How to Rescue an Old Wood Tabletop

Sand the top of the wooden table using the coarse-grit sandpaper to remove any traces of lacquer finish or residue.

Sand the top of the table using the fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface of the wood, giving you with a flat, even surface. At this point, all dents, marks or imperfections in the wood should be gone or nearly invisible.

Clean the top of the table by wiping it down with a wet rag and a small amount of mild liquid soap. This will remove any dust leftover from sanding the tabletop.

Apply a thin coat of wood stain across the entire surface of the tabletop using the paintbrush. Be sure to apply the stain in a smooth, even motion going with the grain of the wood. Wipe off any excess stain with a rag as the wood will not absorb the stain and you will end up with a finish that is uneven. Allow the wood stain to dry before proceeding. This may take anywhere from four to 24 hours.

Repeat Step 4 to add another coat of wood stain if necessary. Note that the more coats of stain you apply, the darker the finish will be. Allow the second coat of wood stain to dry before proceeding.

Apply a coat of polyurethane across the surface of the table to seal the wood stain. Use a paintbrush and work in even motions going with the grain of the wood. Allow the polyurethane to dry for four to six hours.

Apply a second coat of polyurethane. If there are any imperfections in the polyurethane, gently sand them down using fine-grit sandpaper.