• You're one step from joining Furniture Talk Forum – DIY Furniture Repair, Woodworking & Upholstery Tips.
    Create a free account to post, follow threads, and never miss an update.  Sign up free →

Restoring a tin covered console table

DIYRich

New member
Joined
May 25, 2025
Messages
2
Hi, new here. Any advice or contacts that could help with restoring a tin covered console table please?

It’s not particularly valuable, nor an antique, but it’s interesting and we like it; it works well in the hallway.

The tin on the legs has split in places, and the console top tin sheeting has lifted and is a bit discoloured in places.

We had thought about removing the tin completely and recovering with metallic film, but thought we’d see if there’s any renovation advice out there.

Thanks

Rich
 
Since the tin on the legs has split and the top is lifting and discolored, you could try to repair and re-patina the existing tin, especially if you want to keep its original character.

That would involve flattening the lifted areas, patching the splits, and then using chemical solutions to achieve that aged look, if that's what you're going for
 
Hi, new here. Any advice or contacts that could help with restoring a tin covered console table please?

It's not particularly valuable, nor an antique, but it's interesting and we like it; it works well in the hallway.

The tin on the legs has split in places, and the console top tin sheeting has lifted and is a bit discoloured in places.

We had thought about removing the tin completely and recovering with metallic film, but thought we'd see if there's any renovation advice out there.

Thanks

Rich
Hey, welcome to the forum!
For the split tin on the legs, you might be able to carefully push the edges back together and secure them with a strong metal adhesive, perhaps even a thin backing piece if you can manage it discreetly.
As for the lifted and discolored tin on the top, a good starting point would be to gently clean the surface to see if the discoloration lessens.
If the lifting isn't too severe, a thin, strong adhesive applied carefully underneath with some pressure while it dries might re-secure it.
But if restoration proves too tricky, your idea of covering it with metallic film isn't a bad alternative at all for a piece you just want to enjoy in your home!
Good luck, and let us know how this goes!
 
If you want to keep the original tin, try gently flattening the lifted parts and patching splits from behind with epoxy or thin metal, then for the discoloration, test a gentle polish on a hidden spot but if it's too far gone, re covering with metallic film or new sheeting can still keep the look you like
 
I once gave a tin table like yours a total makeover. I flattened the lifted spots, patched up the splits with epoxy and some thin metal, and then freshened up the patina to make it look great again. If you want to keep that original vibe, gentle cleaning and some thoughtful repairs can really do wonders. But if you're feeling adventurous, wrapping it in some metallic film can be a fun alternative too. Good luck with your project, you've got this!
 
This sounds like a fun project. If keeping the original look seems like too much work for you, I'm sure your other idea could still turn out awesome. Basically, you've got choices
 
Back
Top