How to refinish a damaged red oak table? The finish is damaged, not the table. I want to strip and refinish it

Question

From what I have learned, I want to use oil based agents. What I want to do is strip the table, make it glass smooth, stain it very slightly darker, and then give it a deep glossy finish but without all the fussing of a real french polish. It is a solid oak round table, and has some end grain around parts of the edges. I do have patience, but then also do not want to take all year to accomplish this. Please help.

Forgot. Some abuse is inevitable. I have grandkids, so a hard durable finish is part of the goal.

Answer 1

It sounds to me like you've got all the steps figured out! I wouldn't spend toomuch time sanding the wood down to a smooth, glassy finish. You want the wood to remain a tad bit porous to absorb the stain. Also, there's no need to employ a french polish. The polyurethane products today produce remarkable results. I would sand the table down using 100 grit. Then I would wipe thoroughly, using a tack cloth to get the fine dust.
Afterwards, get a damp rag or spray bottle filled with water (spray is best) and dampen the wood. This will raise any "whiskers" (wood fibers) and prevent then from appearing later. Once the table top has dried, again sand the whiskers down using 100 grit sandpaper. Once satisifed, remove the fine dust and you're ready to stain. I would apply with a rag; seems to result in better coverage and penetration for me, but you can spray or apply with a brush also. Once dried, you're ready to apply your sealer. I'd use polyurethane and apply a nice thin coat with a brush. Let dry overnight, and then rub down slightly using 000 grit steel-wool. This will ensure the peaks and caps are worked down and maintain an even coat. Do this for a couple coats (I'd stop at 3)....I'd rub out with steel wool, after each coat (last coat should be rubbed very lightly).
Finally, I'd rub out the finish with a good quality wood wax and let it dry to a haze. Buff out, and repeat once more. This should give you the finish you desire, and now and again, you can apply another coat of wax to keep it looking shiny.

good luck

Answer 2

There is actually a special wood stripper that is fume-free!! I would look into this, if I were you. The fumes of a regular paint stripper is HORRIBLE!!

I can't quite remember the name of the product, but I'm sure it is on the internet!!

Answer 3

i would go as far as 150 sand paper and use a wood filler to even out the grain in the oak. apply the wood filler with a plastic squeegee and sand smooth when dry. gloss polyurethane would be your best bet for convenience and durability

Answer 4

polish it and stain it