Easy Steps For Refinishing An End Table
The end tables serve as a convenient space for lighting, drink coasters, as well as other items within easy reach from the sofa. Often the end table comes in a pair or simply as a living room table set of 3 to 2 end tables and a matching coffee table. If you have an end table at home and you want to refinish your end table, you can do so easily. The steps to refinish an end table are as follows:
- Clean The Surface: The first step is to clean the surface with a mild soap and water solution. For that mix 2 to 3 drops of gentle soap, like mild liquid dish detergent, into a bowl of water. After that soak a clean cloth in the soap solution and then wring out the excess water. Rub-down the entire end table with the damp cloth as this will help to clean off dust and grime.
- Sanding: Remove the finish by sanding with the help of coarse-grit sandpaper. Secure a sheet of coarse-grit sandpaper, 40- or 60-grit sandpaper, on to the sanding block or on the electric sander. Start the sanding job, going with the grain of the direction of the wood, until all the finish is removed and expose all the bare wood.
- Wipe: After the sanding is done then wipe down the entire table using a clean cloth to remove the wood dust. The user can use a tack cloth or other clean and soft cloth to remove all the dust from sanding.
- Smooth The Bare Wood Surface: Place a sheet of fine-grit sandpaper, like 120- or 240-grit sandpaper, on the sanding block or on an electric sander. Again start sanding down the entire table, going in the directions of grain, until the surface is completely smooth.
- Mineral Spirits: Wipe off any loose dust with the tack cloth or other soft cloth. Dampen a rag with mineral spirits and then wipe down the entire table to clean it and this will prepare it for finishing.
- Furniture Oil: If the user likes the natural look of the wood then apply a natural furniture oil, such as tung oil, teak oil, or even a danish oil, on the clean cloth. Rub the oil on the table with the help of a cloth, going in the direction of the grain. Let the table to dry overnight, then apply a second coat of oil if the user wants to bring out the colors of the wood more effectively.
- Stain The Table: If the user wants a darker table then you need to stain the end table. Apply a coat of the wood stain of your choice using a 4-inch paintbrush in the long as well as smooth strokes in the direction of grains. With a clean cloth wipe off any excess stain, after that let the stain to dry.
- Clear Protective Finish: Use a 4 inch paintbrush to apply a polyurethane wood varnish of your choice to get clear finish. Again apply in the direction of grains in the long, straight strokes. Let the stain dry completely then apply a second coat to add extra protection or more shine.
- Paint The Table: For a totally different color apply the paint. Apply a layer of the latex-based primer to the wood and let it dry for 1 hour. Paint using the color of choice, working with the grain and using long, even strokes.