Letter 12615

Chrome kitchen table legs

I have an old formica top kitchen table with chrome legs. I would like to replace a few legs for they have rusted off. The table has 8 chrome legs. They are 2 at each corner. I can bend the chrome to match if I can find it.

Marcia Pray
- Harrisburg, Illinois

I, too, am interested in replacing the chrome legs on a formica top table that I purchased used. Please give me any information you may have regarding replacement chrome legs for tables. As in the original inquiry I read posted, my table also has 2 legs at each corner that need replacing.

Thank you.

Quay Garriga
- Greenfield, Massachusetts

I am also looking for hairpin chrome legs for a formica top 1950s table. Where were these located?

Lyn Heath
- Edwardsville, Illinois

July 19, 2006

Hello,

I am writing to follow up to the questions about replacing chrome table legs on an old formica table.Does anyone know where I can locate legs to replace the ones on my table? The ones I have are rusted and old.

Katie Houser
- Charleston, South Carolina

While searching for "table legs" I came across a vendor selling legs that sound like just what you're looking for: 50's style chrome steel tube legs that would go great with your formica table top. The legs look pretty sturdy, with a large plate to attached to table top.

Mark Adelson
- San Bernardino, California

++++++

Mark gave us the search term that leads directly to a number "new retro" suppliers. But the authentic approach, if you find it affordable, is to have your existing table legs replated. These table legs are fabricated of steel and then are nickel plated and chrome plated.

If the steel is still structurally sound, replating is certainly an option. Good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com
Brick, New Jersey

April 14, 2009

I recently bought a 1950s kitchen table--formica top with chrome legs and apron. I've managed to buff out most of the small rust spots with Steel Wool [link is to product info at Rockler] (I haven't gotten around to waxing yet). However, one leg has spots that are rusted through the chrome layer entirely and cannot be buffed out. Would chrome paint provide an adequate cosmetic solution? Are there paints available that do not require special equipment for application? If this is a reasonable fix, I would like to try it. If it's not worth the time and money, I can live with one rusty leg on an old table. Thanks!

Leah Krynicky
hobbyist - Arlington, Virginia

April 16, 2009

Hi, Leah. Yes, there are inexpensive spray paints that are at least intended to be chrome colored, like Plastikote Bumper Chrome Paint [link is to product info at Amazon]. Or you may wish to try the cleaning and preservation tips on letter 41759 Good luck with it.

Regards,

Ted Mooney
finishing.com
Brick, New Jersey

July 27, 2009

Check out www.classickitchensandmore.com for 1950's table replacement parts.

Mike Kleinhans
- Manitowoc, Wisconsin