How To Refinish My Wood Coffee Table - Coffee Table Design Ideas

How to Refinish a Wood Coffee Table

Refinishing a wood coffee table is a great way to update its look and protect it from further damage. With the right tools and materials, you can refinish your coffee table at home in a few easy steps.

Materials You'll Need:

- Sandpaper (80-grit, 120-grit, and 220-grit) - Tack cloth - Wood cleaner - Wood stripper (optional) - Wood stain (optional) - Polyurethane finish - Paintbrush or foam brush - Gloves - Dust mask - Safety glasses

Instructions:

1. Prepare the surface:

Start by removing any hardware from the coffee table, such as handles or casters. Then, use 80-grit sandpaper to sand the surface of the table, following the grain of the wood. Wipe away any dust with a tack cloth.

2. Clean the surface:

Apply wood cleaner to a clean cloth and wipe down the surface of the table to remove any dirt or debris. Allow the cleaner to dry completely.

3. Strip the finish (optional):

If the coffee table has an existing finish that you want to remove, apply wood stripper to a clean cloth and wipe it down over the surface of the table. Allow the stripper to sit for the amount of time specified on the product label, then use a putty knife or scraper to remove the softened finish. Wipe away any remaining residue with a tack cloth.

4. Sand the surface:

Sand the surface of the table again with 120-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or imperfections. Wipe away any dust with a tack cloth.

5. Apply stain (optional):

If you want to change the color of the coffee table, apply wood stain to a clean cloth and wipe it down over the surface of the table. Allow the stain to dry completely according to the product label.

6. Apply polyurethane finish:

Apply a coat of polyurethane finish to the surface of the table using a paintbrush or foam brush. Allow the finish to dry completely according to the product label. Sand lightly with 220-grit sandpaper and remove any dust. Apply a second coat of polyurethane finish and allow it to dry completely.

7. Reattach hardware:

Once the polyurethane finish has dried, reattach any hardware to the coffee table.

Tips:

- Always wear gloves, a dust mask, and safety glasses when refinishing a wood coffee table. - Test the wood stripper or stain on an inconspicuous area of the coffee table first to make sure you like the results. - Sand the surface of the table in the direction of the wood grain to avoid damaging the wood. - Apply thin coats of polyurethane finish and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.