How to Refinish a Table Top in 5 Easy Steps

Refinishing a table top is a great way to breathe new life into your furniture without replacing it. In this blog of Lumber Grand will walk you through how to refinish a table top properly, including tips for handling veneer and how to deal with tricky issues like water stains and white spots.

Materials & Supplies Checklist

Before you begin, gather these materials for a successful DIY project:

Having all the tools ready will make it easier to refinish a table top
Photo: Fonteino

How to Refinish a Table Top?

Are you ready to bring new breath to your old table top? Let’s walk through how to refinish the table top step by step below, starting with proper prep and cleaning.

1. Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Clean the Table

First, put down a cloth to keep your floor safe and set the table in the middle. Take off any bits or loose legs if you can.

Clean the top of the table well using warm water and soft soap. Don’t skip this step because oil, dirt, or mess can get in the way of finishing. After drying it with a new cloth, leave the table for 10 minutes before you go on.

A simple way to remove watermarks on wood tables is to mix baking soda with some drops of water, ͏then rub the blend over the mark. Refinish a table top without stripping it means putting a towel on the spot and using an iron on low heat for a few seconds.

Clean the top of the table to remove dirt and mess
Photo: RealShop.gr 

2. Step 2: Strip the Old Finish

Taking off the old cover helps the new color or paint soak in well. Use a paint remover or sanding method based on your table’s current layer. Put on the remover evenly with a brush, wait for the cover to puff up, then softly scrape it off ͏with a putty knife. Always follow the maker’s guide and wear safe gloves and a mask.

How to refinish a table top without stripping? If you wish to skip using chemical strippers, you can softly sand the top until it's dull and smooth enough for a new finish. This way works best if the old finish is in good shape but just needs a refresh.

Stripping the old finish can help the new color soak in well
Photo: Ron Hazelton 

3. Step 3: Smooth and Sand the Surface

After the old finish is off, it’s time to sand. Start with 80 grit paper for getting rid of bumps, then go to 120 grit and end with 220 grit for a soft smooth top. Sand with the wood lines for better results. After you sand use tack cloths to wipe away dust.

How to redo a table without sand? For small fixes, you can use a liquid duller to clean and make the surface rough without sand. This is a good sh͏ortcut if you're short on time or working with the thin veneer table top.

Smooth and sand the surface
Photo: ©fotyma on Canva,com

4. Step 4: Apply a Wood Stain or Paint of Your Choice

The exciting part is about to begin: customizing your table top. Select a wood stain that goes well with your style if you like to highlight the wood grain. After 30 minutes, wipe off any excess with a fresh cloth or brush. Before continuing, make sure to let it dry fully.

If you lean towards a modern, bold aesthetic, use a good quality paint. Remember to apply a quality primer first (especially if you didn't strip the old finish), followed by your preferred color. Binder is deployed in two thin coats, with adequate waiting time in between for the first coat to dry. For painting, acrylic latex paint is a great option for indoor tables because it's low-odor, easy to clean up, and dries relatively fast. Use a foam roller or high-quality brush to apply two thin, even coats. Let the first coat dry completely (usually 4–6 hours, depending on the paint brand) before applying the second one. This gives your table top a smooth, durable finish with even color coverage.

Apply a wood stain or paint with your style
Photo: Family Handyman 

5. Step 5: Seal with a Durable Finish

The last step in how to refinish a wood table top is to put a seal on it. This defends it against scratches, spills, and even daily use. If you want a more durable finish, use clear polyurethane on your kitchen or dining tables. If you are looking for a lower odor finish that dries quickly, use water based polyurethane or epoxy coating. If you want more ope, oil based finishes are more durable and provide richer colors compared to water based.

Use a foam brush to apply 2-3 thin coats and sand between coats with 220-grit sandpaper for a smoother finish. Allow the table not to be used for 24 hours after applying the last coat.

If you are wondering about how to protect a table top against long term damage, coasters and placemats are great options along with avoiding hot or wet items directly onto the wood.

Put a seal on table top help it against long term damage
Photo: My Perpetual Project 

Tips to Refinish a Veneer Table Top

Refinishing a veneer table top requires a bit of extra care compared to solid wood. Veneer is thinner and more delicate, so being gentle throughout the process is key. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind before you get started:

• Avoid Aggressive Sanding: Veneer is thinner than solid wood, so over sanding can damage or go right through the surface. Stick to light sanding with high grit sandpaper.

• Use a Light Touch When Cleaning: To avoid damage, do not use water or strong cleaning products on the veneer. For cleaning the surface of the table that precedes refinishing, a gentle touch with a soft cloth and mild soap will suffice.

• Use Chemical Strippers Sparingly: Veneer can lift or bubble if exposed to strong chemical strippers for too long. If you must use them, apply a thin coat and monitor it closely.

To discover more great tips for the furniture in your beautiful home, don’t forget to reach out to Lumber Grand at +1 (213) 834-1213 or email us at contact@lumbergrand.com to stay updated on our latest products.

Whether you’re learning how to refinish a table top for the first time or brushing up on your DIY skills, these 5 simple steps can help you get professional looking results at home. And once you're done, you’ll know exactly how to protect a table top to keep it looking gorgeous for years.