Wooden furniture can age well if it is protected and used properly. Some furniture, such as coffee tables, get used a lot and suffer damage such as stains and scratches, or the paint can fade or be chipped. If you have a coffee table that you really care about, or if you want to restore it as a hobby, here's how to do it using just a few tools and materials.
Steps
Step 1. Prepare the space to work in
It would be better to work outdoors or in the garage, as a lot of dust will build up when you sand the coffee table. If you cannot work outdoors, choose a well-ventilated room that is not needed for other uses while you work in it. Cover the floor with a plastic sheet that will collect the wood dust. Make sure no one else is using the room while you are busy with this project.
Step 2. Remove the finish with the sander
The coffee table could have a layer of colored or clear varnish, or a layer of stain and one of clear varnish. Any finish can be removed to bring the underlying wood back to light. If you plan to apply another stain or clear varnish, you need to get rid of the old finish completely. If you want to paint the coffee table, you can also leave some residue of the old paint.
- Use an electric sander for the coffee table top and you'll go fast. If you put a coarse sandpaper in the sander you will be able to quickly remove several layers of paint.
- To sand the coffee table legs, moldings, or other hard-to-reach areas, use a block of sandpaper. For even more difficult spaces you can wrap a piece of sandpaper around your finger.
Step 3. Remove any dust from the coffee table
When you're done sanding, use a vacuum cleaner to get as much dust off the coffee table as possible. For a more accurate work, also wipe the table with a rag dampened with white spirit.
Step 4. Fill in deep scratches or nicks
If there are scratches in the wood that are too deep to be removed with the sander you should fill them in before repainting the coffee table. You can fill in minor scratches by rubbing them with the pulp of a walnut or pecan nut. Deeper scratches can be filled with wood putty.
Step 5. If you want you can apply a layer of stain
You will find a large selection of stain colors to darken your furniture. Roll it out according to the manufacturer's instructions; usually a cheap sponge brush will do. Make sure you remove any excess stain left after you let it soak into the wood. If you don't take it off and let it dry it will take on an uneven appearance.
Step 6. Apply a layer of clear varnish
Clear varnish is needed to enhance the look of the coffee table and to protect the wood, regardless of whether you used stain. The best solution to guarantee resistance to use in a coffee table is polyurethane paint, to be applied with cheap sponge brushes.
Step 7. Finished
Advice
- Classic linseed oil and furniture wax are not good for a coffee table because they can't stand up to use and cleaning.
- Always wear a dust mask when using the sander to avoid breathing problems. Always wear protective eyewear and thick gloves when handling oil or white spirit finishes.
