How To Resurface A Dining Room Table

If your dining room table is looking a little worse for wear, don't despair. Resurfacing it is a relatively easy and inexpensive project that can give your table a new lease on life. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Materials you'll need:

Sandpaper (80-grit, 120-grit, 220-grit)
Orbital sander
Tack cloth
Wood filler
Putty knife
Primer
Paint or stain
Polyurethane
Paintbrush or roller
Sanding block

Instructions:

1. Prepare the table

Remove any hardware from the table, such as leaves or legs. If the table has a glossy finish, you'll need to sand it lightly with 80-grit sandpaper to dull the finish.

2. Sand the table

Starting with 80-grit sandpaper, sand the table in the direction of the grain. Be sure to sand evenly and avoid sanding through the veneer. Once you've sanded the entire table with 80-grit sandpaper, switch to 120-grit sandpaper and sand again. Finally, sand the table with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface.

3. Fill in any holes or cracks

If there are any holes or cracks in the table, fill them in with wood filler. Use a putty knife to apply the wood filler and smooth it out. Allow the wood filler to dry completely before sanding it flush with the surface of the table.

4. Prime the table

Primer helps to seal the wood and prevent the paint or stain from absorbing into the wood unevenly. Apply a thin coat of primer to the table and allow it to dry completely.

5. Paint or stain the table

Once the primer is dry, you can paint or stain the table. If you're painting the table, use a paintbrush or roller to apply two thin coats of paint. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. If you're staining the table, apply a thin coat of stain with a brush or rag. Allow the stain to dry completely before applying a second coat, if desired.

6. Apply polyurethane

Polyurethane is a clear finish that protects the paint or stain from scratches and wear. Apply a thin coat of polyurethane to the table and allow it to dry completely. Once the first coat is dry, sand the table lightly with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots. Apply a second coat of polyurethane and allow it to dry completely.

7. Reassemble the table

Once the polyurethane is dry, you can reassemble the table. Attach the leaves or legs and tighten any screws or bolts. Your newly resurfaced dining room table is now ready to enjoy!