How to Remove Varnish From a Maple Coffee Table

Varnish is a coating applied to some wood furniture pieces, such as wood coffee tables. Varnish helps to protect the wood from spills, stains and scratches. Varnished coffee tables have a glossy, smooth finish. In time, varnish may wear unevenly or degrade, reducing this luster and making the table look old and worn. Renewing these tables requires that you first remove the old varnish finish — the process goes most quickly if you use a chemical varnish and paint remover.

Thick rubber gloves
Drop cloth
Chemical paint and varnish stripper
Paint brushes
Putty knife
Rags
Sandpaper

Instructions

- 1
  Open doors and windows or take the maple coffee table outdoors so you will have good ventilation. The chemicals you’ll be using may release heavy fumes.
- 2
  Put on thick rubber gloves to protect your hands. Place a drop cloth beneath the coffee table to catch any of the stripper and removed varnish that spills .
- 3
  Open the container of paint and varnish stripper. Dip a paint brush into the container. Spread the chemical thickly over the maple table's varnished surfaces.
- 4
  Leave the paint and varnish stripper on the table for the length of time the product's label states you should. This varies depending on the brand of product.
- 5
  Scrape off the varnish using a putty knife. If the varnish is still not soft enough to do this, apply more stripper and wait several more minutes until it is.
- 6
  Wipe the table with rags soaked in water, if the product you used is removable this way. If not use the recommended substance indicated by the manufacturer's label. When you are finished, allow the table to dry overnight in a well-ventilated area. If any spots of varnish remain, sand those spots down in the morning.

How to Make Shelf Brackets

How to Cope Ogee Molding

Woodworking