Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - REFINISHING BUTCHER BLOCK TABLE
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05-17-01, 08:02 PM
I have an old butcher block kitchen table that had a finish on it when I purchased it.
It has some stains on it and the old finish is wearing of.
How do I refinish this table ?
It has some stains on it and the old finish is wearing of.
How do I refinish this table ?
George
05-18-01, 06:03 PM
First, you need to strip the table. Depending on the current finish, lacquer thinner, steel wool and elbow grease may do the job.
Use a wood bleach (oxalic acid) on the entire top. Oxalic acid comes in powder form (usually a one pound container), which is dissolved to make a saturated solution in HOT water. This solution is then brushed on the surface. Visible results in removing the stain usually occur within 60 seconds. Several applications may be neccessary. When the stains have been removed, wipe the table as dry as you can with rags, paper towels, etc., then allow to dry (at least overnight).
Next, put on a dust mask and sand the top to remove the grain raising caused by the water as well as remove any final traces of discoloration form the stain. I suggest the dust mask because any oxalic acid left on the table will have redried to powder form and will be stirred up into the air by the sanding. While not generally harmful, this powder is an irritant to the respiratory system. Due precautions should be taken.
Next you can stain, if need be. You can wipe the top of the piece with a rag wet with lacquer thinner (it won't raise the grain and it dries quickly) to see what the natural color is.
Depending on the amount of use (or abuse) you expect the table to take, here's a list of finishes, in order of durabiliity - weakest to strongest.
lacquer, wipe-on oil finish (any kind), standard varnish, polyurethane, 'Bar top' or Rock hard' varnish.
Have fun!
Use a wood bleach (oxalic acid) on the entire top. Oxalic acid comes in powder form (usually a one pound container), which is dissolved to make a saturated solution in HOT water. This solution is then brushed on the surface. Visible results in removing the stain usually occur within 60 seconds. Several applications may be neccessary. When the stains have been removed, wipe the table as dry as you can with rags, paper towels, etc., then allow to dry (at least overnight).
Next, put on a dust mask and sand the top to remove the grain raising caused by the water as well as remove any final traces of discoloration form the stain. I suggest the dust mask because any oxalic acid left on the table will have redried to powder form and will be stirred up into the air by the sanding. While not generally harmful, this powder is an irritant to the respiratory system. Due precautions should be taken.
Next you can stain, if need be. You can wipe the top of the piece with a rag wet with lacquer thinner (it won't raise the grain and it dries quickly) to see what the natural color is.
Depending on the amount of use (or abuse) you expect the table to take, here's a list of finishes, in order of durabiliity - weakest to strongest.
lacquer, wipe-on oil finish (any kind), standard varnish, polyurethane, 'Bar top' or Rock hard' varnish.
Have fun!