If you missed installment number one of Mr. Chippy you can read about me rescuing my mother's vintage enamel topped table. He wasn't being held hostage or anything, he had just been a little mistreated and neglected.
He now resides happily at my house.
This is what he started as
and what he looks like now.
I solved the excessive chippiness and rust problem by unscrewing the enamel top and turning it around 180 degrees.
I know that doesn't really solve the problem, but it is a heck of a lot less noticeable now, since I can put the bad spot against a wall.
Using soap and water and spray cleaners really didn't even TOUCH the embedded black stuff on the top, so I brought out my trusty Bar Keepers Friend and it got the majority of the 100 years of dirt off of it.
If you've never used it, Bar Keepers Friend is like Comet Cleanser except not gritty and it doesn't scratch. I originally bought it to keep my fancy cookware looking shiny, but I am finding more and more places to use it.
This is one of my favorite kitchen towels, although I never actually use it for dishes. Don't we all have just-for-look towels?
It's not just me is it?
One of my favorite mixing bowls with my vintage egg beater.
You didn't think I was actually mixing something up in here, did you? Nope, just for looks.
I cleaned the paint off the original handle with a wire brush on my husband's bench grinder. It's that machine with all the stiff twirling metal wires that looks like it could take your fingers off if you slipped.
And the paint sort of fell off the label while I was taking it off the table. Sort of like. magic. Then I just polished it up with the Bar Keepers Friend.
The color used was Benjamin Moore's Azores, but mixed at Home Depot in their semi-gloss Behr paint. I have nothing against Benjamin Moore paint, I just happened to be at Home Depot that day.
Some of my photos make it look a little like 1980's country blue, but it is actually a turquoise/blue/green/gray color.
One more look at Mr. Chippy's before and after.
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Edited March 2024 - I've recently rescued another porcelain enamel kitchen table and combined it with an iconic vintage piece - you can see that transformation HERE. Sometimes when both pieces are heavily damaged it's OK to put them together and make something new!
Brenda Kula
It turned out wonderful! Love the color! And who cares as long as you can't see it. We all do that, don't we?
Brenda
Pamela Gordon
I really love your 'new' table! What a clever idea to turn the top around too. The tea towel is so cute. I've never heard of that cleaner before but maybe it's not available in Canada. Great job!
❀ JoAnne
Hi Pam - I love your table! I have been getting more and more into the farmhouse style and your table would fit right in, no to mention that it's blue - perfect! I use barkeepers friend also - it does work on many stubborn problems and it's inexpensive to boot! And don't be silly - of course I don't actually USE my favorite dishtowels. : ) I love to decorate with them!
Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes
Pam, great job on that table! I'll bet you could even try painting the rust spots with enamel paint to stop the rust from creeping. Brilliant idea to rotate the top!
I love Barkeepers Friend, I use it all the time! If you happen to be in Williams Sonoma they have the giant economy size! My market doesn't carry that!
I hope your husband liked the lobster mac & cheese! So nice of you to come back and tell me you made, I really appreciate that.
Mary
April
great job! i never would have thought to turn the top around! that color is BEAUTIFUL!
nila1920
this is lovely! the color you chose is so fresh and airy! great job:D
Linda
Wow, that table turned out so great, Pam! You did a great job on it, and it looks wonderful with your accessories!
Dandelion and Daisy
I love enamel topped tables. Our kitchen table is a vintage enamel top with a red design on the white. I've seen them cut down for coffee tables, too, which would be cool in a family room. Great that yours has the label. It's a beauty, so are your vintage accessories.
NanaDiana
Well, I don't know what happened to my post- it went poof! Anyway~ you did a beautiful job on the table. Love the color and you did a great job! Hugs-Diana
Allison Shops
Ditto Liz's Wow! Love the color. Turning the top solved a lot of problems alone. Great job!
Dropping by from Met Monday, with a post on repurposed shelving.
Allison
Atticmag
LizlovesVintage
Hi Pam,
All I can say is WOW!!!! It looks new. I love the color you selected. I'm sure, it makes you feel good inside. Job well done my Friend!
Thanks for all your sweet comments.
xx Liz
Eileen @ Cottage Beach House
I love what you did with the table. the paint looks great, right down to the little label sno white! Great little kitchen towel too.
Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish
Beautiful!!! It is just lovely!! I think you did a great job! (P.S. I love Barkeeper's Friend too!!)
La
It looks like a completely different table, Pam. I like it!
I hope you have a great week! La
Pam of Eastlake Victorian
Pam-
What a difference! Well done! I love those old enameled metal-top tables. Very retro. And I love the bowl and egg beater. I'm also loving your green walls. Do you remember what paint color that is? That's just the color I'm looking to paint my kitchen! 🙂
-Pam
artteachergirl
I love the table...great job on it and that color is perfect!
I use Bar Keepers Friend a lot. One of my favorite uses is to fill my stainless steel sinks with hot water and Clorox, let them sit for a while and then clean them with BKF. Boy do they shine.
It was nice to read your post:-)