Antique Entryway Furniture: Refinishing an Antique Wood Table

Mar 17, 2014 by adminway

Antique entryway furniture, like wood tables, can be of some value, even in worn out condition after many years of use. You can restore the finish on an antique wood tabletop without removing the many years of character is has acquired. Restoring an antique tabletop will protect the integrity of the antique while preparing it for future use.

1. Work in a space that is well-ventilated. Lay down a plastic drop cloth, and wear safety goggles and rubber gloves while working on this project.

2. Apply paint thinner or mineral spirits to the tabletop with a soft rag. Make sure that you move in the direction of the wood grain. This should help remove dirt, dust and other residue on the top of the table. If there are traces of paint on the antique wood tabletop, use steel wool soaked with mineral spirits to remove them. Gently rub the steel wool over problem areas.

3. Remove the mineral spirits with denatured alcohol. The mineral spirits will leave behind a residue. Apply a small amount of denatured alcohol to a clean rag and rub the rag on top of the table, again, in the direction of the wood grain.

4. With a wood stain pen, fill in any small areas of the table that are scratched. If there are numerous scratches, apply a small amount of wood stain with a paintbrush to the whole surface of the tabletop. Remove the excess stain with a clean rag, and allow the stain to dry for 24 hours or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Wipe the table with a tack cloth to remove dust. Apply a thin coat of polyurethane using a paintbrush to the top of the table. Let it dry for about 2 hours.

6. Apply a thin coat of polyurethane with a paintbrush to the top of the table. Let it dry for about two hours.

7. Once the polyurethane has dried, lightly sand the tabletop with 220-grit sandpaper. This will remove excess bumps or roughness. Wipe the table down with a tack cloth and apply a second coat of polyurethane to the tabletop. Let the polyurethane dry thoroughly.

But if you do not have an antique wood table, you can always get one that looks like one. Below are a few wood tables that can very well take its place.

Merge Foyer Table in Espresso Finish by Ave-Six

Add a touch of contemporary with the Merge Foyer Table in Espresso Finish by Ave-Six. It features wood veneers over composite wood top and sturdy wood legs. It comes in Espresso finish, perfect for either traditional or contemporary home décor.

SL-TCR 50 x 15 B/BG Wood Veneer Accent Table, Black Satin paint finish by Plateau

The SL-TCR 50 x 15 B/BG Wood Veneer Accent Table, Black Satin paint finish by Plateau features an open concept that compliments any room setting. It features wood parts in a rich Black satin finish, with high grade smooth-edged safety glass.

Sascha Console Table by Uttermost

Beautifully finished in English burl walnut, the Sascha Console Table by Uttermost features dark distressing on the turned legs, curved apron and sculpted edges. Reproduction style is updated with a forged metal stretcher in antiqued pewter with a gold accent band.