How to Revarnish a Table

Work on your table outside. If that’s not possible, line the floor with a drop cloth and open the windows to ventilate the room. Wear rubber gloves and long-sleeved clothing to protect your skin.

Apply a thin layer of citrus-based wood finish stripper with a soft-bristled paintbrush. Let it sit for at least one hour. The old varnish should begin to bubble. If it doesn’t, apply another layer and wait for another hour.

Scrape away the old varnish with a putty knife and apply another thin coat of wood finish stripper. Wait for a further hour.

Wipe the table with coarse steel wool to remove the remaining varnish. The table legs or any parts that are oddly shaped may require more attention than the table surface.

Dampen a rag with lacquer thinner and wipe down the entire table. Wait for it to dry.

Sand down the table with 120-grit sandpaper and then wipe the surface with a rag to remove the dust.

Blot a thin layer of wood stain onto the table using a rag and rub it into the table. Staining will even out any discolored areas. Wait at least one day for the stain to dry.

Dip a paintbrush into the varnish, then brush it onto the table using light strokes. Work with the grain. When the first coat of varnish has dried, lightly sand the entire table with 240-grit sandpaper. This will give the next layer something to grip on. Wipe off the dust with a dry rag and then apply another coat of varnish using the same method.