How To Refinish A Table That Is Not Real Wood

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Refinishing a table is not real wood, which can be a rewarding DIY project. But it requires careful planning and execution. The die finish was completely sanded off, and layers of stain. Paints were layered to create a washed wood appearance. The fact that the table was solid wood. I can use it. According to the many questions- How to Refinish a Table That Is Not Real Wood?

Most Tables Never Need Refinishing !

It can be touched up if it’s damaged with fillers and nitrocellulose lacquers. The original finish is usually nitrocellulose lacquer. It’s a really forgiving product when it comes to repairs, though damage to a piece’s top might not be able to be fixed. 

In that case, repairs might leave a circular haze that is permanent. That’s especially true on pieces that have a lot of shellac filler in the original finish.

Let’s start to read for more knowledge..

How To Refinish A Table That Is Not Real Wood

How To Refinish A Table That Is Not Real Wood?

How To Refinish A Table That Is Not Real Wood

To begin with, see, the office conference table envisioned shows up to be genuine wood. There’s wood grain on the beat and knicks along the edges. Looking at the beat, it’s exceptionally troublesome to decide on the off chance that the table is genuine wood.

This table had a center gap for a conference phone line. Looking at the cut edge of the gap, it was simple to see that the entire table top was not genuine wood. It looks as though ground-up wood was pressed back together, making layers. Wood would be much thicker and stronger than this.

The tabletop likely had a wood polish or cover made to look like wood on the beat. If I were to sand this entire table with my Dewalt rotating orbital sander or hand-sand it with coarse sandpaper, it would make unpleasant grooves within the tabletop that would appear through any stain or coat of paint brush.

Instead, utilize a really fine 220-grit sandpaper and delicately hand-sand the table best within the heading of the wood grain. It’s exceptionally critical to simply utilize a light touch and sand in exceptionally straight lines after the raw wood grain.

Remove any sanding process clean with a tack cloth or soggy cotton cloth. Then, wash the table with a degreaser like Krud Kutter or a TSP arrangement to evacuate any remaining soil and oil.

I selected a paint brush since the dining table was made of raw wood, and I could not evacuate the ancient wrap-up. If you arrange to utilize a fundamental latex, apply a preliminary and let it sit overnight to guarantee adhesion.

In any case !

My favored paint may be Benjamin Moore’s finish, particularly DTM Moo Brilliance. This painting follows nearly everything. There’s also a tall sparkle adaptation called Impervex.

The moo brilliance finish paint is solid and sufficient for a tabletop. Be that as it may, it doesn’t wipe clean as effectively as a better gloss wrap, and as you rub your hand over the beat, you will get a clean gray check from your hand print. In this manner, applying a clear coat over the moo luster is best.

There are a couple of water-based polyurethanes and polyacrylics to select from as your clear coat. Benjamin Moore’s Remains Clear is the finest water-based polyurethane I’ve found. It’s made of raw wood floors, so it’s exceptionally durable.

If you can polish Dining Room Table in the same way, it will get a new look. But there are some other issues such as cost and materials and etc.

Watch The Tutorial

Paint Furniture That Is Not Real Wood !

Paint a furniture that is not real wood

Evaluating The Worth Of Refinishing Non-Real Wood Tables 

Refinishing non-real wood tables is an able way to rejuvenate ageing pieces of furniture. Its value depends on different projects. Assess the current condition of the dining table and the quality of the execution. A structurally sound, well-designed piece often deserves an overhaul. 

Calculate your budget and factor in the time and DIY skills needed. Remember that a successful project can take several days. Additionally, research alternatives if the table’s condition is too compromised, and research market values ​​if you plan to sell the refurbished piece. 

Laminate is not wood, and veneer is wood. The difference between the two is that laminate is a material other than wood with a finish that looks like wood, while veneer is an actual thin slice of wood pressed onto the entire surface of a piece of furniture. According to how to refinish pressed wood furniture?

Understanding Non-Real Wood Types: Veneer And Laminate

Veneer:

Veneer is a thin layer of real wood, typically bonded to a substrate like plywood or particleboard. If you polish a veneer table top or table, it can enhance the natural grain and color variations of the wood, providing a genuine wood appearance. Veneer is suitable for furniture and surfaces where a genuine wood look is desired but may be less resistant to wear and tear compared to laminate.

Laminate:

Laminate is a synthetic material composed of layers, including a decorative paper with a wood grain pattern, bonded to a high-density fiberboard (HDF) core. It can mimic the appearance of wood convincingly while providing enhanced durability, resistance to moisture, stains, and scratches.

Necessary Materials For Refinishing A Non-Real Wood Table

Refinishing a non-real wood table, often referred to as a laminate or veneer table, requires a few essential materials to achieve a successful outcome. Here is a list of necessary materials:

