How to Refinish a Table Top

Table tops endure a great deal of wear and tear over the years. Stains, scratches and age ultimately take their toll on the table's finish. You needn't, however, resign yourself to the table's decrepit appearance. Removing the old finish and applying a new one will breathe new life into your old table. A few everyday tools and some supplies from your local hardware store are all you'll need. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Stripping Old Finish

1

Set up your work area around the table. Open the windows if you're working inside and place some drop cloths beneath the table in case of a spill.

2

Apply the stripper to a portion of the table top. You do not want to attempt to strip the entire table top at once. Rather, work on half of the table at a time. Brush a thick coat of the stripper onto the surface of the table.

3

Allow the stripper to remain on the table top for a period of time. This is usually 10 to 15 minutes, but varies from brand to brand. Read the label on your chemical stripper for the recommended time.

4

Remove the stripper from the table top with a plastic scraper. If necessary, dip some steel wool into the stripper and use it to remove the finish from stubborn or hard-to-reach areas. Again, read the label on your stripper, as some brands require the wood to be rinsed with water, mineral spirits or lacquer thinner before the application of new finish.

5

Allow the table to dry for approximately 24 hours.

Prepping the Table Top

6

Sand the table top with 120-grit sandpaper to remove any old finish you may have missed and to smooth the surface. Sand with the grain of the wood in order to maintain the best appearance.

7

Switch to 220-grit sandpaper and sand the entire table top. This will smooth the wood and provide an even surface for the final finish. Remember, sand slowly and with the grain. Any sanding mistakes you make will show up once the final finish is applied.

8

Apply grain filler if you wish. This is optional and only needs to be used for table tops made of wood with an open grain, such as oak, mahogany and walnut. Grain filler will provide a smoother finish. Use a clean, cotton cloth to apply the filler and allow it to dry for the time recommended on the label. Then lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper and wipe clean with a dry cloth.

Finishing the Table Top

9

Apply the penetrating stain of your choice with a soft-bristled brush or clean, cotton rag. Similar to sanding, apply the stain with the grain of the wood.

10

Allow the stain to remain on the wood for a few minutes and then wipe it away with a rag. The longer you allow the stain to remain on the wood, the darker the stain will appear. If you want a darker color, continue reapplying the stain and wiping it away.
Apply a polyurethane top-coat to your table top. Brush the top-coat on with the grain of the wood. Apply only one, thin coat at a time. Allow it to dry and then sand it with 320-grit sandpaper.

11

Apply another coat. Repeat the process, applying and sanding several coats. You do not need to sand the final coat.