Table Refinishing Ideas

There are many reasons to refinish an old table. Whether you purchased a second-hand table at a thrift store, an antique store or simply have one on hand, refinishing it can give it a fresh or different appearance than it had before. Tables constructed of wood can be stripped, stained or painted, while other materials need to be painted to provide a new look. Does this Spark an idea?

Strip

You need to strip, sand and clean the table to prepare it for the refinishing process. There are many chemical solvents available for this purpose at home and hardware stores. This job can be messy and the chemicals are strong, so it is best to do it outside. Once you coat the surface of the table with the stripping solvent, allow it to work for a few minutes. The existing finish can then be scraped off using a plastic or metal scraper. Once the finish is removed, use fine grain sandpaper to lightly smooth the surface. Try to sand as evenly as possible to create a smooth and uniform finish, and finish the process by applying a clear sealant to the table.

Stain

Once stripped of the existing finish, you can choose to stain the table. Staining allows the natural grain of the wood to show, so this method works best on solid wood tables. Use a rag to wipe stain onto the surface of the table in the direction of the grain. Wipe off any excess stain to prevent dripping or darker colors in one area of the table. Allow the stain to dry before determining if another coat is needed. A sealant can be applied after allowing the stain to dry.

Paint

Tables can be painted to provide a refinished appearance. This works well with wood, faux wood and metal tables. Strip off any existing paint and clean the table before applying paint. Paints come in a variety of colors, finishes and textures, so choose one that will give you the appearance you want. Oil paints take longer to dry but provide a longer lasting finish for your table.

Other Ideas

Natural ingredients such as tea, coffee and vinegar can be used to stain tables and provide a distressed look. Paints are available that provide effects such as crackling or an antique finish. Tables can also be painted with different designs or colors to create a different look. Make sure that you seal the table before painting it, as this makes it easier to change the look in the future.