How to Refinish Wood Tables
There are a number of reasons you may be wondering how to refinish wood tables.
It could be that you are just sick of the color the table currently is or perhaps it has been so used and abused that it just needs a lot of love to make it look newer again.
No matter what the reason, it is easier than you think.
Step 1 - Remove Any Old Coatings Whether it's paint, varnish or old stain, you need to get your table back to its original wood so you can make it new again.
For the most part you should be able to go to any department store or hardware store and find a stain, paint or varnish remover.
Read the directions and follow them to the tee.
Generally they are easy enough to use, you just put a layer of the substance on the surface of the table, let it work, and wipe it off, taking the paint, stain or varnish with it.
Step 2 - Remove Irregularities Now get down and feel your table.
Are there any bumps or other irregularities in the wood that you would like to get rid off? If so, this is the time to do it.
Pull out some sandpaper or your sander and work those irregularities out.
You should begin with the thick grit sand paper and move down to very fine sandpaper to make it completely smooth.
Step 3- Clean and Dry Next you should clean and dry the tables.
You want to make sure you have any debris from old chips of paint to the dust from where you were sanding off of the tables so you are working with a clean slate.
If you choose to use a damp cloth to wipe the tables clean make sure to let them completely dry before you move forward.
Step 4 - Apply Coat 1 Now it's time to dip into the can of stain.
Follow the directions for preparing the stain for use.
Generally this means shaking the can before opening it.
Now use a brush or rag to apply a single even layer of stain.
Once you have coated the whole piece with the first layer let it sit.
A general rule of thumb is to leave it for two days so you can be sure it is completely dry before moving forward.
Step 5 - Check For Thickness If you have managed to put too much stain on one area, you may need to use sandpaper to bring it back down to even with the rest of the table.
Step 6 - Coat 2 Next apply a second even coat of stain.
Let this coat dry for at least three days.
Step 7 - Enjoy Once you have let the tables sit long enough, it's time to put it back into your home and appreciate that you had the forethought to wonder how to refinish wood tables and now have a beautiful piece of furniture to show for it.