How to Keep High Gloss Side Tables Looking Their Best for Years

To keep a high gloss side table looking good for years, dust it often with a soft microfibre cloth, wipe marks with a cloth that is only slightly damp, then dry it straight away. Use coasters under every cup and glass, avoid abrasive cleaners and rough paper towels, and keep the table away from direct heat. Gentle care, little and often, is what protects a glossy finish.

A well made gloss finish is tougher than many people expect, but its mirror like surface shows every smear and scratch. If you are choosing new pieces, our modern high gloss side tables UK collection includes white, grey and black finishes. The routines below apply whichever colour you choose.

Understanding the Finish

High gloss furniture is usually made by applying several layers of lacquer or a smooth acrylic surface over a stable core, then polishing it to a deep shine. The result is reflective and hard wearing, but it is a surface finish. Once it is scratched through, it is difficult to restore at home.

That is why prevention matters more than repair. Nearly every piece of advice below is about stopping damage before it happens, rather than fixing it afterwards.

Choosing the Right Cloths

The cloth you use is the single biggest factor in how a gloss table ages.

• Use: clean, soft microfibre cloths. Keep one for dusting and one for damp wiping.
• Avoid: paper towels, kitchen sponges with scouring sides, old tea towels with stiff fibres and anything that has been used on a dirty surface.

Microfibre lifts dust rather than pushing it around. Grit trapped in a coarse cloth acts like fine sandpaper, and over time it leaves the haze of tiny scratches that makes gloss look tired.

Wash cloths separately

Wash microfibre cloths without fabric softener, which leaves a residue that causes streaks. Let them dry naturally and keep them in a clean drawer.

A Simple Weekly Routine

A few minutes each week keeps a gloss table looking fresh:

1. Clear the table top completely.
2. Dust with a dry microfibre cloth using light, straight strokes.
3. Dampen a second cloth with clean water, wring it until it is barely moist, and wipe the surface.
4. Dry immediately with a third clean, dry cloth to prevent streaks.
5. Check the edges and legs, where dust and fingerprints often gather.

Working in straight lines rather than circles makes any streaks easier to spot and remove.

Safe and Unsafe Products

For most cleaning, water alone is enough. When something more is needed, a drop of mild washing up liquid in warm water will lift greasy marks. Always rinse with a cloth dampened in clean water and dry afterwards.

Avoid the following on high gloss surfaces:

• Cream cleaners and powders, which are abrasive.
• Strong solvents, bleach and ammonia based sprays.
• Wax polishes, which can build up a cloudy layer.
• Glass cleaners containing alcohol, unless the manufacturer specifically allows them.

Some manufacturers suggest a dedicated gloss or acrylic cleaner. If one came with your table, use it as directed, and test any new product on a hidden area first.

Dealing With Fingerprints and Smears

Fingerprints are the most common complaint with gloss furniture, especially in darker colours. They are made of natural oils, so a dry cloth often just moves them around. A slightly damp microfibre cloth followed by a dry one removes them cleanly.

If fingerprints are a constant problem, think about where the table sits. A table that people use to steady themselves as they stand up from the sofa will always collect marks. Moving it a little further from the seat edge can help.

Preventing Scratches

Most scratches come from objects being slid across the surface. A few habits make a big difference:

• Lift items rather than dragging them.
• Add felt pads under lamps, vases, decorative bowls and anything with a rough base.
• Use a tray for keys, remote controls and other everyday items.
• Avoid placing ceramic pieces with unglazed bases directly on the gloss.

Light surface marks

Very fine marks in the top layer can sometimes be softened with a specialist plastic or acrylic polish, applied gently with a soft cloth. Always check the care guidance for your table first. Deeper scratches through the finish are best left alone, as rubbing them can widen the damage.

Heat and Moisture

Hot mugs and cold glasses are the main cause of rings and marks. Use coasters for every drink, and place a mat under anything warm, such as a teapot or a lamp with a hot base.

