How to Refinish a Tabletop With Polyurethane

Do you have a wood table that's badly scratched and stained? Don't be too quick to exile it to the garage or toss it in the dumpster. With just a small can of polyurethane varnish, a little elbow grease and a few minutes of your time, you can make that table shine like new. It's easier than you might imagine. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Take the tabletop to a well-ventilated area like a porch or open garage.

2




Sand down the tabletop to its bare wood. Use medium sandpaper (100 grit) to remove all the old layers of finish along with the stains and scratches. When down to bare wood, use very fine sandpaper (220 grit) to smoothen the surface.

3

Wipe off all the dust with a lint-free rag. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment if desired. Finish off with a lint-free rag slightly moistened with mineral spirits.

4

Open the can of polyurethane varnish and stir gently to lift the sediment that has settled on the bottom. Do not shake the can because it will cause air bubbles that will end up on your varnished surface.

5




Dip the paintbrush in the can and apply a thin layer of varnish on the tabletop following the direction of the wood grain. Use long steady strokes. When dipping the paintbrush in the can, allow the excess varnish to drip into the can--do not force away the excess by pressing the brush on the inside rim of the can because this produces air bubbles.

6

Allow the first coat of polyurethane to dry for several hours, following the manufacturer's recommendations for drying time.

7

Prep the tabletop for the second coat of polyurethane varnish by gently sanding the first coat with very fine sandpaper, stroking along the wood grain. Vacuum or wipe off all sanding dust.

8




Apply a second coat of polyurethane, allow it to dry, then gently sand again for the third coat. Applying three coats is usually adequate, but four to five coats give the table a thick and durable shine. Do not sand the final coat.

9

Let the polyurethane dry for at least two days before using the table.