The price of buying a new but unfinished piece of furniture is far less than the price of buying one that is already finished. Likewise, the price of putting a new finish on your old and dull furniture is far less than buying replacement furniture. You can put a finish on a dining room table in little time. Within 24 hours of the start of the project you'll be able to dine on it. You'll also have saved money doing it yourself.
Instructions
1. Take the table to your workshop. This project requires sanding and the area you work in will need good ventilation. If you do not have a workshop you can take the table out onto your porch or set it in the yard.
Most table legs are held on with screws. Remove the legs from the table using a screwdriver. If yours are attached with bolts, an adjustable wrench will work to remove them.
2. Put on a mask. Use a handheld electric sander to completely sand the entire surface of the table. Then use the sander to sand around all four edges of the table top. Sand the table legs using a piece of fine-grit sandpaper. If you sand the legs with a handheld electric sander, you may damage them.
3. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe all of the powder off of the table surface, edges and legs.
4. Apply the stain with a soft cloth, then wipe off the excess with a clean, dry, soft cloth. Apply a second coat of stain for a deeper and richer finish. There is no wait time. You can apply the second coat of stain as soon as you have wiped the excess from the first coat off with a dry cloth.
5. Use a paint brush to apply a coat of polyurethane over the stain to seal and protect the wood. Apply two coats of poly for best results, waiting 1/2 hour after you have finished the first coat to apply the second coat. If you choose to varnish instead, you should apply the varnish with a medium- to large-sized paint brush. Allow the first coat to dry for 1/2 hour and then apply a second. Poly is not needed when using a varnish, but can be applied if you desire, after the varnish is fully dry.
6. Bring the finished dining table back into your dining room or kitchen. Use a screwdriver or adjustable wrench to secure the table legs to the table with the screws or bolts. Position your table in the room.
Tags: first coat, second coat, soft cloth, table legs, adjustable wrench, apply second