How Do You Refinish A Wood Coffee Table - Coffee Table Design Ideas

How to Refinish a Wood Coffee Table

Refurbishing a worn-out wooden coffee table is a great way to breathe new life into your living room. By following a few simple steps, you can refinish your coffee table and make it look as good as new.

Materials You'll Need

Before you begin, gather the necessary materials:

Sandpaper (various grits)
Wood cleaning solution
Wood filler
Putty knife
Wood stain (optional)
Polyurethane
Paintbrush or foam applicator
Tack cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the surface: Start by sanding the surface of the coffee table using 80-grit sandpaper. This will remove any existing finish or paint. Once you've sanded the surface, clean it with a wood cleaning solution to remove any dust or debris.

2. Repair imperfections: Use wood filler to fill in any cracks, holes, or dents in the wood. Apply the filler using a putty knife and smooth it over the surface. Allow the filler to dry completely before sanding it flush with the surrounding wood.

3. Apply stain (optional): If you want to change the color of the wood, apply a wood stain of your choice. Use a paintbrush or foam applicator to apply the stain in even strokes. Allow the stain to dry completely before moving on.

4. Protect the surface: Apply a coat of polyurethane to the surface of the coffee table. Polyurethane will protect the wood from scratches and spills. Use a paintbrush or foam applicator to apply the polyurethane in even strokes. Allow the polyurethane to dry completely before applying a second coat.

5. Buff and polish: Once the polyurethane has dried completely, use a tack cloth to remove any dust or debris from the surface. Then, buff the surface with a soft cloth to bring out its natural shine.

Additional Tips

When sanding, use long, even strokes and avoid over-sanding in one area.
If the wood is particularly damaged, you may need to use a coarser sandpaper (such as 60-grit) to remove the imperfections.
Allow each coat of stain or polyurethane to dry completely before applying the next coat.
Use a high-quality polyurethane for the best protection and durability.

By following these simple steps, you can refinish your wood coffee table and give it a fresh new look.