Refinishing A Dining Room Table

Refinishing a dining room table can be a great way to update the look of your home without buying a new one. If your table is looking a little worse for wear, or if you just want to change its style, refinishing is a relatively easy and inexpensive project that you can do yourself. Here are the steps on how to refinish a dining room table:

Materials You'll Need:

Sandpaper (various grits)
Wood cleaner
Tack cloth
Wood stain (optional)
Polyurethane
Paintbrush or foam brush
Rags
Screwdriver or drill

Step 1: Remove Hardware

If your table has any hardware, such as handles or knobs, remove them now. This will make it easier to sand and finish the table.

Step 2: Clean the Table

Use a wood cleaner to clean the table and remove any dirt or grime. Allow the cleaner to dry completely.

Step 3: Sand the Table

Start by sanding the table with a coarse-grit sandpaper (80-120 grit). This will remove the old finish and smooth out the surface of the table. Once you've sanded the entire table with the coarse-grit sandpaper, switch to a medium-grit sandpaper (150-180 grit) and sand the table again. Finally, finish sanding with a fine-grit sandpaper (220-240 grit) to smooth out the surface.

Step 4: Apply Wood Stain (Optional)

If you want to change the color of the table, you can apply a wood stain. Apply the stain evenly to the table with a paintbrush or foam brush. Allow the stain to dry completely.

Step 5: Apply Polyurethane

Polyurethane is a clear finish that will protect the table from scratches and wear. Apply the polyurethane evenly to the table with a paintbrush or foam brush. Allow the polyurethane to dry completely. You may need to apply multiple coats of polyurethane, depending on the desired level of protection.