Hey there DIY freak! Love to keep each piece of furniture in your house shiny and beautiful like new? Then you must be always trying to find a way to refinish a restoration table. Well, me too! I like to maintain, repair, and restore my wooden furniture on my own through the best DIY techniques.
You are guessing it right! I am an expert in this. Are you worried about your old wooden table? No need to be worried! You have already reached the right place. You heard it so right!
Let me tell you a secret. I love to repair wood furniture, and I do repair the wood furniture of others as well. Let’s explore how to restore an old wooden table with me!
Before telling you in detail, let me share a simple glimpse of the entire process with you;
Restore Old Wooden Table
You can easily restore an old wooden table with the best DIY techniques. First, identify the damage and the issues, clean the table, repair the damaged areas with necessary materials, then apply finish to make it beautiful and let the finish dry before using the table.
No need to rush, buddy! You have just had a simple glimpse of the entire process. Interested in learning and exploring the entire process? Keep moving forward with me on the article!
Overview of the project-
Estimated Cost | Estimated Duration | Skill Level |
$500 | 48 hours | Beginners |
Table of Contents
Summery of the article is-
How To Restore An Old Wooden Table?
To be very honest, I always prefer easy and best ways to restore any piece of furniture. I don’t like to make it lengthy and hard. Because it can easily make anyone bored.
Well, yes! I also restore wooden tables, actually the old pieces applying simple and easy techniques. So, are you ready to learn how to restore an old wood table with the easiest and simplest techniques? Let’s directly roll the guidelines.
Step 1: Gather The Necessary Tools & Materials
Actually, before starting the restoration process, I always gather the necessary tools and materials to complete the entire process without any interruptions. I do this in the time of restoring a stained table.
These things are gathered before restoring the table-
Tools | Materials |
Sandpaper, putty knife, paintbrush, roller, sanding block, hair dryer. | Wood filler, tack cloth, clean cloth, damp cloth, wood stain or paint, sealer or protective layer, safety gear like gloves, goggles, dust mask, etc. |
Step 2: Prepare The Table
Now get ready to roll the process. The first thing I do is prepare the table for restoration. I generally use a soft cloth to clean the solid wood table.
Clean the table with a soft damp cloth evenly and remove all the dust, dirt, and debris from the wooden table. Then, I leave the table to dry before moving forward. You can follow this step when restoring end tables.
Step 3: Repair The Damages
Now, the most important part. Actually, repairing the damaged areas of the wooden table is very important to achieve a smooth surface and finish.
Basically, first, I apply wood filler to the damaged areas, such as gaps, cracks, scratches, holes, etc to fill them with a putty knife. The most important thing here is you need to remove the excess filler with the same putty knife.
Then I leave it to dry properly. Sometimes when I am in a hurry, either I use a hair dryer or I leave the fan of the repair area on. Actually, it helps to dry the filler quickly.
However, if you are restoring a teak veneer table, use wood glue to fix the peeled and chipped area.
However, this is a good chance to fix the wobbly table if it is wobbling. Moreover, trust me, using shims or rubber wedges or fixing the adjustable legs works really well.
Step 4: Sand The Table
Jus like restoring the pine table when the filler dried completely, I directly jumped to the next step. What can it be? Okay! Let me answer. It is sanding!
Sanding is actually necessary to remove the existing old finishes and also to match the repaired damaged area with the surrounding surface.
The best practice is to use fine-grit sandpaper with the help of a sanding block and sanding the wooden pieces lightly.
I hate to sand any wood pieces aggressively as it makes them really rough and ugly.
However, after sanding the table I clean the entire table with a clean cloth and remove all the dust and debris so that I can refinish the table perfectly.
Step 5: Refinish The Table
However, I always stay very careful during this step, ‘The refinishing’ step. Of course, you also need to be. Remember one thing: one mistake can change the entire look of the table and ruin it.
So, with extra carefulness, I take the chosen appropriate finish for my table and apply it following the direction of the wood grain with a paintbrush.
However, you can use a roller if needed and change the color of the table as well. Sometimes, I apply many coats of finish if needed. But always let a coat of stain or paint dry before applying another.
I do this to avoid getting a sticky finish. Well, after applying each coat I always wipe off the excess stain with a tack cloth.
This is how to restore table top finish along with the entire table. But in case, if you have a cherry table, apply this refinishing method when restoring a cherry wood table.
Step 6: Apply Protective Layer
Generally, I like to apply a protective layer to the restored wooden pieces. This is because it protects the wooden furniture from any kind of damage.
