How To Refinish A Wooden Coffee Table

If your wooden coffee table has seen better days, don’t despair. With a little effort, you can refinish it and restore it to its former glory. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

Sandpaper (various grits: 80, 120, 150, 220)
Sanding block or orbital sander
Tack cloth
Wood filler
Putty knife
Primer
Paint or stain
Polyurethane
Paintbrush or foam roller
Rags

Step 2: Prepare the Table

Begin by removing any hardware from the table, such as knobs or handles. Then, thoroughly clean the table with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris.

Step 3: Sand the Table

Starting with the coarsest grit sandpaper (80-grit), sand the table in the direction of the wood grain. Gradually move to finer grits (120, 150, 220) until the surface is smooth and free of any scratches or imperfections.

Step 4: Fill in Imperfections

If there are any holes or dents in the table, fill them in with wood filler using a putty knife. Allow the wood filler to dry completely, then sand it smooth.

Step 5: Prime the Table

Primer helps to create a smooth, even surface for the paint or stain to adhere to. Apply a thin coat of primer to the table and allow it to dry completely.

Step 6: Paint or Stain the Table

If you are painting the table, apply a thin, even coat of paint using a paintbrush or foam roller. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat. If you are staining the table, apply a thin, even coat of stain using a foam brush or rag. Allow the stain to penetrate the wood for a few minutes before wiping off any excess.

Step 7: Polyurethane the Table

Polyurethane protects the table from wear and tear. Apply a thin, even coat of polyurethane to the table using a paintbrush or foam roller. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat.

Step 8: Reassemble the Table

Once the polyurethane has dried completely, reassemble the table by attaching any hardware you removed in Step 2. Your refinished wooden coffee table is now complete.