How To Refinish Dining Table

Refinishing a dining table is a great way to update its look and feel without having to buy a new one. It's also a relatively inexpensive and easy project to do yourself. With a little care and preparation, you can refinish your dining table in a day or two.

Here are the steps on how to refinish your dining table:

Materials You'll Need:

Sandpaper (120-grit, 220-grit, and 400-grit)
Sanding block or electric sander
Tack cloth
Wood cleaner
Wood filler (optional)
Primer (optional)
Paint or stain
Polyurethane
Paintbrush or roller
Foam brush
Rags

Instructions:

1. Prepare the table for sanding.

Remove any hardware from the table, such as handles or hinges. If the table has a glass top, remove it as well. Clean the table with a wood cleaner to remove any dirt or debris.

2. Sand the table.

Start by sanding the table with 120-grit sandpaper. Use a sanding block or electric sander to get into all the nooks and crannies. Once you've sanded the entire table with 120-grit sandpaper, switch to 220-grit sandpaper and sand again. Finally, sand the table with 400-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface.

3. Fill in any holes or dents.

If the table has any holes or dents, fill them in with wood filler. Allow the wood filler to dry completely, then sand it smooth.

4. Apply primer (optional).

If you're painting the table, you'll need to apply a primer first. Primer helps the paint to adhere to the wood and prevents the wood from absorbing the paint too quickly. Apply the primer according to the manufacturer's instructions.

5. Apply paint or stain.

Once the primer is dry, you can apply paint or stain to the table. If you're using paint, apply it in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. If you're using stain, apply it with a foam brush and wipe off any excess. Allow the stain to dry completely.

6. Apply polyurethane.

Once the paint or stain is dry, apply a coat of polyurethane to protect the finish. Polyurethane is a clear, protective coating that will help to keep the table looking its best. Apply the polyurethane according to the manufacturer's instructions.

7. Reassemble the table.

Once the polyurethane has dried completely, you can reassemble the table. Attach the hardware and glass top (if applicable). Your refinished dining table is now ready to enjoy!