Refinishing an old wood table top is a great way to give new life to a piece that is showing signs of wear and tear. Not only does it help your table look beautiful again, but it will also extend the lifespan of your furniture. Here, we provide tips on how to refinish an old wood table top so you can get the most out of your furniture.
The first step in refinishing is prepping the surface for sanding. This means removing any screws, nails or staples that may be present as well as thoroughly cleaning off any dirt, dust or stains. Once you have removed all hardware and cleaned the surface, check for any cracks or splits in the wood—these should be filled with wood putty before continuing onto sanding.
Now that your surface is prepped and ready to go, it’s time to begin sanding down the old finish using a medium-grit sandpaper. Make sure to go with the grain of the wood and remove all excess dust particles before moving onto staining or finishing.
Staining helps bring out the natural beauty of your table top by adding color and depth to its grain patterns. Depending on what kind of look you want for your piece, you may choose between blotchy stains for more variation; or water-based stain if looking for a more uniform look. Before applying any stain, make sure that your surface has been properly cleaned and dried first!
Once you have stained your table top, it’s time to apply a protective finish such as varnish, lacquer or polyurethane in order to keep it looking great over time and protect against water damage. It’s important to read up on which types are best suited for indoor/outdoor use depending on where your table may be located—and always remember to apply two thin coats rather than one thick one!
Good maintenance is key when it comes to preserving the longevity of an old wood table top – wax regularly (every few months) using a soft cloth; stay away from harsh chemicals when cleaning; and avoid leaving liquids sitting overnight on its surface as this could cause discoloration or warping in time!
One final tip to keep in mind when refinishing a wood table top is to be patient. This is a time-consuming process that requires a lot of attention to detail and a steady hand. Take your time, and be sure to work carefully and methodically to ensure the best possible results.
With a little bit of patience and attention to detail, you can transform an old, worn-out wood table top into a beautiful, like-new piece of furniture. Remember to take your time, choose the right materials, and work carefully to achieve the best possible results. Happy refinishing!