How to Sand and Stain a Table

Photo: Niki from HomeMadeVille

Give your dining area a new look by sanding and restaining a worn-out table top. When we moved to a new home, our golden maple breakfast table just wasn't fitting in with the rest of the decor. I wanted a weathered grey table, but I loved how this table had sides that could be folded down and was the perfect size for the space. So, I decided to sand away the old stain and restain in a weathered grey.

Photo: Niki from HomeMadeVille

What You'll Need

• Sandpaper in varying grits, 420 ultra fine, 320 ultra fine, 220 fine, and 80 coarse
• Hand sander (required for fine and ultra fine grit sanding at the end)
• Electric sander, if desired
• Wood conditioner
• Several pairs of plastic gloves, made for staining and chemical use
• Facial masks for chemical use
• Protective goggles
• 2-3 tack cloths
• Floor or ground covering/protector
• Sponges
• Paint brushes
• Stain with polyurethane included
• Several lint-free cloths

Photo: Niki from HomeMadeVille

Before beginning, think safety first! Wear protective goggles, gloves, and a mask for every step. Work in well-ventilated area. Read and abide by all precautions on product labels—use only as directed, products may vary. Use protective covering on the floor under your table.

1. Sand Table

Begin with coarse grit sandpaper (80), then progress to a finer sandpaper (from 220 to 320 to 420). Be sure to sand with the grain of the wood. Wipe with a cloth between each grit to remove remaining particles. An electric sander with vaccuum helps to limit the amount of sawdust in the air.

Note: You can use a chemical stripper to help remove some of the stain before sanding. However, just sanding will work and is safer than using the chemical stripper.

​2. Remove Dust

Use cloth and tack cloth to remove all dust particles from table before applying wood conditioner. 

Photo: Niki from HomeMadeVille

3. Condition the Wood

Stir the conditioner thoroughly before applying. Use a sponge to apply evenly. Let dry according to conditioner directions.

4. Apply New Stain

Stir stain thoroughly before each coat. Apply stain in an even layer, letting each section dry for only a few minutes. After a few minutes, use a clean lint-free cloth to wipe away the excess stain. Don't wipe too hard or let your cloth get too wet. Let stain dry according to package directions.
​Note: The stain will appear darker in certain areas depending on the grain of the wood you're staining.  

Photo: Niki from HomeMadeVille

5. Achieve the Desired Colour

Reapply stain until desired colour is achieved. Sand with 320 and/or 420 grit sandpaper between each coat. Remember to wipe sawdust away with tack cloth before applying new coat of stain. Keep the coats of stain evenly distributed and wipe away the excess after a few minutes, just as before.

​Note: It took me five coats to get the look I was hoping to achieve, it may take you more or less. As you go, each coat begins to look even better.

6. Sand Once More

For a final smoothing, carefully sand with 420 grit sandpaper using hand sander. Make sure you move in the direction of the wood grain. Because the stain included polyurethane, there's no need to add additional poly to finish the table.
Now, sit back and enjoy family meals around your newly restained table. It's a labour of love that you'll be proud to say you accomplished.  

Photo: Niki from HomeMadeVille