simple precautions, you can avoid costly repairs and enjoy your beautiful table for years to come.
Foods Can Stain The Lacquer
It is essential to clean the dining table regularly as it comes in contact with various foods and spices that can cause permanent stains or damage to the lacquer. Spices like turmeric, saffron, or even substances like tomato paste can leave stubborn stains if left uncleaned for a prolonged period of time.
Dining tables are gathering places for many families. It is where children do crafts using scissors, crayons, etc. All those things are very unfriendly towards lacquer.
Unfinished plate bottoms dragged on the table, hot pots, unruly guests…I can go on. Lacquer is the most impractical finish for a heavy usage surface like a dining table, and you should think twice before investing money in it.
I would recommend lacquered chairs, credenzas, or a china cabinet for the dining room, all day, every day, to fulfill your lacquered furniture dreams. An eclectic dining room has multiple lacquered items, but the table is stained.
Get a table that is stained so wear and tear will add character and not be an eyesore. l love burl wood tables in various finishes for dining tables for busy households. You will never see the minor wear, and the wood adds interest.
This client chose two lacquered etageres in her room to get her lacquer fixed. She has been very happy with her decision.
Is Your Heart Set On Lacquered Dining Table?
I get it! You have to have a lacquered dining table because your heart is set on it. I would recommend purchasing a pre-manufactured dining table from CB2 or any other source.
It’s fairly affordable. It will show up quickly and cost a 1/3 compared to what we would charge you to lacquer a vintage table. Seriously! We can’t beat the price.
Why am I not practicing what I preach?
Eric and I hardly ever eat at our dining table. He loves to eat on the couch, and I am a snacker in the evening. We have a primarily child-free life. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays and family visits are the only times we eat at the table.
The chips and dings don’t bother me, but I own a furniture refinishing business, so painting and fixing are done at cost. That is not the case if you are a paying customer.
Having said that, if you have a low-usage lifestyle like ours and plan to use your table in a formal space that’s used very infrequently, I would recommend a beautiful lacquered finish for your dining table. It’s simply the prettiest finish, I think. Of course, I am biased.
Final Thoughts
- Lacquer is an impractical choice of finish for a dining table.
- It looks absolutely gorgeous, but it can easily get damaged during regular usage.
- Lacquer is not a realistic finish if you actually *use* your dining table as intended.
- There are various ways to incorporate lacquer in your dining room.