How to Refinish a Coffee Table to Make It Look Antiqued

Spray the coffee table liberally with an all-purpose cleanser. Wipe it down with a soft cloth.

Attach a piece of 80-grit sandpaper to the bottom of the electric sander. Run the sander across the surface area of the table, buffing off the old finish. Repeat with 200 and 300-grit sandpaper. Pay attention to the edges of the table, rounding them out, smoothing out all sharp edges and corners.

Wipe down the coffee table with a tack cloth, taking off all the dust from sanding. Fill a plastic bag with 30 screws and twist it tightly, knotting it. Smack the bag vigorously against the table creating dents, nicks and other imperfections. Continue until you have weathered the wood to your satisfaction.

Dip a 3-inch nylon brush into a cherry, mahogany or ebony stain. Apply a light coat of stain, following the direction of the wood's grain. Allow it to soak for 20 minutes and then wipe it off. Follow with a second coat of stain, if appropriate. Allow it to dry overnight.

Cover the table in a light, clear coat of polyurethane the next day. Allow it to dry overnight.