How to Restore the Finish on an Antique Table - DIY Home Improvement Guides - How to Repair and Remodel your Bathroom, Kitchen and more

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Finishing > Repairing > How to Restore the Finish on an Antique Table

Learn how to restore rather than refinish an antique table with a scratched and lifeless finish

A drop-leaf table at a consignment shop offered possibilities despite a finish that was scuffed, scratched, and dull. We purchased the table and brought it to the workshop as a candidate for a restoration project. It was an old piece that was probably hand-made in the late 1800s, as evidenced by the handmade dovetailed joints on the drawer. Additionally, it was solid wood.

Step by Step Instructions with Video

Step
1

Prepare the Environment and Assemble Tools and Materials

Plan to work on your project in a well-ventilated area since you will be using solvent and products that emit harmful fumes. A dust-free environment is also required. Lay down a drop cloth to protect the floor and assemble your tools and materials, which should include rubber gloves and safety glasses.

Step
2

Use Mineral Spirits or Paint Thinner as a Solvent

Pour a small amount of mineral spirits or paint thinner into a container.

Step
3

Apply the Solvent in the Direction of the Grain

Dip a clean cotton cloth into the solvent and wipe the tabletop in the direction of the wood grain to remove the accumulation of oils, waxes, and dirt on the surface.

Step
4

Turn the Cloth to Keep a Clean Surface

Turn the cloth periodically to expose a clean side and continue to clean the wood finish.

Step
5

Use a Circular or Twisting Motion on the Table Legs

Work to clean the table legs and all the finished surfaces. You will need to rub with a circular motion along the bottom of the feet and legs, which are rounded.

Step
6

Use Steel Wool and Mineral Spirits to Remove Paint Trace

Use a very fine grade of steel wool saturated in the mineral spirits and rub gently to remove any traces of paints and similar matter from the surface.

Step
7

Remove Mineral Spirit Residue with Denatured Alcohol

Pour denatured alcohol into a small container and saturate a clean cloth, going over the entire surface again to remove any residue from the mineral spirits. Apply the denatured alcohol in long strokes and work with the grain of the wood.

Step
8

Test to Confirm a Residue-Free Surface

Perform the ?squeaky-clean test,? rubbing your bare finger back and forth over the cleaned surface to see if it squeaks and denotes bare wood without any surface residue.

Step
9

Touch up Larger Scratches and Imperfections

Mark over scratches and gouges with a furniture touch-up pen in the correct wood finish to make them disappear.

Step
10

Remove Excess Touch-up Pen Stain with Cloth

Wipe off the excess stain with a clean cloth. You may find that the wood has too many small scratches and imperfections remaining, as the project table does. We decide on a different approach?a full application of wood stain.

Step
11

Select the Wood Stain and Mix It Thoroughly

Select the correct color of wood stain and stir it thoroughly with a wooden stick to mix the color pigments that may have settled to the bottom of the can.

Step
12

Pour the Stain into a Contain to Confirm It Is Mixed

Pour it into another small container to ensure that it is properly mixed.

Step
13

Apply the Stain with a Brush

Apply the stain with a brush, working it well into the wooden surface of the table. Long strokes in the direction of the wood grain work best. Leave the stain on for the manufacturer?s recommended time.

Step
14

Work in Sections to Stain and Wipe off Excess

Work on the table in sections, alternately applying the stain and wiping off the excess with a clean dry terrycloth rag while the stain is still wet. You can purchase bags of terrycloth rags at your home improvement center.

Step
15

Stain the Legs and Apron and Let the Table Dry Overnight

Use the same procedure for the table legs and apron (along the side beneath the tabletop). Let the stain dry overnight.

Step
16

Remove Dust with a Tack Cloth

Use a tack cloth to remove any dust that may have settled on the surface. Go over the entire table and turn the cloth periodically.

Step
17

Select a Top Coat Product

Select a protective topcoat. We choose an oil-based wipe-on polyurethane product that is easy to apply.

Step
18

Mix According to Manufacturer's Directions

Shake it well, according to manufacturer's directions. As you shake it, put your finger over the lid as a precaution against the lid coming off and spilling the contents.

Step
19

Apply Top Coat with Clean Lint-Free Cloth

Apply the topcoat with a clean lint-free cloth to produce an appealing hand-rubbed look.

Step
20

Let Top Coat Dry for Two Hours

Allow the first coat to dry for a couple of hours.

Step
21

Tear 220 Grit FInishing paper into Quarter Sheets

Tear 220 grit finishing paper cut into quarter sheets.

Step
22

Fold Each Quarter Sheet into Thirds

Fold each quarter sheet into thirds.

Step
23

Sand Lightly with the Wood Grain

Keep the sandpaper flat on the surface and use light pressure from the palm of you hand as you work back and forth with the wood grain.

Step
24

Refold the Sandpaper to Expost a Fresh Leaf

Refold the sandpaper to expose a fresh leaf and make use of the entire sheet.

Step
25

Remove Sanding Particles with a Tack Cloth

Use the tack cloth again to pick up any sanding particles and other surface debris before you apply more topcoat.

Step
26

Apply Second/Final Topcoat

Apply the second/final topcoat to lock in the color layer underneath, protect the wood from spills and abrasion, provide an attractive sheet, and give the wood depth and character.