I have used Annie Sloan chalk paint and love it, and I've also used latex. I don't use poly as I don't care for the look. I have used BriWax that I had on hand in both light and dark brown for my projects and it's very protective. Are you stenciling a design directly on the (assuming) wood grain table top, or are you painting the table and then stenciling? On this recent project, I used Ben Moore Symphony Blue latex paint and little jars of acrylic metallic craft paint for the gold fleur de lis. It has the light and dark wax on it for an antique look, in keeping with the age of the piece. I might save the chalk paint for an item you use without feeling you need to poly it, as it has such a 'soft' look on its own that is very nice. See the difference in the blue paint color once the dark wax is used? Only the drawer fronts have been waxed in the pic, and all the rest of the blue is just the paint at that point.

Zinc is strong and durable. They use it for roofs in France. Whether you will like the look is up to you. Here are two quick references for you to review. A search on durable zinc table or counters will yield even more information for you. Overall description of zinc durability: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/kitchens/zinc-countertops-pros-cons/#. Shows how zinc reacts with some acidic foods: http://vanhookandco.blogspot.com/2012/11/caring-for-zinc-counters-or-tabletops.html

We bought a beautiful glass top coffee table when we bought our home 13 yrs. ago. I especially wanted glass so it didn't cover up our wool rug. My color scheme is monochromatic and the rug adds needed pattern and texture. My two 30ish-lb. dogs have never caused concern, but the arrival of little grandchildren did. My DS & Fam tend to visit for 2 wks or more. They live overseas, so visits are only once or twice a year, but I have little ones around 24/7 while they're here. I just couldn't risk an injury, so we packed up the mahogany and glass table & are storing it in the attic till the kiddos are older. I bought a large brown tufted leather-look rectangular ottoman from Target to replace it. It's been a great solution as it also stores their toys. Maybe something like that would work as a placeholder while you're going through the puppy stage. In addition to safety issues, glass coffee tables are hard to keep clean from dog nose smudges and little fingerprints. Kids seem to be drawn to touch any & every glass surface ;)

Yes I am trying to stay away from the greens. I have had various tones of greens for the last 20 years lol. I finally got away from them when I repainted my house in BM Grant beige. I really like the country gray as well. Just wasn't sure if I would be keeping things dull or not. I guess the whole room will flow.. Thanks for your suggestions.