How To Refinish Pottery Barn Table: Everything You Need To Know

Author:

Richard Journey

Published:

December 30, 2023

Updated:

March 28, 2024

Is your pottery burn table discolored? Is your pottery barn table worn out? Is your pottery barn table finish coming off? Do you want to revive your favorite table? Do you want to know how to refinish pottery barn table? Do not worry. We have solutions to all your questions.

Refinish Pottery Barn Table

You can definitely refinish your old and ugly pottery barn table and give it a new and shiny finished look. But you need to follow the right method and the proper guidelines to complete the process and get the best result so far.

Key Takeaways:

There are different types of refinishing methods. You can choose the method that works best for you. Also, you can combine a few methods depending on your time and skills.
It is important to gather all the tools and materials in one place before starting to work. It saves time and doesn’t bother the workflow.
Whether you apply wood stain or varnish, it is necessary to sand between each coat. It makes the surface smooth for the next application.

This is not the end of the process. There’s a lot more to this! Read ahead and you will get answers to all the questions you have in mind. What are you waiting for?

Why Refinishing A Pottery Barn Table Is Required?

Refinishing a pottery barn table is a satisfying job. Watching your comfort table slowly transform in front of your eyes feels amazing. And if the transformation happens by your hands, it makes you feel proud. Refinishing a pottery barn table not only transforms the table but also the appearance of the room the table is in. It brightens the room as well as your mood. It is easy to do and feels rewarding.

How To Prepare A Pottery Barn Table For Refinishing?

There is no pottery barn repair policy. So, refinishing is the only way to revive a pottery barn table. There are a few things you should do before you start refinishing. These are:

Clean the table thoroughly before starting to work. You can use solvents like mineral spirits for a deep clean. You can use mild water or chemical cleansers. But if you are worried about stripping pottery barn table, you shouldn’t use them.
Before refinishing, inspect the table and perform all the pottery barn furniture repair methods for damages such as scratches, stains, small dents or holes, etc. For scratches, use sandpaper or shellac. For stains, use a vinegar-olive oil mix. For small dents, use a pottery barn seadrift touch-up kit.

How To Refinish A Pottery Barn Table? Step-By-Step Guidelines

Refinishing a pottery barn table requires following certain steps. These steps are interconnected. So, it is a must to follow the instructions step by step to get your desired outcome.

Apply A Primer

It is necessary to use a primer if you want to paint the table with regular household paint. Use a brush and apply a thin layer of primer. Do it in the direction of the grain for grain-like brush strokes. It creates a pottery barn finish.

Paint The Table

First, you need to choose the color of the paint. You can use the previous colors. But if you want to change the color, choose according to your preference. Use quality brushes to apply the paint for an even application. Use thin coats of paint.

Glaze The Table

Stir the glaze before starting to apply it. Use a brush that is long and has soft bristles. Apply a thin coat all over the table. Do not use too much glaze unless you are aiming for a darker finish. Thick coats are unnecessary and they take a lot of time to dry.

After applying the glaze, take a dry paintbrush and wipe the table with it. It will provide a smooth surface. Use the brush in the direction of the wood grain.

Use Polyurethane

The last step is to apply a finish. You can use a water-based finish or oil-based finish like polyurethane. The oil finish is more durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and other damages. For pieces of furniture like tabletops, and coffee tables, which are frequently used, it is better to apply an oil finish to them.

But for other solid wood furniture like an entire dresser table, console table, etc, a water-based finish will be enough. Use a soft paintbrush to apply it. Apply a few coats before the final coat and light sanding between the coats. You can use it when replacing patio table glass.

What Are The Different Refinishing Methods Of Pottery Barn Tables?

There are different methods to refinish a pottery barn table. You can use the one that works for you. Also, you can combine a few of the methods to your liking. You can refinish a pottery barn banks table following these steps too.

What Tools And Materials Need To Refinish A Pottery Barn Table

Painting The Table

Pottery barn tables are known for their colorful, unique, and comfortable design. Painting is a popular way of refinishing a pottery barn table. Painting a table not only increases the beauty but also brightens the entire room. You can change the appearance by painting it with a different color. It is less expensive as you can use any paint you want.

Staining The Table

Staining the table brings back the natural beauty of the table. You can also change the appearance of the table using wood stains. For example, your table is a dark mahogany color but you want a gray table. You can just use a grey stain and you will get the outcome you wanted.

Varnishing The Table

Varnishing not only brightens the table but also adds a layer of protection. It makes the paint or stains durable and resistant to damage like stains, scratches, dents, holes, etc. There are a lot of different varnishes. Oil-based varnishes are by far the best ones. It adds a gloss finish to the table, making it more durable than other finishes.

Different Types Of Pottery Barn Tables?

Pottery Barn is a US-based subsidiary company. It is known for its natural, unique, comfortable wooden furniture designs. There are all sorts of solid wood tables. Some of them are:

Extending table.
Rectangle table.
Round table.
Oval table.
Square table.

What Tools And Materials Need To Refinish A Pottery Barn Table?

These are tools and materials required for refinishing a pottery burn table. Make sure to gather them in one place to avoid any accidents. It will also save you time without bothering your workflow.

