Has your dining table seen better days? Whether you found it at a flea market or it’s a cherished family heirloom, your dining table experiences a lot of wear and tear. Instead of tossing it when it starts to look dated, you can refinish your table, making it look like a new one by the time you finish. In this guide, we’ll explain how to refinish a dining table, from stripping and sanding it to stenciling a new design, you’ll have taken that worn table and turned it into a stunning conversation piece.
Assessing Your Table’s Condition
The first step to refinishing your dining table is to assess its current condition. This will help you determine how much work you need to put into this project and the best way to restore your table. To get started:
- Evaluate the existing finish: By determining whether the current finish is peeling, cracked, or just worn, you’ll know if you can simply sand the table or need to strip it completely. Look for deep scratches, water rings, or other damage that you’ll need to address.
- Identify the wood type: You’ll know what refinishing approach to take with your table once you’ve figured out its wood type, which is commonly oak, maple, cherry, and mahogany. For example, oak has a prominent grain that can really shine with the right finish, while maple has a tighter grain that you may need to care for in a special way to make sure you get an even stain.
Gathering Necessary Tools and Materials
Now that you know how much work you’re putting into refinishing your table, it’s time to collect all the tools and materials you’ll need before you get started. Here’s your list:
- Applicators (brushes, rags, or foam brushes)
- Chemical stripper (if removing old finish)
- Clean, lint-free cloths
- Mineral spirits or water (for neutralizing the chemical stripper)
- Protective gear (gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator)
- Sanding block or electric sander
- Sandpaper in various grits (80, 120, 220)
- Stain (if changing the color of the wood)
- Tack cloths
- Wood filler (for repairing scratches or dents)
In addition to the tools and materials above, you need to pick out a finish. The type you choose will affect the table’s appearance. Since you probably use your dining frequently and it may experience the occasional spill, you’ll want to find a finish that is durable and food-safe.
“For the non-pro, I’d recommend an oil-based wipe-on polyurethane,” advises Norm Abram, This Old House’s master carpenter. “It offers great protection, has the look of a hand-rubbed oil finish, and is easy to apply.”
Consider using an oil-based polyurethane finish because it will protect your table and bring out the wood’s natural beauty. It’s also more forgiving than other finishes, such as varnish or shellac.
Preparing Your Workspace
Between the dust and the finish fumes, make sure you set up your workspace in a well-ventilated area. Working outside or in a garage with open doors is ideal, but if you have to be inside, keep the windows open and use fans to circulate the air. Cover the floor with drop cloths, cardboard, or newspaper to protect against spills and drips and use adequate lighting so that you can see as you work. You might consider raising the table on sawhorses or a sturdy work surface so you don’t strain your back.
Stripping the Old Finish
Unless you’re only fixing a couple of dings, dents, or scratches, you’ll most likely need to remove the old finish to achieve the best results.
Chemical Stripping Methods
We recommend you use a chemical stripper to remove the old finish, especially if it has an intricate or carved surface. Here’s how to use a chemical stripper:
- Apply the stripper according to the manufacturer’s instructions. They often advise using a brush or rag.
- Allow it to sit for the time listed in the directions.
- Scrape off the loosened finish with a plastic scraper, but do it gently so you don’t damage the wood underneath.
- Neutralize the chemical residue with mineral spirits or water. The type of water will depend on the stripper you use. By taking this step, the new finish will adhere properly.
Sanding Techniques
If your dining table has a thin finish, you can simply sand it. You also might need to sand it after you’ve used a chemical stripper to smooth the surface and remove any leftover finish. Start with coarse grit sandpaper (80 grit) and work your way up to fine grits (220 grit) for a smooth finish.
Move with the wood’s grain as you sand. This will help you to avoid creating scratches on the table that will be noticeable even after you’ve applied the new finish. Use a sanding block or electric sander for flat surfaces and hand-sand curved or detailed areas.
Repairing and Sanding the Table
After you’ve stripped the old finish, you can address the damage you’ve noted during your assessment.
Fixing Scratches and Dents
If you’ve found some small scratches, sanding them may be enough, but if there are deeper scratches or dents, use a wood filler. Make sure it matches the table’s wood.
Apply the filler with a putty knife and slightly overfill the affected area. You’ll remove the extra filler when you sand the spots after they’re dry.
Achieving a Smooth Surface
Once you’ve made your repairs, sand the entire table for a smooth and even surface. Start with 120-grit sandpaper to remove any remaining imperfections. You can progress to 220-grit to smooth it. Edges and repaired dents or scratches require some extra TLC so that they blend seamlessly with the rest of the surface.
After you sand the table, use a tack cloth to remove any dust particles so that the new finish adheres to the wood.
Applying the New Finish
With the repairs complete, let’s dress up your freshly sanded table.
Using Oil-Based Polyurethane
Oil-based polyurethane creates a durable finish, and it’s easy to use. Abram recommends creating a custom applicator for oil-based polyurethane: “I make my own applicator: a clean piece of rolled-up cotton cloth held by a metal binder clip. The clip keeps my fingers out of the finish.”
Here’s a rundown on how to apply it:
- Pour the polyurethane into a paper bowl.
- Dip your applicator into the finish.
- Apply in long, continuous strokes, maintaining a wet edge.
- Apply thin coats for better leveling and faster drying.
- Allow each coat to dry for a few hours.
- Lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper between coats.
- Clean sanding dust with a cloth dampened with denatured alcohol.
- Apply three coats or more for added durability.
Alternative Finish Options
So far, we’ve covered the benefits of oil-based polyurethane, but there are a few other options available, including the following:
- Shellac: Offers a beautiful sheen but is less durable for dining tables.
- Tung oil: Provides a natural look but requires many coats and longer drying times.
- Water-based polyurethane: Dries clear and has less odor but may not add as much warmth to the wood color.
Decorative Ideas for Your Refinished Table
Since you’re already working on your dining table, you can add a few decorative touches if you’d like. Below are some ideas to consider.
Adding Decorative Hardware
If your table has drawers or extra components, you might want to add decorative knobs, handles, or brackets. Choose hardware that matches the room’s decor so that it fits into your overall style and design.
Painted Accents
Painted accents can offer a more striking contrast. You can paint the table legs or the edges with a matching color or a bold hue. Painted accents on a dining table often complement the modern farmhouse or chic vintage look.
Stenciling and Inlays
Add a unique design to your tabletop with stencils, which come in a variety of patterns. You can apply it after you’ve sanded your table but before you add the final finishing coat. Consider adding a unique design to the tabletop, giving it a personalized and artistic touch. You might want to include an inlay, which is a carved-out groove filled with a different type of wood or material.
Both stenciling and inlays add a personal touch and can reflect your personal style.
Curing and Protecting the New Finish
Allow your new finish to cure so that it hardens before you use the table again. This process can take several days to a week, depending on which product you use. During this time, not only will you want to avoid placing objects on the table but make sure it isn’t exposed to moisture either.
Once it’s fully dry, you can start to use your table again. However, continue to protect your table by using coasters, place mats, and trivets to prevent scratches and heat damage.
Maintaining Your Refinished Table
You can keep your table looking its best by following the tips below:
- Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
- Clean regularly with a soft, damp cloth.
- Keep the table in a stable environment to avoid excessive humidity or dryness, which can affect the wood.
- Reapply a thin coat of finish annually or as needed to maintain protection.
- Soak up spills immediately to prevent staining.
Our Conclusion
Refinishing a dining table is a fun do-it-yourself project, but it requires preparation and patience. By following the steps we outlined above, you’ll achieve professional-looking results. Remember to apply coats evenly and maintain your refinished table so that you can continue to use it for years to come.