Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63678457.tip.html

Staining a Coffee Table

Just purchased a used coffee table that needs help. The stain on the wood was done poorly. Do I need to strip it to re-stain or can I stain over the old stain.

Rose from Malvern, PA

Feedback About This Post:

RE: Staining a Coffee Table

Hi,
I've used this on furniture with great results, Howard's Restore-a-Finish. It costs about 10-11 dollars and they had it at our local Ace Hardware:

http://www.acehardware.com/product/ ... rentPage=search&searchId=20617577921

It does a nice job.
Susan from ThriftyFun

Post by ThriftyFun

RE: Staining a Coffee Table

Depends on what kind of topcoat was used. You could probably hit it with some steel wool first. Medium-course to remove topcoat then use a fine grade and re-stain. Make sure you wipe all the dust off before you re-stain. Good luck!

Post By Diane (Guest Post)

RE: Staining a Coffee Table

Better giving the coffee table a good sand down with rough sand paper first then a light sanding with the smooth sand paper before re-staining

Post By Gillian (Guest Post)

RE: Staining a Coffee Table

I use the Homer Formby kit for refinishing. Use ultra fine steel wool to apply the formula to dissolve the old stain and then finish with a couple of coats of semi gloss or matte sealer finish. This is just about the easiest way to finish any furniture that I have run across.

Post By Margie Minard (Guest Post)

RE: Staining a Coffee Table

Thanks Gladys,

The table has a lot of intricate wood work and would be laborious to strip. It is not scratched though. Perhaps I could try the Old English first.

Rose

Post by RealtorRose

RE: Staining a Coffee Table

Rose,

Usually you will want to strip it before you stain. In many cases, it will be hard to find an exact-match to the existing stain and even if you do get lucky enough to get a close match, there is no guarantee that the stain will absorb in the same way.

Depending on the damage / wear and tear, you might try putting a coating of Old English furniture polish on it before you go to the trouble of stripping and re-staining. I have found that you can often times get light surface scratches, etc, out with it.

Post by gladysb

Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63678457.tip.html
© 1997-2009 ThriftyFun.com

Disclaimer: ThriftyFun.com cannot accept any responsibility for any injury or damage that you may cause to yourself, others, or property when following any advice given on this site. Read the full disclaimer: http://www.thriftyfun.comdisclaimer.ldml If you find any information on ThriftyFun.com or in our newsletters that is either erroneous and/or potentially harmful to others, please Contact Us, immediately.