I apply the varnish to gain a smooth and beautiful finish look. I apply the varnish evenly and let it dry completely, then I buff it with a soft cloth in a circular motion to get the best outcome.
However, you can apply polish as well, and guess what? I always apply polish for glossiness and extra protection.
Wondering how to restore an old wooden picnic table? Don’t be afraid, the process is totally the same. However, you can avoid using polish if you want.
Types Of Wood Tables That Can Be Restored
Would you mind if I ask you a question before you learn how to restore old wooden table top along with the entire table? Can you restore all types of wood tables?
Actually, no. You can not just restore like a butcher block table. But of course, there are maximum types of wood tables that are restorable. Such as;
Types Of Tables | Details |
Antique Tables | Antique furniture means tables that are made of wood such as oak, mahogany, or walnut. |
Vintage Tables | Vintage tables of different eras for example mid-century, modern, or Victorian styles, and made of wood like oak, mahogany, walnut, pine, cherry, and teak. |
Farmhouse Tables | Made of reclaimed and distressed wood or made of solid wood such as oak, pine, and maple. |
Retro Tables | The tables from the 1950s or 1960s and made of reclaimed wood. |
Custom-Made Tables | Made of various types of wood like oak, maple, walnut, cherry, teak, etc, and personalized design. |
Well, how about moving forward to the next steps? Let’s go.
Types Of Wood Table Damage That Can & Can’t Be Restored
To be honest, all kinds of damages are not completely restorable. Yes! Actually, this is the truth. So, before jumping into what can you do to restore find out it the damage can be restored or not. Some damages leave their scars even after restoring and applying professional techniques.
However, let me tell you a good thing, maximum of the damages are restorable. Well, without wasting any more time, let’s explore the restorable and not completely restorable damages.
Restorable Damages | Not Completely Restorable Damages |
Surface scratches | Warping or twisting |
Water stains | Deep gouges |
Cracks and splits | Deep burn marks |
Missing wood pieces if you find any | Mold or rot |
Discoloration | Badly broken conditions like broken table legs, or joints |
Dents | Difficult structural damage |
Loose joints or wobbliness | ➖ |
Peeling or chipping (if you have any wood cover like veneer, laminate, etc) | ➖ |
Now, let’s explore how to restore old dining tables or old wooden tables.
How To Address Issues Like Warped Or Loose Joints In An Old Wooden Table?
Actually, in my opinion, it is important to solve the warping and loose joints issue during this procedure. Isn’t it?
I mean, when you are putting your precious effort into restoring the old wooden table, why would you leave this simple problem behind? Fixing them sounds good right?
I know it does! Let’s learn the method!
Warped Wood
Boom! In the morning, you are blessed with a perfect problem-free table.
Loose joints
How To Restore An Old Wooden Table Without Sanding?
Do you know I can guess something that might be poking you? Can you restore the table without sanding? Surprising! Right?
No, no! I am not an astrologer. Funny but actually I have predicted it through my long-time experience.
Well, jokes apart. I can actually restore a table without sanding. No buddy! You are not dreaming or hearing me wrong. I can actually do it.
I know! I know, you might be wondering, how can I restore old wood without sanding?
No need to be worried, my friend! I don’t wanna keep any secret from DIY freaks like me. Therefore, I am exposing the method of restoring the table without sanding with you.
I know, sanding might sound really hard and lengthy. Besides, some people face problems in using sandpapers like fine-grit sandpaper or coarse sandpaper. Through, using a sanding block can solve this issue.
However, as over-sanding can ruin the table, many people are afraid of sanding the table. But let me share with you how to revive an old wooden table without sanding it.
Here is the deal-
The process is actually simple. You need the same process that I mentioned above. However, first I prepare the old wooden table. I start by cleaning the table with a soft cloth. Moreover, I always choose a clean cloth to avoid mess.
Well, here is a piece of advice for you, a damp cloth can make it easier to remove dust and debris. Then, you just need to use chemical strippers like mineral spirits instead of sandpaper to remove the existing finish of the old wooden table.
The left steps of the process are totally the same.
I am pretty sure, now, if anyone asks you, How do you revive an old wood table? You have the solution and the best one so far.
How To Clean An Antique Wooden Table?
Basically, cleaning the antique wooden table is necessary. But do you know how to clean an old wooden table top along with the entire table? Don’t you?
Actually, it includes a few steps. Let me explain these all to you, buddy!
