Refinishing an Heirloom

Around 1996, Papa's dad built an oak pedestal table. The 46" round solid oak table had three 11 inch leaves, which expanded to handle large family meals and lively activities. When Dad downsized and sold his home, the table continued its tradition of hosting large family gatherings but in another family member's home.

After twenty years of memories, meals, games and family, the table was beginning to show signs a wear. We were so excited when given the opportunity to move it to our house (thanks to a cooperative family effort) and revive this heirloom.

This was a project of love...and fear. Yes, we do refinishing and repurposing projects, but most of the time they are on a smaller scale and/or painted, not stained. This project was a first to match stain (not an easy task). The objective was to restore the table with a professional finish, free of any noticeable blemishes.

We started with the table in pieces and carefully checked for strength of joints and overall construction, making a few minor repairs as it was reassembled. The table leaves and pedestal were in good shape so only the table top, round-over edge and apron needed refinishing.

A little stripper removed the finish and lightened the stain. It took patience and many hours over several days to smooth the surface using a combination of orbital sander and lots of sanding by hand. The round-over was given a facelift using a router. Both the round-over and apron received delicate hand sanding. The methodical process allowed us to evaluate each step to minimize the chance of damaging the table.

With the table stripped and ready for staining, we took the opportunity to turn the top over and add an inscription using a wood burning tool. When we realized we needed help from family to recall the year the table was made, it seemed important to document details. Now this family heirloom is well-documented for future generations with the addition of the name of the craftsman, reason for the project (gift for his wife) and year constructed.

Next step: staining. Dad frequently used Minwax products so that's what we decided to use. We took one of the table leaves to a local paint store and tried to match the stain. We came away with red oak as the best match. Now, a more seasoned refinisher would have tested the stain prior to applying, but having the unfounded confidence of a newbie, the stain was carefully but quickly applied to the entire tabletop. Within minutes, we realized the stain left the wood too red. Now what?

You've heard the saying, "One step forward, two steps back?" We stepped back, back to sanding and trying to remove some of the stain. Then we created a custom stain using a mixture of ipswich pine (for the slight yellow hue) and early american (for the richer brown tones). Gently applying the mixed stain with a rag and rubbing it into the wood grain, we were able to give the wood a slightly darker finish than the original table, yet match the pedestal in overall tone.

Nervous, but hopeful, it was on to the top coats. We debated applying a durable epoxy finish. We watched several videos on technique, but ultimately felt we lacked the confidence to try it. Instead we opted for the Minwax family of products once again, using their Polycrylic top coat. We've used this before as a top coat on freshly painted kitchen cabinets and were pleased with the results. Still, a table is a different situation. We watched a long, but helpful video on how to apply polyurethane without air bubbles or blemishes. The tips learned in this video were very helpful and we would highly recommend it.

We prepped the surface by hand-sanding with fine (400) sand paper then wiping down the table top with a damp microfiber cloth. After waiting a few minutes, we used a tack cloth to wipe down the table again and, using the technique in the video, carefully but quickly applied the first coat of poly. We waited nearly 12 hours between each of the first three coats to make sure the foundation of the finish was solid. Between each coat, we hand-sanded until the surface was slightly white with dust, then wiped with the damp microfiber cloth and tack cloth before applying another coat. With each coat of poly, the richness of the wood seemed to deepen and our fears of ruining the table faded away.

The final finish coats dried quickly, so we applied each within a few hours of the previous one. Seven coats of poly were applied, stopping only when the table top had a smooth finish both visually and to the touch.

Few projects evoke the emotional reaction as this one did. The task of reviving a family heirloom was a push, but we're thrilled with the final results and will treasure the table for many years to come.