Grit Sandpaper. Sandpapers are used to repair a split tabletop as well.
Quality Brushes (Foam brush, paint brush)
Soft Cloth
Damp Cloth
Tack Cloth
Paint
Wood Stain
Finish (Polyurethane, Tung Oil)
Pottery Barn Seadrift Touch-up Kit
Pottery Barn Furniture Repair Kit
Protective Wear (Gloves, goggles, apron, etc). Safety gear is needed even when repairing a melamine table.

How To Refinish A Pottery Barn Outdoor Table?

How to refinish a Pottery Barn outdoor table? It is easy and satisfying. Follow along the steps. The same method also works to refinish pottery barn bed.

Sand The Table

Take 120 grit sandpaper and sand the entire table. Now with the help of a damp cloth clean the surface. Let the surface dry and wipe it with a tack cloth.

Apply The Wood Stain

Can you stain Pottery Barn furniture? Yes, before applying the stain, slowly stir it to remove the air bubbles. Use a 2-3-inch brush and apply the stain using long back-and-forth brush strokes. It prevents streaking. Apply a few coats of stain. Let the stain completely dry before applying the next coat of stain. Light sanding after each coat of stain makes the surface smoother for the next application.

Apply New Finish

Pottery Barn is known for its natural-looking finish. So, choose the finish carefully so that you don’t ruin the appearance of the furniture piece. I suggest using tung oil. It gives any piece of furniture a natural-looking finish. Use quality brushes to apply the oil for a perfect piece.

I recommend using a foam brush for even strokes. Apply a few coats of finish. Let a coat dry, sand the surface lightly, and apply the next coat. You can repair the damaged part when repairing a fire pit table.

Tips For Refinishing A Pottery Barn Table

There are some tips you can follow to achieve the best outcome. These are easy but make a lot of difference in the refinishing process. These are:

Clean the table thoroughly before starting the process. Use a damp cloth to wipe the entire table.
While applying a wood stain or finish, always sand between coats.
When sanding the table or applying anything, work in the direction of the wood grain.
The Pottery Barn table is made of raw wood. It is better to use an oil finish.
Apply a few layers of wood sealer to give the surface a protective layer.
Allow the table enough time to cure before using it.

How To Care For And Maintain A Refinished Pottery Barn Table For Longevity?

Refinishing the table is not enough to make it sustainable. You need to take care of the table and maintain it regularly. You can follow these tips to increase the durability and longevity of the table.

Regular maintenance is very important to make the finish durable. Use a damp cloth to wipe the dust regularly. Use a mild chemical cleanser once in a while to prevent the dust from sitting on the surface. You can use solvents like mineral spirit for a deep clean. But use it occasionally as it can strip off wood stains or finish.
Keep the moisture content levels in check. Raw wood starts to dry as soon as it is harvested. Any increase or decrease in the moisture content level of the wood can cause it to warp or dry. Use a moisture meter to check the moisture level regularly. Change the temperature of the room based on the situation to balance the moisture level.
Protective pads, for example, coasters and placemats can be used to prevent scratches, heavy objects, stains, hot surfaces, etc. It protects the surface and increases the durability of the table’s finish.
Do not place the table around the windows where it can get in touch with direct sunlight as UV rays can damage the table. It can cause sun fading. Retouch the wood sealer once in a while to make the protective layer strong.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is There Any Pottery Barn Repair Policy?

Unfortunately. Pottery Barn doesn’t offer any warranty on their products. Instead, there is a 30-day return policy.

Can I Stain Pottery Barn Furniture?

Surely. It is one of the most popular ways of refinishing a pottery burn table.

Do I Clean The Pottery Barn Table Myself?

Yes, you can. It is easy to do and doesn’t require any exclusive tools or materials.

Are There Specific Considerations For Refinishing Different Types Of Pottery Barn Tables?

For outdoor tables, using a varnish or protective layer is a must. Outdoor tables are more prone to damage compared to indoor tables.

Conclusion

Refinishing a pottery barn table changes the whole outlook of your home. It is easy to do. To refinish pottery barn table yourself, you need a guideline with detailed instructions. Follow this step by step guide and change the outlook of your house the way you want.

To learn more about restoring a table, stay with- Restore Journey

2 responses to “How To Refinish Pottery Barn Table: Everything You Need To Know”

Jennifer

February 9, 2024

My daughter spilled nail polish remover on our pottery barn wood table and it looks like it has eaten or dissolved the first layer in a 7x 7” section. How can we repair?

Reply
1. Richard Journey
  
  March 16, 2024
  
  If nail polish remover has damaged your wood table, here’s how to fix it.
  
  First, you need to sand the affected spot gently with fine-grit sandpaper. Make sure to move in the direction of the wood grain to avoid more damage.
  
  After sanding, wipe the area with a damp cloth to get rid of the dust.
  
  Next, apply a wood stain that matches your table to the sanded area, and follow the instructions on the stain for the best outcome.
  
  Once the stain dries, protect the area with a clear wood finish or varnish. You might need to repeat the staining and sealing steps to get it to match the rest of your table.
  
  Reply