How to Refinish an Antique Mahogany End Table

Cover your workspace with old newspaper and open any windows in the room to provide more ventilation. While wearing rubber gloves, goggles and a dust mask, apply an even layer of paint stripper to the top of the end table.

Rub the old stain off the end table with rags and a paint scraper. Let the stripper sit as long as the manufacturer recommends before rubbing. Once you peel away most of the old stain, rub more stain on the legs. Go over the legs with the old rags and scraper, removing as much of the old stain or color as possible.

Apply more paint stripper by dipping the steel wool in it and rubbing the steel wool across the table in small circles. Check the table, looking for any signs of the old stain. Sand down the wood with 100-grit sandpaper, removing any of the old stain still left.

Fill any holes, scratches or chips on the end table with wood putty. Press the putty into the damaged space, leaving a small amount sitting over the top of the wood. Wait overnight until the putty dries and sand down with the 220-grit sandpaper. Sand down the top and legs of the table, leaving a smooth surface.

Paint mahogany stain on the table top and wipe of any excess stain with an old rag after 10 seconds. Move around the table, rubbing more stain on the surfaces and rubbing off excess stain. Flip the table upside down and stain the bottom, if you want.