Spills should be wiped up immediately. Pay attention to the edges of the top, as water that sits along an edge for a long time can reach the core and cause swelling. A quick wipe and dry stops that from happening.

Sticky spills

Soften sticky marks with a warm, damp cloth held on the spot for a few seconds, then wipe gently. Never scrape them off with a fingernail or a utensil.

Placement Matters

Where you put a gloss table affects how it ages.

• Sunlight: strong, direct sun over long periods can gradually change the tone of some finishes, particularly white. Blinds or sheer curtains help.
• Radiators and fires: keep a sensible gap between the table and any heat source to avoid stressing the finish.
• Busy routes: tables in walkways get knocked by bags and vacuum cleaners. A spot slightly out of the main path keeps the edges in better condition.

If you are pairing a gloss side table with other pieces, matching finishes help a room feel considered. Our modern living room furniture UK sale range covers several gloss colours, and our high gloss coffee tables UK are designed to sit alongside matching side tables.

Caring for Nesting and Multi Part Tables

Gloss nesting tables need a little extra thought, because the smaller tables slide beneath the larger ones. Check that the runners or feet of the inner tables are clean before sliding them back, as grit can scratch the underside of the top table. Our high gloss nest of tables UK sale collection is designed with this in mind, but a quick wipe of the feet now and then is still worthwhile.

Tips by Colour

Different gloss colours show different things, so it helps to adjust your routine slightly.

White gloss

White hides dust well but shows coloured spills, such as tea, coffee and red wine, very quickly. Wipe these straight away. Over many years, strong sunlight can soften the brightness of some white finishes, so keep the table out of the brightest window spot if you can.

Grey and taupe gloss

Mid tones are the most forgiving. They hide both light dust and faint fingerprints better than white or black, which makes them a sensible choice for busy family rooms.

Black gloss

Black looks striking but shows dust, fingerprints and fine scratches more than any other colour. A quick dry dust every couple of days keeps it looking crisp, and felt pads under every object are worth the small effort.

Coloured gloss

Bold colours such as deep green or navy behave much like black in terms of showing marks. Treat them with the same gentle care.

Living With Children and Pets

High gloss can work well in family homes with a few sensible habits. Keep small toys with hard edges off the table top, as they are easily dragged across it. Encourage children to use a tray for snacks and drinks. For pets, place the table where it is less likely to be used as a jumping point, since claws can mark the surface.

Rounded corners on the table top are also kinder to little heads and less likely to chip if bumped by a pushchair or vacuum cleaner.

Moving and Storing

When moving a gloss table, lift it by the frame rather than the top edge, and keep it upright. If it needs to be stored, wrap it in a soft blanket or bubble wrap with the smooth side facing out, never tape directly onto the finish. Avoid stacking items on top of it.

Gloss Versus Other Finishes

If you are still deciding between gloss and another material, it can help to understand how side tables are described across ranges. Our guide to side table, end table and lamp table terms in the UK explains the main styles, so you can compare like with like.

Gloss suits people who enjoy a crisp, reflective look and do not mind a quick wipe. If you prefer something that hides marks more easily, matt lacquer or textured wood may suit your household better.

A Finish That Lasts

High gloss side tables reward gentle, regular care. Soft cloths, clean water, coasters and thoughtful placement will keep the surface bright and smooth for many years. For more pieces in gloss and other finishes, explore our full range at Furniture in Fashion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean a high gloss side table?

Dust with a dry microfibre cloth, wipe with a barely damp microfibre cloth, then dry immediately with a clean cloth. Water alone is usually enough.

Can I use furniture polish on high gloss?

Wax based polishes are best avoided, as they can leave a cloudy layer. Use a dedicated gloss cleaner only if the manufacturer recommends one.

How do I remove fingerprints from black high gloss?

Use a slightly damp microfibre cloth followed by a dry one. Natural skin oils tend to smear with a dry cloth alone.

Can scratches on high gloss be repaired?

Very fine surface marks may soften with a specialist acrylic polish. Deeper scratches through the finish are difficult to repair at home, so prevention is the best approach.