I painted a veneered table (from the RH outlet) in just the manner you described, except I only did two coats of wipe-on polycrylic (Minwax's water-based product). The table has held up amazingly well for three years. Although we don't eat on it every night, it is the first horizontal surface when you walk in the door so sadly it is the landing zone for everything. It is abused. I brought a box home from work that unbeknownst to me had magenta printing press ink (I work at a place that does printing so there is lots of goopy ink around) all over the bottom of it and set it on my white table. There was a huge stain. I thought I would have to sand and repaint. Instead I let some 409 sit on it for a little bit and it cleaned up. My only issue with it is that the polycrylic (like every other product I tested, which was more than five) yellowed the finish so my white table is very, very cream. I will repaint it some day and I may skip the sealer coat next time. Obviously that's not an issue on any color other than white.

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

Laughable the half under the lift up is empty. You can stow quite a bit in it. DH has a wicker basket filled with this and that, a throw for when he's chilly and there is room for a lot more. The stationary side has the two drawers . I have fabrics swatches and sample books in the one drawer and Christmas ornaments in the top drawer. It is the most versatile table I've ever had. WTBS, if I was putting form over function I would rather have a different table but this is a work horse and DH loves it!

Not a pro by any means but...before I did anything, I'd be ready to let it go if I ruined it...here's what I would suggest - prime it and then paint it with a roller where you can.