How to Restore a Wood Table

Wood furnishings add warmth and durability to the home. Wood is porous and can be damaged by water and nicks and scrapes. Even worse damage can occur on wood that is very soft or that has not been treated or stained. Complete restoration of a wood table will result in a good-as-new piece of furniture. It takes several days and some elbow power, plus stain or oil products, to achieve lasting beauty in the table.

Instructions

1

Remove the old finish. Open windows or put the furniture outside to work on. Put on gloves and eye protection and spread the varnish remover thickly on the table surfaces. Wait the recommended amount of time and then scrape off the finish. Discard the old finish. Wipe the table down with mineral spirits to remove any residue.

2

Load the palm sander with the lowest number grit sandpaper you have available. Sand evenly with the grain to smooth out any imperfections and remove any remaining finish. Wipe the table with mineral spirits and let dry. Load the higher number of sandpaper. Sand the table with the finer grit until you have achieved a soft buttery texture. Wipe down the wood with mineral spirits and let dry.

3

Apply the stain you have chosen. Brush on in the direction of the grain and let it dry for 24 hours or the amount of time recommended on the can.

4

Brush on polyurethane in the direction of the wood grain. Let dry between coats and give a light sanding before each application with the 220-grit sandpaper. The number of coats is up to you, but the product should give some indication of its recommendations.

5

Wax the tabletop. Use a furniture wax to coat and preserve your finish. Use the fine steel wood to rub the wax in the direction of the wood grain. Use a rag to buff out the wax in circular strokes.