How to Refinish an Antique Table

The beauty of many antique tables is hidden away under a faded, worn layer of old paint or stain. A truly lovely gem may be just a day away with a little elbow grease and tender loving care. The products to refinish an antique table are accessible and can make the process simple. The joy of owning a piece of antique furniture is just a scrapes away.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves Drop cloth Paintbrush Paint stripper Plastic scraper Sandpaper Cotton clothes Mineral spirits Stain Urethane varnish

Instructions

1. 

   Set the antique table on a drop cloth to protect the floor from splatters. Don rubber gloves to protect your hands from contact with chemicals.

2. Brush paint stripper in a thick layer on all surfaces of the table. Dab extra thinner into crevices and embellishments on the antique table.

3. 

   Leave the stripper on the table for thirty minutes to an hour as directed by the product label. Watch for the paint or table finish to start bubbling. Scrape loosened paint off gently with a plastic blade scraper or putty knife. Apply a second coat of stripper on areas that still have some paint left and scrape again. Allow the table to dry completely.

4. Sand the table with fine grade sandpaper. Use gentle pressure and move the sandpaper in the direction of the wood grain.

5. 

   Pour mineral spirits onto a clean cotton cloth. Wipe down the table with mineral spirits to remove all dust and residue. Let the table sit overnight or until it is thoroughly dry.

6. Use a fine bristle paintbrush to paint or stain the table. Paint in the direction of the grain. Gently wipe off stain, if using that finish, after it has set for 5 to10 minutes or as directed on the stain label instructions.

7. 

   Brush on a layer of satin coat urethane if stain has been used to finish the antique table. Pull the brush in the direction the grain runs. Dab the brush to apply urethane on turned legs and embellishments to avoid drip marks. Paint on a second layer of urethane after the first has dried.

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure that the work area is well ventilated to reduce harmful effects of fumes from the paint stripper, paint, stain and urethane

Resources

• Household Products Safety
• Environmental Impact Benefits
• Antique Dealers Guide