What to do with this sideboard?

[thewheelers]

How would you fix the top of this sideboard?

Not sure if I need to sand the whole thing back? Then oil or varnish?

Help appreciated!

What about rubbing it all down, painting it a distressed white or cream with some gold or verdigris waxed highlights?

No advice, but thats gorgeous.

Please keep the wood, the patina is lovely. Its so much nicer than whitewashed things. To me they always look brand new, pretending to be old.

Tarten paint, definitely.

I don't really want to lose the wood but if it's veneer I may paint the top. Will probably take out the middle section to have an open shelf. I won't paint a 'wash', would probably do a solid colour like dark inky blue.

I would sand the top & see how it comes out, which will probably will lighten the wood colour, but you could then wax it with a wax that has a stain added, or sand & undercoat then paint with an satin eggshell which will give a nice smooth finish.

I'd use some chalk paint on that. Doesn't need sanding to apply. Two coats.

You can get many colours, but I'd do a cream top if you don't want to paint the whole thing.

Otherwise I'd do a very pale grey chalk paint all over. Winter grey is gorgeous from rustins.

Absolutely don't do washed out or chalky if you can't save wood. Love your idea of a dark blue!