How to Fix Up an Old Table With a Peeling Wood Top

Sanding

• 1

  Wrap a strip of medium grit sandpaper around the sanding block. Position the table so the grain of the wood runs away from you, then smooth the sandpaper across the surface with firm strokes, working in the direction of the wood grain. Sand down the whole table top.

• 2

  Change to fine sandpaper, and repeat the sanding of the table surface. The finer sandpaper will give a smoother finish.

• 3

  Wipe down the surface of the table with a tack cloth to remove all the dust caused by sanding.

Staining

• 4

  Stir the wood stain thoroughly with a paint stirrer to mix all the pigments.

• 5

  Paint the stain onto the wood in the direction of the grain.

• 6

  Wipe off any excess stain with a clean cloth. Apply another coat of stain if the effect is not dark enough for your preference. Allow the table top to dry completely.

• 7

  Sand the stained table surface lightly with fine sandpaper and clean off the dust.

• 8

  Apply a second coat of stain in the same way you applied the first coat. Allow the stain to dry, then paint on a thin coat of varnish.

Painting

• 9

  Paint an oil-based primer on the surface using a paint roller. Allow this to dry.

• 10

  Roll on latex paint in the color of your choice with a clean roller. Keep the paint thin and even. More thin coats are better than one thick coat. Allow the paint to dry.

• 11

  Apply a glossy, water-based protective finish. Allow the table to dry for two days before placing anything on the surface.