How to Refinish a Table

A worn or scratched table doesn't need to be replaced — it just needs a fresh start. Refinishing a table is one of the most impactful DIY projects you can do, and with the right tools and technique, you can achieve a stunning result that looks brand new. Here's a complete guide.

What You'll Need

• Chemical stripper: Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel
• Sandpaper: Atosun 45PCS Sandpaper Set (120–5000 grit)
• Orbital sander: DEWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander
• Tack cloth: Dura-Gold Pure Gold Tack Cloth, 12-Pack
• Wood stain: Minwax Wood Finish, Dark Walnut
• Topcoat: General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat, Satin
• Foam brushes: Bates Foam Paint Brushes, 16-Pack
• Staining pads: Trimaco Super Tuff Staining Pad, 12-Pack
• Drop cloth: GREEN LIFESTYLE Canvas Drop Cloth, 4x12

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Lay down a canvas drop cloth to protect your floor. Work in a well-ventilated area — outdoors or in a garage with the door open is ideal. Remove the table legs if possible to make sanding easier.

Step 2: Strip the Old Finish

Apply a thick coat of Citristrip to the tabletop and legs. Cover with plastic wrap to keep it moist and let it sit for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Scrape off the softened finish with a plastic scraper, working with the grain. Wipe clean with mineral spirits and let dry.

Step 3: Sand the Tabletop

The tabletop takes the most abuse, so sand it carefully. Start with 80-grit using the DEWALT orbital sander to remove any remaining finish and level the surface. Progress to 120-grit, then 150-grit, and finish with 220-grit for a glass-smooth surface. Sand the legs and apron by hand using the sandpaper set.

Step 4: Remove All Dust

Vacuum thoroughly, then wipe every surface with a tack cloth. Pay special attention to corners, edges, and any carved details.

Step 5: Apply Stain

Using a staining pad, apply Minwax Dark Walnut stain in long, even strokes following the grain. Let it penetrate for 5–15 minutes, then wipe off the excess with a clean cloth. For a deeper color, apply a second coat after the first has dried. The tabletop may need an extra coat since it's the focal point.

Step 6: Apply Topcoat

Tables take a lot of daily wear, so a durable topcoat is essential. Apply General Finishes High Performance Topcoat in thin, even coats using a foam brush. Apply at least 3 coats on the tabletop, sanding lightly with 220-grit between each coat. Two coats on the legs and apron is sufficient.

Step 7: Cure and Reassemble

Allow the final coat to cure for at least 24–48 hours before use. Reattach the legs and any hardware. Your refinished table is ready to be the centerpiece of your room again.

Tips for Tables

• Apply extra topcoat coats on the tabletop — it takes the most wear.
• For a dining table, consider a polyurethane topcoat for maximum durability against spills and heat.
• If the table has a leaf, refinish it at the same time so the color matches perfectly.
• Use felt pads on the bottom of the legs to protect your floors after refinishing.