I respect (and envy) the work that Cindy Needham does and inclined to go her route. I have some Orvus on hand and will try a few pieces in a soak. And I will go to Cindy's site and see if I can find a resource for the Tartan that has been suggested. Thanks all of you for your suggestions.
(Incidentally, my coffee table is nothing but an old painted wash bench. Under glass is out of the question but a lovely idea.)