Why don't you just try using it for a while and see if you can live with a less than perfect surface. You will have to destroy that perfect sheen to paint it, so you won't be going backwards if you use it first.

Do you know the name of finish coat? Exactly what you do to paint will depend on the nature of the finish that is there.

I am not sure of the name of the finish. It's just one of those that you can see your reflection in, almost like a mirror. We've always used the table with a tablecloth. I just wanted a different look and thought I'd paint this table as opposed to making a new purchase:)

Why not sell that beautiful cherry table to someone who appreciates it, then go to big lots and get a painted table, because once you paint that cherry table it will look like a big lots special anyway.

LazyPup, your comment was semi-mean. I posted in hopes of receiving information and not a derogatory comment. I have painted chairs in the past and they have turned out beautifully, and in no way do they look like a "Big Lots special." They actually resemble the chairs one would find on the nordicstyle.com website. I felt because of the finish that perhaps something other than a fine sanding was required.

Sharon sd, I took your advice today. I relocated the table to the kitchen and placed a new tablecloth on it, and I really like it there. Thanks a lot:)

While I don't agree w/ LazyPup's tone, I share his/her sentiment - generally amongst those who appreciate fine furniture, it's considered A Bad Thing to paint cherry, unless it's, say, a low grade of lumber.

Lotta folks even think it verges on criminal to *stain* cherry, as it is so beautiful with a simple oil finish that allows the wood to develop its natural patina over time.

That said, I agree totally with you that furniture is designed to be *USED*, and there's nothing worse than buying a piece, then being afraid to use it for whatever reason. Kinda like those high-gloss wood floors some folks have that you're not allowed to walk on, or the couch your Gramma has that you can't get near, even at age 32. : )

I realize you have a solution in hand, but if you should ever decide to do something, I would actually look into perhaps refinishing the table with a lower-gloss finish, like a satin. But please, don't paint it. The painted Scandinavian furniture you like is more than likely constructed of birch solids & plywood and designed to be painted.

Anyway, just my $0.02.

Jason

Thank you Jason, you are very kind! I've given up the "bad" idea of painting the table. My husband's eyes started twitching anyway when I had an entire presentation to show him from nordicstyle of how beautiful I thought the table would turn out to be : )

Therefore, I will not be painting the table but will have a glass top made for it to protect and preserve the finish. I believe this will solve the concern I have of scratching it.

Thanks so much for the input.

Have you thoght about getting eather a plexi - glass top or tempered glass top for it? Our friends have this so they could "enjoy" their table.

Librarymom03, yes that is exactly what I am considering purchasing. I have researched online and I think I like the ogee edge and the double bevel edge cuts. I look forward to having the tempered glass top made in the near future.

Hi Flower mum & ems,
I'm going to throw a spanner in the works here but.... You can paint a timber table. It sounds like yours is a French polish (7 coats of high lacquer over 3-4 coats of stain) Cherry Mahogany. You may find you have been addressed by the "more traditional" wood lovers and your husband being a man would think it sacriledge to sand timber. But.... consider before you purchase another expensive piece of glass!
There are many ladies and men steering away from the heavy oppressive
Victorian "Sullivan style look" and wanting a lighter, fresher, less odious
look. I believe in your heart you wanted a light cheery more home living
room, and the tables you looked at made your heart sing but the
traditionalists with their "afraid of change" attitudes of platitude put you off.

IF this is the case look thru dept stores. Get a catalogue from Nordic Style or similar stores and look at your dining room.
Ask yourself! You! What is it I sm really wanting. Is it lighter, breezier charm and relaxed living? If so, tell hubby. Then either sell it on eBay or trading post and shop around fir your look thru the bargains there or compare the price of sanding and re surfacing. I personally have just spent 10 hours on removing dark Wenge chocolate surface to bleach and grey wash, then wax my table. IT CAN BE DONE!
Those who think it will make your furniture tacky are afraid to venture out
And their homes may be cold and formal. Consider what I said. My hubby
Loves timber as do most men and he baulked at first but 2 years later
He loves home and the simple light charm it carries. Gloom and doom tables are for unchanging lives. My humble opinion. Oh and my table was solid oak, looks so wonderful and light. Makes my heart sing. Which is what home is about. Red stains require much elbow grease to get out, though.
Consider selling and re-furnishing in cheaper arenas like wealthy people who just re-decorate or who move overseas.... On eBay or the like.
Signed: interior designer

I've been trying for years to sell my black cherry dining room suit and no one wants it. The latest trends are for open area eating and lighter furniture. So I too, am considering painting.