I am refinishing a round oak table top. The finish was peeling off.
I have sanded it first with 60 grit then 80 grit and 120 grit , 150, 180, and 220 grit, and now am ready to put on finish. should I use a conditioner before stain and polyurethane?
I saw at Home Depot that Minwax makes something called Polyshades – stain and polyurethane in 1 step.
Has anyone ever used it and what is your opinion?
Also, what are your suggestions for me to finish it. The kids are pretty hard on the table.
Thank You, Lisa
Replies
I used it years ago on a heavily used desk. It's held up quite well.
The purists here will "puke" all over it but don't worry, it will stand up to that and just about anything else you spill on it. :-)
Mark
Measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, cut it with an ax.
My answer to your question is "no" and "no". You don't use wood conditioner for hard woods; only pine and poplar, etc. Oak is very easy to refinish...you're lucky. Don't use the polyshades because the color will sit on top of the wood and you said that it gets hard use. Use regular Minwax stain if they have the color you want. After the stain drys you could use clear poly, brushed on. Actually, the Minwax poly has very good flow-out with a brush, especially the satin gloss. I might sand the last coat with 320 or 400 and put one last coat of their satin wiping poly on with a rag. Beauty!
Just so my comments in these forums are consistent, I wouldn't use a poly on a fine piece of furniture. But since this is for a heavy-use family table, I think its a good choice for a do-it-yourself-er.
Thanks for your help.
Lisa
I got kids... Diamond Plate?
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