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How to Buff a Table

A wood table is at its most attractive when it sports a deep shine and as flawless a surface as possible. Waxing the table helps bring out a high sheen by filling in visible and almost invisible nooks and crannies such as minor scratches and scuffs. But waxing isn't enough. Go one step further and buff the table, using the proper technique, to bring the shine to its maximum potential.

Things You'll Need

  • Soft cleaning cloths
  • Mineral spirits
  • Paste wax
  • Shoe brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean your table surface by pouring a small amount of mineral spirits, also known as paint thinner, onto a soft cleaning cloth and wiping it in long strokes back and forth. The cloth will pick up surface dirt and remove wax buildup. Let the tabletop dry completely.

    • 2

      Dip a folded cleaning cloth into a tin of furniture paste wax and put a small amount on the cloth. Apply it in the same fashion you did the mineral spirits, with a long, back-and-forth motion.

    • 3

      Let the wax application dry for several minutes.

    • 4

      Buff the tabletop by passing a clean cloth over the waxed surface, moving in circles this time. Keep at it until the table shines uniformly.