Supplies Needed

For this task, you’ll need the following supplies/materials:

• Tack cloth
• Stripper and putty knife
• Cotton rags
• Mineral spirits
• Fine steel wool
• Disposable stain brushes
• Oil-based stain
• Oil-based polyurethane or Tung oil 100, 150, and 220 grit sandpaper
• Splash-proof goggles
• Chemical-resistant rubber gloves
• Long sleeve shirt
• Orbital or belt sander

Step 1. Clean The Surface

• Gently use soap and water to remove oils and dirt from the table’s existing finish.
• This prepares the surface for sanding if it’s a stained table or stripped if the table was previously varnished or painted.

Step 2. Apply Stripper

• You will have to strip the surface if your table is painted or varnished.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any hazards at this time.
• Leave the stripper on for the recommended time.
• This will soften the existing finish.
• Remove using a wide putty knife, always following the grain of the wood.
• Make sure you do not gouge the surface.
• Wipe your knife with a cloth between the scrapes.
• A second or third coat could be necessary, depending on the type of table.
• Wipe the table down with fine steel wool after the paint or varnish is removed.

Step 3. Clean Using Mineral Spirits

• Once you have finished stripping and the surface is dry, wipe it with mineral spirits using a clean cloth.
• This helps to remove any residual stripper.
• Allow your table to dry completely before moving to the next step.

Step 4. Sand The Table Surface

• Sand the table by following the grain of the wood in order to smooth the surface.
• Do this after you’ve stripped paint or varnish, or to remove a stained finish.
• Be careful not to gouge the table surface if you choose to use an orbital or belt sander for this task.
• The majority of the sanding should be done with the 100-grit sandpaper, then use the 150-grit.
• Do one final pass with the 220-grit in order to smooth out the grain.
• Carefully remove the sanding dust using your tack cloth.

Step 5. Apply Stain

• Apply stain using a disposable brush, while following the wood’s natural grain.
• Allow the stain to soak in for a couple minutes.
• Wipe off any excess stain with a soft cotton rag.
• Use the rag to rub the stain into any cracks in the wood.

Step 6. Finish The Table

• After about 24 hours, the final coat of stain should have been thoroughly cured.
• Apply polyurethane or Tung oil, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Apply two coats, allowing the first to fully cure before the additional layer.
• Use a cotton rag to buff a Tung oil finish.
• Allow your final coat to dry for at least 24 hours.

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