I need to refinish the top of my dining table, an old one (I grew up with it) which I doubt has any value to anyone but my family. It has a veneered top and a center section which collapses to store under the top. In places the finish is worn through to the raw veneer (I should have done something with it sooner).
Does it need to be stripped or should stripping veneer be avoided? Should I just sand it? Does all the remaining finish have to come off? If it needs stain I assume I’ll have to take off all finish, but is there any chance I might be able to go right to finishing? Where the finish is worn off the color appears similar to where finish remains. I’m guessing the color is the wood veneer itself and that it wasn’t stained. Is that likely? Might sanding lighten it anyway? I plan to put on at least three coats of poly to finish.
I’d appreciate any advice on any of this. Thanks.
Replies
I've had people bring "family treasures" into my shop for refinishing, but unfortunately, there's little I've been able to do to restore the old top. I usually suggest that they allow me to remove the old veneer, replace it with new, or build a new top with the same type of wood and profile. After they see the finished product, they love it. The only problem with this method, is that it destroys the antique value. If the piece is not to be sold, and stays in the family, they usually want the piece to look good, and are not worried about the value. Hope this helps.
Len (Len's Custom Woodworking)
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