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What you'll need:
TOOLS
Fine-grit, mid-grit, and coarse-grit sandpaper (60, 120, and 320, for example)
Paintbrushes
Block sander (optional)
Cheesecloth or cotton cloth
Putty knife or plastic scraper
Grade #000 steel wool
Safety goggles
Chemical-safe gloves
Work mask
Drop cloth
SUPPLIES
Wood-safe all-purpose cleaner
Paint or varnish stripper
Wood stain
Wood finish
Mineral spirits
Painter's tape
Paper towels
Classic wood kitchen and dining room tables are often passed down from generation to generation. And if you didn't get one from your Great Aunt Joan, then maybe you found it in the depths of a vintage furniture store just waiting for some TLC. Luckily, while refinishing a table by yourself may look daunting at first glance, it's actually a very straightforward DIY that just takes a bit of time and elbow grease.
Prepping to Refinish a Table
Begin by moving your table of choice to a well-ventilated area. A garage, partially enclosed porch, or an outdoor work area is best. Place your table on a wide drop cloth and make sure you can leave the table overnight safely to dry without disruption.
If you have an industrial or farmhouse-style table, cover any metal hardware with painter's tape. This step will keep the stripping and finishing chemicals from damaging the table's color.
Clean the Table
Photo: Алина Троева / Adobe Stock
It may seem odd to wipe down a table before removing its finish, but do not skip this step. Dirt and debris can get in the way of the sanding process and even damage the natural wood.
Use a clean cloth or paper towels and wipe down each section of the table—legs and all—with a wood-safe all-purpose cleaner.
Apply the Stripper
Before you break open the can of varnish stripper, read the instructions on the container for safety and use tips. Paint and varnish stripper instructions will slightly vary brand by brand, specifically regarding how long you should leave on each layer.
This step is also the time to pop on those goggles, gloves, and a mask. We also recommend a long-sleeved shirt, full-length pants, and closed-toed shoes.
Use a paintbrush to generously apply the first layer of the stripper. Most varieties recommend leaving it on for 15 to 20 minutes, but keep an eye on the coat. It can be difficult to wipe off if it dries too much, so the length of time may depend on your project.
Remove the Varnish
Here's the fun part. Once you've waited the appropriate amount of time, push a plastic scraper or putty knife along the grain of the wood to remove the varnish beneath. Be careful with metal scrapers, as they can scratch the wood underneath.
You may not be able to remove all the varnish in your first pass. After delicately removing as much of the wood table stain as possible, apply another layer of stripper and repeat the process until you can see the bare wood grain beneath.
Clean with Mineral Spirits
While some furniture renovators choose to skip this step, you can remove the remaining residue of stripper and varnish with mineral spirits. After your table is dry from the varnish-removal stage, apply a thin layer of mineral spirits with a clean cloth and wipe in the direction of the wood grain.
Yet again, allow the table to fully dry before moving to the sanding phase.
Sand Until Smooth
Photo: Benjamin Clapp / Adobe Stock
Begin by sanding the full surface of your wood table with coarse-grit sandpaper in the 60 to 100 range. Whether you sand by hand or with a belt sander, move in the direction of the wood grain and be careful not to cut into the wood with the edge of the sander. Move to finer and finer-grit sandpaper with each pass—up to 160 and eventually to 320, for example.
Curved and carved areas of the table can be trickier to sand, so break out the grade #000 steel wool for these areas.
Go over each surface with a tack cloth to remove the dust and sand from the process.
Apply the Stain
You have your pick of stain types and colors, but remember that the stain will absorb into the wood quickly since it's been stripped and sanded. The trick here is to apply an even coat that dries just as evenly.
Apply the stain with a paintbrush in the direction of the grain, and then wipe any excess with a cotton cheesecloth after it's had a few seconds to set in. Cotton will do a better job at absorbing the liquid. Above all, follow the specific instructions on the side of your stain can.
Reapply for Darker Coats
In most cases, you'll need to apply at least two coats of stain to get a smooth, rich color. Begin by letting the first coat fully dry—this will typically take overnight, if not 24 hours. Afterward, lightly sand the surface by hand with a fine-grit sandpaper. Add a second stain to the sanded surface and let it fully dry.
Add the Finish
Refinishing a dining or kitchen table is best to keep in the stain and protect the wood from knicks and scratches. After all, the finish of such a high-use surface is more susceptible to bumps from plates, cups, and late-night homework sessions.
Apply a clear polyurethane, tung oil, or wax coat of finish according to the can's instructions. For extra protection, apply two coats, waiting for it to dry and sanding in between steps.
DIY Table Refinishing vs. Hiring a Pro
Refinishing a table is a great way to push your DIY limits, especially if you're a newbie. But if you live in fear of damaging your great-grandmother's heirloom table, calling a local furniture professional to help out is a great idea. Hiring a pro to refinish a kitchen or dining room table will cost between $400 and $700 on average.
Doing it yourself will only cost between $20 and $120 for the stain, between $10 and $30 for the varnish stripper, and $10 to $60 for a gallon of oil or water-based finish. If you have all the tools, this will bring you to between about $50 and $200 to do it yourself.
Cost aside, however, calling a professional will ensure that you get a smooth and even finish and that you don't have to set aside a whole weekend for the job.
Additional Questions
Can you refinish a table without stripping and sanding?
While you will find some paint stains designed to cover over a current finish, it's not wise to skip the preparation steps. However, if there is only a thin layer of finish and stain on your current table—if you bought an old fixer-upper from a thrift store, for example—you may be able to sand off the full top later without using a chemical stripper.
What is the best type of stain for a dining room table?
Since dining and kitchen tables get so much daily use, opt for a durable oil-based polyurethane finish for maximum protection. Add a second coat of finish if you use the table on a daily basis.
Should you paint a dining room table?
Painting and staining wood furniture both have their pros and cons. While you will have more color options when painting a dining room table, you will cover up the natural wood grain. The paint may chip faster than the finish, especially for such a high-use area.