Basically, this is how to clean an old wood table easily. Now, chill and cheer! Clean your old wooden table using the proper methods.
What Is The Best Oil For Old Wood Table?
Now that you already know how to refurbish an old wooden table, let me ask you something, do you know the best furniture oil for old wood furniture?
Why are you worrying when you are with an expert like me? The list of the best oil for old wood furniture;
Tung Oil ➨ This is a natural and non-toxic oil ➨ It penetrates the wood deeply ➨ It provides a durable and water-resistant finish ➨ It enhances the natural grain of the wood ➨ This is perfect for restoring antique and vintage furniture | Danish Oil ➨ Provides outstanding protection to the wooden pieces ➨ It provides low-sheen finish ➨ This is absolutely easy to apply | Linseed Oil ➨ Traditional furniture oil and perfect for old wood furniture ➨ Linseed oil offers you an amazing protective layer on the wood furniture ➨ It provides a smooth and warm finish ➨ It protects the wooden furniture against moisture. | Boiled Linseed Oil ➨ It dries really quickly ➨ This is easy to apply ➨ Best choice for antique furniture restoration ➨ It brings out an impressive look ➨ It provides an original finish look ➨ It creates a natural finish on the wooden furniture | Teak Oil ➨ Designed for hardwood like teak wood ➨ Teak oil is one of the best choices for old wood furniture ➨ It provides a protective layer on the wood ➨ It works against moisture and direct sunlight or UV rays. |
How To Shine A Wood Table Naturally?
Trust me! It is really very easy like the water flaw to shine a wood table naturally. Yes, I am not lying at all! You can do it using 2 products that are available in your house.
Let me tell you how I do it!
First I take a bowl and take equal amounts of white vinegar and olive oil. I make a mixture with them.
Then I use a soft cloth to apply it. I rub the mixture on the entire table in circular motions. Well, after applying make sure you buff the table with a clean and dry cloth to remove the excess solution.
Actually, this helps to enhance the natural shine of the table impressively.
Common Mistakes And Ways To Avoid When Restoring An Old Wooden Table
No matter, if you are an expert or a newbie, it is normal for everyone to make mistakes. However, there are some common mistakes that people always make during the restoration process.
But here is a piece of advice from me, it is better to avoid these mistakes as a simple mistake can ruin your hard work.
Common Mistakes | Methods To Avoid Them |
Over-sanding | Do not over-sand the table, try to sand the table lightly as over-sanding can lead the table to a rough condition. |
Improper stain application | Try to apply the stain evenly and equally everywhere to balance it. |
Using the wrong products | Pick the right products for the restoration of the old wooden table. Because using the wrong products can bring you the worst result so far. |
Avoiding structural problems | Do not avoid issues like cracks, gaps, holes, or scratches. Try to fix these issues first before refinishing the table. |
Not drying the stain or finish completely | Drying the stain or finish is the worst mistake to make. Use a hair dryer or fan to dry the finish or stain fast. But make sure the stain or finish has dried completely. |
Using the wrong color finish or stain | If you are keeping the same old color of the table, try to match the color with the existing color before refinishing the table. Otherwise, the table would look really ugly. |
Tips To Keep Wooden Table Intake
I have shared a lot already. So I was thinking why don’t I expose some tips to you to keep your wooden table intake? Don’t you want to know?
However, these are some tips for you to keep your precious vintage piece intake after restoring it-
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ’s)
What Oil Shines Wood?
There are many kinds of furniture oil available in the market and these are designed for wooden furniture. However, furniture oil shines wood impressively.
What Considerations While Choosing A New Color Or Stain For The Table?
The most important thing that you need to consider is choosing the appropriate color and stain for the table. However, you can also consider these facts like quality, characteristics, your personal preferences, etc.
What Types Of Wood Stains or Finishes Work Best For Restoring A Vintage Table?
Actually, oil-based, water-based, gel stains, varnishes, lacquers, shellac, furniture wax, these wood stains or finishes work best for restoring a vintage table.
Can I Use Vinegar To Clean My Wooden Table?
Surely, you can use vinegar to clean your wooden table.
Conclusion
Hopefully, now you may know the solution to how to restore an old wooden table. Actually, the method is really simple though it is time-consuming and lengthy and you need to put a lot of effort into restoring it.
However, by following these easy steps you can definitely gain the best result so far. As a professional, I can assure you that.
So now that you know the process of restoration, what are you waiting for? Start the process and bring out a miracle!
Best wishes!
To learn more about restoring a table, stay with- Table Restore.
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