Refresh & Renew Your Kitchen Table on the Cheap
If your kitchen table has seen better days, a quick DIY refinishing project can give it new life without breaking the bank. With some basic supplies, a little elbow grease, and these step-by-step instructions, you can transform a worn and outdated table into a stunning centerpiece for your kitchen or dining area.
Refinishing worn wooden furniture is an affordable way to update the look of your home without spending a fortune. Follow these essential tips and techniques for renewing a shabby kitchen table on a budget.
Preparation & Planning
Before beginning any refinishing project, it's important to set yourself up for success through careful prep work and planning.
Determine Table Finish Goals
Decide if you want your revamped table to have a modern, sleek appearance or embrace a more rustic, distressed aesthetic. Also consider how you primarily use the table. Is it mainly for dining or do you also rely on it as a workspace or extra storage area? The table's function should inform the type of finish.
Research Your Table Wood Type
Identify what kind of wood your table is made of, as certain woods have special staining considerations. For example:
- Pine is prone to blotchy staining, so conditioner is advised
- Maple can appear washed-out with darker stains
- Oak holds stain evenly for uniform coloring
Set Up Your Workspace Properly
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when refinishing furniture! Protect your floors, walls, and nearby surfaces from drips or spills by taping down drop cloths and loose items. Remove table leaves and work in a well-ventilated area.
Inspect Table for Flaws & Damage
Fill any cracks, gouges, or scratches with wood filler before sanding to fix imperfections and achieve a smooth finish surface. Consider lightly sanding the edges and rounded corners to prevent further splitting over time.
Sanding the Table
Proper sanding paves the way for a beautiful stained or painted finish. While manual sanding blocks work for small projects, renting an orbital sander speeds things along for refinishing full tables. Here are some best practices:
Technique Tips
- Always sand with the wood grain, applying even hand pressure
- Use progressively finer grit sandpaper to smooth wood
- Get into crevices with detail sander for full prep
Removing Existing Finish
Sand until the former stain or top coat has been completely stripped and you expose raw wood. Stop when you see consistent bare spots to avoid over-sanding damage.
Preparing Wood for New Stain
After finish removal, brush away all sanding dust with a stiff brush or shop vac. Wipe the table with a lint-free tack cloth to remove residue before restaining.
Staining & Sealing
With the table ready to receive a facelift, mindful staining and sealing steps will make the difference between a so-so and spectacular makeover!
Types of Stains
Consider oil-based stains for deeper penetration or water-based versions for easier soap-and-water cleanup. Gel stains also yield consistent, vivid coloring for an intense look.
Application Process
- Always test stains first on table bottom/interior
- Apply using smooth brush strokes following the wood grain
- Add thin coats, drying thoroughly between each
- Sand lightly then wipe clean between coats
Sealants for Protection
Shield your restained or repainted table from daily wear-and-tear and moisture damage by applying three coats of clear satin polyurethane. Allow ample drying time between coatings for best durability.
Don't let your blood, sweat, and tears go to waste! Preserve your table revamp by:
- Using placemats and coasters religiously
- Cleaning with gentle soap and water only
- Polishing occasionally with furniture wax
- Adding felt pads under table legs