New Coat on Eero Saarinen Oval 78″ Table
How Was the Table Transformed?
We restored this 78-inch Saarinen oval completely on-site in one day. The table came back looking better than when Knoll originally shipped it. The Arabescato marble now has a crystal-clear, high-gloss finish using modern ArtResin that won’t yellow like the old coating did.
The Complete Restoration Process
Step 1: Removing the Old Coating
Getting the failed epoxy off took most of the morning. We used mechanical removal techniques, working carefully by hand to protect the Arabescato marble underneath. Scraping and sanding with rough grits ensured we didn’t gouge or scratch the stone. Every bit of old coating had to be removed cleanly or the new application would not bond properly.
Step 2: Repairing the Marble
The chips from utensil impacts needed filling before coating. We mixed custom epoxy tints to match the Arabescato veining, carefully blending the gray and white patterns so repairs were invisible.
We then honed the entire surface with diamond pads to create the proper texture for adhesion. Too smooth and the epoxy can shift; too rough and imperfections show through the finish. The surface was cleaned multiple times to remove all dust and contaminants. It also had to be completely dry, since trapped moisture can cause clouding and future delamination.
Step 3: Applying the ArtResin
The coating application required controlled conditions. We sealed the dining area, regulated temperature, and monitored humidity. ArtResin is a two-part epoxy mixed immediately before pouring. Once applied, it self-levels across the 78 by 47¾ inch oval surface.
The working time lasts approximately three to four hours before setting begins. This allows air bubbles to rise and dissipate naturally. Rushing this stage can cause pinholes or surface imperfections, so careful monitoring is essential.
What Makes This Coating Better?
ArtResin addresses the weaknesses of the original coating. Its UV resistance prevents yellowing, even in direct sunlight. The optical clarity highlights the Arabescato veining without distortion. At approximately 1/16 inch thick, it is equivalent to dozens of coats of traditional varnish applied in a single layer.
Modern formulations also include flexibility, allowing the coating to move with natural temperature-related expansion and contraction of the marble. Chemical resistance is significantly improved, protecting against acids from food, wine, coffee, and common household substances.
How Long Did the Curing Take?
After completion around 6 PM, the table remained undisturbed. Within 24 hours, it was suitable for light use. Full curing requires approximately seven days, at which point the epoxy reaches maximum hardness and durability.
The timing coincided with the family’s vacation, allowing ideal curing conditions without disturbance during the critical first 12 hours.
What Protection Does the Table Have Now?
The restored surface is suitable for daily family use. Acidic foods and beverages wipe away without etching. Wine, juice, and coffee no longer penetrate or stain the marble. Normal dinner service with plates and utensils does not scratch the surface.
The coating maintains enough flexibility to prevent stress fractures caused by temperature changes. It is built for everyday use in a household with young children.
Why Restore Instead of Replace?
This table keeps all its original components. The cast aluminum pedestal base with its white Rilsan corrosion-resistant finish stayed exactly as Knoll manufactured it. We only worked on the marble top, removing and replacing the failed epoxy coating. The base, the KnollStudio authentication stamps, everything underneath remained untouched and original.
That matters for provenance. Collectors value authentic vintage KnollStudio pieces over contemporary reproductions, even when they look identical. We extended this table’s working life by decades while preserving what makes it valuable.
The Final Results
The project was completed on February 13, 2026 at an Upper West Side apartment. The table seats six comfortably, weighs approximately 259 pounds with its Arabescato marble top, and now presents a showroom-quality appearance while remaining durable for everyday use.
The total investment of $2,800 compared to over $14,000 for replacement preserved the table’s authentic KnollStudio credentials and extended its service life by an estimated 20 to 30 years or more.
AFTER: Eero Saarinen Oval 78″ Tulip Dining Table – Complete Professional Restoration.
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Eero Saarinen Oval 78″ Table – Aged Peel Off
Table Re-Coating Service with Transparent Polyester Resin
Honed Table Before Coating with Transparent Polyester
Knoll Saarinen Table Laminating. Clear Finish
Coffee Table Coated by Transparent Epoxy Polyester
Yellow Coat Mechanical Delamination
Transparent Coat Flake off Repair on Dining Table
Knoll Saarinen Coffee Table. Chip and Crack
UV-Resistant Clear Epoxy Applied
Restored Transparent Polyester on Broken Corner