Necessary Materials For Refinishing A Non-Real Wood Table
  • Safety glasses or goggles
  • Disposable gloves
  • Dust mask or respirator (if sanding process or using chemicals)
  • Drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect the work area
  • Painter’s tape to mask off any areas you don’t want to refinish
  • Proper ventilation (open windows or use fans if working indoors)
  • Paint stripper or adhesive remover (if the table has coat of paint or adhesive on it)
  • Plastic putty knife or paint brush scraper for removing old finishes
  • Clean, lint-free rags or paper towels
  • Mild dish soap and warm water for cleaning
  • Sandpaper (various grits, typically from 80 to 220)
  • Sanding block or electric orbital sander (optional but can save time)
  • Tack cloth to remove sanding dust
  • Wood filler for repairing any dents or gouges
  • Putty knife or scraper for applying the filler
  • Fine-grit sandpaper for smoothing the filled areas
  • Primer suitable for non-real wood surfaces
  • Paint in your desired color and finish (latex or oil-based, depending on preference)
  • Paintbrushes or foam rollers
  • Paint tray and liners
  • Painter’s tape (if needed for precise lines)
  • Wood stain in your chosen color
  • Wood conditioner (if recommended for the type of stain)
  • Staining applicator (brush, cloth, or sponge)
  • Polyurethane or clear wood finish for sealing
  • Polyurethane applicator (brush or foam brush)
  • New hardware (drawer pulls, knobs, etc.) if desired
  • Screwdriver or drill for attaching hardware
  • Felt pads or furniture glides to protect the table’s bottom
  • Mineral spirits or paint thinner for cleaning brushes and tools (if using oil-based products)
  • Water and soap for cleaning brushes and tools (if using water-based products)
  • Empty containers for disposal of used paint thinner or other chemicals
  • Fire extinguisher (for emergencies)
  • First aid kit (for minor injuries)

Before starting the refinishing process, always read and follow the instructions on the product labels, and take appropriate safety precautions. Additionally, the specific materials you need may vary depending on the condition of the table and the desired finish, so adjust the list accordingly.

How Much Does It Cost To Refinish A Non Wood Table?

Even the sturdiest wooden table gets worn down by every wear and tear. And when that happens, it’s time to give it a fresh look by refinishing it. By refinishing, you strip down the old, worn rear of the solid wood furniture and use a stain to give it a flawless entire surface and like-new shine.

  1. It costs a normal of $250 to refinish a table, with a commonplace expense of $150–$400.
  2. The low cost to refinish a solid wood piece table is $80. The best cost is $700.
  3. Your project’s cost will generally depend on table size.
  4. If you do it yourself, the project may cost as little as $20–$120.

On average, getting your table refinished will cost $250. But this varies depending on the type and size of your table. Here’s your expectation to pay.

Average CostLow EndHigh End
$250$80$700
How Much Does It Cost To Refinish A Non Wood Table

Tips To Maintain The Refinished Table

Apply the Stays Clear with a good quality natural brush. Brushing on a clear coat is very different from brushing on a coat of paint. Work in the direction of the solid wood piece grain from one end of the discolor solid wood table to the other, then move on to the next section.

Tip 1: Once you go past the area you’ve brushed on, don’t  go back to it. In case you find a defect, you must hold up for it to completely dry.

Tip 2: You must apply a second coat but allow it to dry completely between coats.

Tip 3: In the event that, after the moment coat. You see spots that seem like. You’ll  have missed it. You’ll have to apply another coat to the complete solid wood table. In case you are doing a fair area, the touch-up will appear when it dries.

This table took four coats to achieve a completely smooth finish surface. The final result is stunning…

Can A Non-Real Wood Table Look As Good As Real Wood After Refinishing?

A non-real wood table can look as good as real wood after refinishing. It ensures high-quality materials are used, and the refinishing process is skillfully executed.

Refinishing a non-real wood table to match the visual appeal of real wood is achievable with the right approach. It hinges on using high-quality non-real wood materials that closely resemble real wood and the expertise of a skilled refinisher. 

Through proper entire surface preparation, applying suitable stains, and careful attention to detail. It’s possible to transform the table’s appearance, achieving a finish that closely mimics the warmth and richness of genuine wood. With ongoing maintenance, a refinished non-real wood table can be maintained. It’s been a wood-like charm for years.

Read Also :- How to fix warped wood table from water

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Paint Over A Table That Is Not Real Wood?

Yes, you can paint over a table that is not made of real wood. Many coffee tables are constructed from materials like particleboard, MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard), laminate, or other engineered wood products.

What Kind Of Finish Should I Use On A Non-Wooden Table?

The type of finish depends on the solid wood table material:
Glass: No finish needed, use glass cleaner.
Metal: Consider powder coating or clear coat.
Plastic: No finish, clean with mild soap and water.
Concrete: Seal with a concrete sealer for protection.

Can You Refinish Fake Wood?

Refinishing fake wood is challenging but possible with paint, vinyl wraps, or specialized kits. Consider consulting a professional for best results.

Can You Sand A Fake Wood Table?

Sanding process of a fake wood table is generally not recommended as it can damage the entire surface. Consider other refinishing options like painting or using a vinyl wrap.

Is Ikea Furniture Laminate Or Veneer?

Ikea furniture is typically made with a combination of materials, including both laminate and veneer, depending on the specific product and series.

Conclusion

At the end, I can say that, To refinish a table that is not real wood. You can use techniques like painting, staining, or applying adhesive wood veneer to achieve a refreshed and upgraded look. If you want to Refinish a Table That Is Not Real Wood. Then you have to follow my article step by step guide “ How to Refinish a Table That Is Not Real Wood ?”.

Note

I created this article so that you can easily refinish your old table. If you read my article carefully, you will understand that refinishing an old table is easy. Additionally, if you encounter issues like fix sticky varnish, you can address those with appropriate solutions.]

Richard Journey

Written by

Richard Journey

Meet Richard Journey, the Antique Furniture Maestro. With a Fine Arts degree in Furniture Restoration and Conservation, he’s a guardian of historical craftsmanship. His accolades include the Golden Chisel Award, and he’s your guide to discovering and restoring antique treasures.

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