I have recently worked on a 1950’s dining table. This is an extension table with two leaf’s. It is Walnut veneer which is diagional on each section of the table (not that that is important). This table was heavily polished and coated with multiple layers of wax etc.
My question is what would be the proper steps to refinish this table based on some givens. Those being that I have already stripped the table top to bare wood using a chemical stripper called Circa 1850, made in Canada by Swing Paints – www.circa1850.com.
Given this senario what would you say is the best way to redo this table top.
What I did with the leafs was strip them the same as mentioned above and then repaired (filled) a few small dings with a minwax woodfiller. Applied two coats of a minwax dark walnut wiping stain followed by two coats of minwax clear satin polyurethane. The results, to some, were excellent. To me it could have been better.
Your thoughts, comments and opinions are more than welcome as I seek advise to become better. Thanks.
Best Regards
Kenne
Replies
Kenne,
Kudos for being tough on yourself.This is what makes us better. I grade everything I do and rarely get over 85 to 90 %
Whenever you strip a piece do yourself a favor and wash it down with denatured alcohol afterwards. Do small sections at a time and wipe it dry as you go. This will help remove any leftover contaminants.
It sounds like you made it quite dark with the two coats of dark stain. Next time try using a dye first. It can be a water or NGR ( non grain raising ) type. A golden brown or medium yellow would be my first choice. This gives the wood an " inner glow" to start with. You could then put your oil stain right on top. The results will be dramatic. The color will acquire far more depth. This is basic color layering and is very simple. A little practice will help also. Be sure and practice on something other than your table first. Dyes can be obtained on line or at many of the finishing suppliers.
Concerning the finish; use a gloss urethane for your first coats and the satin for the last coat. Your finish will have better clarity this way.
Also, take some time and read a few books on finishing. This will be time very well spent.
This is a bit off the track but due to your location ( and I don't know if you are even a fan or not) I was rooting strongly for the Oilers this past year. I really wanted to see the Stanley Cup back in Canada.
Good Luck,
Peter Gedrys
Thanks Peter for the input. Very much appreciated. I'll certainly give it a try next time.
And yes I am a fan. I was pulling pretty hard for them myself as I live in their back yard, so to speak. I have been to several games over the years including their first Stanley Cup. They beat the Islanders in 5 games to win the cup. Very exciting. Looking forward to next season.
Regards
Kenne
Kenne,
Thanks for reminding me. I was a huge Islanders fan at the time.
I saw the Oilers in January at Madison Square Garden. It was the night the Rangers retired Mark Messiers number. Quite a special night! They had the 1994 team there as well as the Cup. By the way, Jagr won it in overtime.
Peter
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