1970s Cane/Bamboo Console Table Restoration

1970s Cane/Bamboo Console Table Restoration

My projects teach me something - read my "Teach Me A Lesson" at bottom of page

 

This 1970s console cane/bamboo table is a recent ebay purchase, I got to work on it straight away, the same day I got it home, I started off by cleaning it, lengthy job, considered all the nooks and crannies, I used a toothbush and a small painting brush as well as cloths using soapy water with vinegar to remove built up dirt and grime.  The ebay seller told me that this table had been sitting in the garage, and from it's dirty condition I could see that it must have been true.  I sanded all the non bamboo areas, such as the drawer sides and table top but I really should have left all of the cleaning to last as after sanding I had to reclean everything all over again :( once satisfied, I gave all hard surfaces a damp wipe over and left to dry.

I then covered the insides of the drawers with newspaper and as I didn't want those painted, then next, I gave entire table 2 coats of a grey based undercoat in an oil based spray can, leaving each coat to dry between the next.  Once that was dry, I was ready for the paint, I really didn't want a boring beige colour, which is what it has ended up being, but I was so unsure of what colour I wanted and still am, even 2 months later.

I would love to change the drawer pulls as they aren't my style, even though they are in keeping with the style, but I am not game enough to pry them off as they are glued on and I don't want to cause any un-repairable damage, and I would love to change the colour, but I live with 4 men, hubby and sons, and I have to consider that I don't make things too girly or too over the top as they are simple men with simple tastes where as my tastes are wide, varied and fun, I don't think they'd cope with a home the way I really want it.

The photo below shows the console as it sits now in my front lounge room, along with a refurbished lamp which is in a previous restoration post.  The vintage french foldable garden chair is one of my most loved treasure finds which came into my possession after I discovered it at a charity store about 2.5 hours from home, it cost me $2, I have left it as I found it.















Teach me a Lesson....This restoration taught me that I should assess the job at hand and think about the steps before I dive head first with blind excitement only to find I'm having to do the same job more than once.  Lesson Learn!!!

 Does anyone know anything about removing these drawer pulls without damaging them?  Any information is appreciated   :^) Lara