So you have table that is still structurally sound, but out-dated, damaged with ugly white rings, or just plain hideous? Don’t be afraid to refinish it. It can be fun and distressing it is a great way to make it look different and add character. I will describe my process on a recent table.
- Step one: Sand or strip off original finish. Start with a strong grit like 60, changing the paper when it gets gummed up. Then sand it with something like 80 or 100 grit. You don’t have to be too perfect at this point since we are going to distress the heck out of it!
- Step two: Gather your tools. I have found that wire brushes work really well. You can find some pretty cheap ones at the hardware store that you can chuck into your drill. There are also hand driven ones, so you can get a work out at the same time! Other tools that are helpful are files, and a grinder.
A drill, wire brushes.
- Step Three: Start distressing! You can drag the wire brush across the wood any which way you want to achieve the look you want. You don’t have to go with the grain, you can create criss-cross patterns with the hand brush and circular patterns with the electric drill. (always good to practice on scrap wood until you get the look you want).
Wire hand brush
- Step Four: After you get the general look you want, I like to hit it with with the sander to smooth out the rough spots.
Orbital Sander
- Step Five: Apply finish. For this table I used a dark stain applied with a sponge applicator and then topped with a clear poly. (make sure to dispose of your oily rags in a proper container, they are a fire hazard!)
Dark Stain
Brushing on Clear Poly
Poly
- Step Six: Enjoy your new table.
The table turned out great!
Distressed top
Close up
Tales from a female woodworker 