Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - refinishing conference table
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Gordon Beattie
02-19-02, 07:29 AM
We have a large conference table that overall is in good shape. A few minor scratches. What is the best way to refinish the table without taking it down to the bare wood? I need to get rid of the small scratches and coats of wax(Pledge). We want to put a high gloss coat of verethane on the table. What is the best way to do this sand paper or steel wool?
George
02-19-02, 04:20 PM
Last things first: If the table was commercially finished to begin with, their's a good chance it has a LACQUER finish. If that's the case you can't use Varithane without stripping the current finish completely off.
Dampen a rag with lacquer thinner. Rub in a small circle on an out of the way spot - like the inside of a leg. If the rag starts to drag and/or stick, you've got a lacquer finish.
That's goodnews/bad news if you have a lacquer finish. Bad news is, as I mentioned, you can't apply Varithane over it. Good news is you can probably repair the current damage with a minor expenditure of $$ and a large expenditure of elbow grease.
Buy an aerosol lacquer (I use Deft) and several pieces of 600 grit wet/dry paper, a sanding block (small) and a can of Turtle Wax Polishing Compound and Scratch Remover, and a small can of Naphtha (from your paint store).
Use the Naptha to thoroughly clean the piece. It will cut grease, oil, dirt and wax, but will NOT harm any cured finish. Be careful...it is flammable.
Spray the scratches with the aerosol. Don't try to fill them up with one pass - it ain't gonna happen. Let it dry. Use the sand paper, lubricated with water, and supported by the sanding block, to sand away the overspray. Wipe the debris and water away, let dry, and repeat. You'll get to the point where you've completely leveled the scratches. At this point, use the Turtle Wax on the entire top, to even the sheen and shine it up as much as you want.
Dampen a rag with lacquer thinner. Rub in a small circle on an out of the way spot - like the inside of a leg. If the rag starts to drag and/or stick, you've got a lacquer finish.
That's goodnews/bad news if you have a lacquer finish. Bad news is, as I mentioned, you can't apply Varithane over it. Good news is you can probably repair the current damage with a minor expenditure of $$ and a large expenditure of elbow grease.
Buy an aerosol lacquer (I use Deft) and several pieces of 600 grit wet/dry paper, a sanding block (small) and a can of Turtle Wax Polishing Compound and Scratch Remover, and a small can of Naphtha (from your paint store).
Use the Naptha to thoroughly clean the piece. It will cut grease, oil, dirt and wax, but will NOT harm any cured finish. Be careful...it is flammable.
Spray the scratches with the aerosol. Don't try to fill them up with one pass - it ain't gonna happen. Let it dry. Use the sand paper, lubricated with water, and supported by the sanding block, to sand away the overspray. Wipe the debris and water away, let dry, and repeat. You'll get to the point where you've completely leveled the scratches. At this point, use the Turtle Wax on the entire top, to even the sheen and shine it up as much as you want.