How to Refinish a Picnic Table

Want to give a fresh look to a picnic table? Since a picnic table is normally kept outdoors, special emphasis must be placed on durability. Luckily this doesn't have to take away from your table's look and feel. While for first-time refinishers this will certainly be no picnic, this process will take a good amount of time and technique no matter what your experience level.

Things You'll Need

• Chemical stripper Sanding gear Putty knife Rags Brushes Grain filler Sanding sealer Wood stainer Polyurethane

Instructions

1. Obtain a chemical stripper. While some strippers come in liquid form, others can be found as gels or pastes. Since you will probably be working largely on horizontal surface, the liquid forms should work fine. Read the instructions that come from the manufacturer of the chemical stripper.

2. Spread a coat of stripper over small area of your tabletop. Wait for the time advised in the manufacturer's instructions while the stripper does its work. Then, using a putty knife, remove the old finish. In places where the finish refuses to come off, use steel wool soaked in the stripper. In certain areas, multiple applications of stripper may be required. Repeat this process until you have covered the entire surface of your tabletop, as well as any attached benches if desired.

3. According to your manufacturer's directions, clean the remaining stripper from the surfaces of your picnic table with water or turpentine and wait for the wood to dry.

4. Sand the picnic table's surfaces as needed. The appearance of your new finish will largely rely on how well you sand. Be sure not to leave any rough patches or defects, and sand in the direction of the wood grain.

5. If your picnic table is made of oak, work grain filler into the grain. Since grain filler is a pigmented paste, be sure to choose a color that goes along with your planned design. This will depend on the color of the wood, the color you wish to stain it, and the degree to which you would like the wood grain emphasized. Apply the paste filler and press it into the grain along the surface of your picnic table. Allow the filler to dry before using a putty knife to remove excess, then sand lightly once again along the grain line.

6. Apply a sanding sealer to all surfaces and allow it to dry before lightly sanding once again. This will act as a primer for the wood, preventing it from absorbing too much of your stain.

7. Apply your chosen stain evenly to the wood with a brush or rag, and allow it to penetrate the wood as long as desired--the longer you leave it, the darker the color. Wipe off excess stain with a rag and leave the wood to dry. Repeat this step if you would like your wood darker.

8. Apply a polyurethane finish using a brush. This will make your picnic table highly durable and water-resistant. Depending on the manufacturer instructions, you may need to apply several coats and even lightly sand between applications. Allow your picnic table to dry and admire your freshly refinished work.

Tips & Warnings

• When using chemical strippers, be sure to have good ventilation, wear rubber gloves, and protect your eyes.