How to Re-stain a Kitchen Table Properly

The kitchen table needs an overhaul. The sealer is all but gone and the stain is looking quite worn. To some, this may be a hopeless case, driving them to purchase a new kitchen table. Instead, save your budget by stripping the old finish from the wood and applying new stain. The available products make this project doable for the homeowner who wants to make something new out of something old. Read and follow label directions closely for the best results. To re-stain a kitchen table properly, you must first remove the old finish. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Removing the Old Finish Properly

1

Place a protective covering on the floor and set the kitchen table on it. Apply a coat of stripper to the top of the table in the same direction as the grain, using a disposable brush.

2

Remove the stripper with a putty knife. Use a toothpick to remove the stripper within any grooves on the tabletop. Dispose of it in a metal container. Be certain not to remove the stripper before the time suggested by the manufacturer.

3

Apply another coat of stripper if needed. Remove it following the same instructions as the first coat.

4

Repeat this method of removing the old stain on the legs of the table. If some of the old finish remains, apply another coat of stripper. After a few minutes, scrub the surface with a coarse steel wool pad.

5

Clean the wood tabletop and legs thoroughly with mineral spirits and a clean cloth. Allow it to dry, then clean it again if needed. Dry the wood with a clean cloth.

Apply the New Stain and Sealer Properly

6

Sand the tabletop and legs with 100-grit sandpaper. Sand the wood in the same direction as the grain to prevent cross-grain scratches. Wipe away the dust created by sanding, using a dry cloth.

7

Apply the stain with a brush in the same direction as the grain. Do this in thin, even coats to keep the stain looking natural. If the stain manufacturer directs, sand between coats.

8

Brush on a sealer over the stain to protect it. As with the stain, apply the sealer in thin coats. Allow the sealer to dry and sand it with fine steel wool before adding a second coat.