How to Stain a Dining Room Table

Refinishing a dining room table can give an old table a new life. Whether the table has been previously painted or stained another color, stripping and staining the table gives the piece a completely new look. This project is very simple and a task which could easily be accomplished in a weekend. The shade of the stain can help enhance the design of a room. A lighter stained finish can give the dining table a rustic or country feel. If you desire a richer, more contemporary shade, a darker stain is ideal.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 180-grit sandpaper
• Sanding sponge
• Wood stain
• Polyurethane
• Old, white t-shirt

1. Sand the entire table with a 180-grit sandpaper. Use the sanding sponge to get into all the nooks and cranies for an even new finish.

2. Wipe down the table and legs with a soft cloth to remove any dust or residue from sanding.

3. Use an old t-shirt as a staining rag. Dip a corner into the stain, and wipe it onto the surfaces of the table in long and even strokes, wiping off any excess to prevent dripping and spotting. Continue covering until the table and legs are stained in the new finish color.

4. Let it dry for about 30 minutes. You may then repeat with a second coat of stain if you desire a darker shade.

5. Seal the table with two coats of polyurethane polish to protect the surface and help to prolong the life of the attractive new finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Subsequent coats of stain will darken the color until you get the shade you desire.

References

• Staining Wood Furniture
• Wood Stain
• Staining

Resources

• Refinishing Wood