How to Refinish a Wood Table

Scan your tabletop for any lumps or bumps. Use an electric sander to completely sand down the tabletop and make it as smooth as possible, then hand-sand the legs and any small grooves. Use the coarsest sand paper possible at first, then switch to a medium-fine to smooth it out.

Remove any trace of finish, paint or stain. You can use your electric sander for this or simply sand by hand. Even if you use an electric sander, you'll need to sand around the corners and in crevices by hand. Over-sand rather than under-sand to make sure you've removed all old materials; if you leave any trace of paint or stain, it'll affect your painting or staining later.

Apply a thin coat of stain to the table with a paintbrush. Apply evenly. Any stain is fine--choose whatever color you like best--but avoid the cheapest as they tend to be too watery, and don't spend money on the most expensive, as it isn't necessary. Allow the table to dry for 48 hours.

Use sandpaper to lightly smooth out any areas where you overapplied the stain. Apply a second coat of stain to the table, a little thicker but just as even. Allow to dry for 24 to 48 hours.

Apply two coats of polyurethane finish to protect the table. Polyurethane comes in many types, including satin and glossy finishes. Let the polyurethane dry completely between coats and sand lightly with 200-grit sandpaper or fine steel wool.