How To Refinish A Coffee Table Top

How to Refinish a Coffee Table Top

Coffee tables are the centerpiece of many living rooms, and over time, their tops can become scratched, dented, or stained. If your coffee table top is looking a little worse for wear, don't despair! You can easily refinish it yourself with a few simple tools and materials.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to refinish a coffee table top:

Materials you'll need:

Sandpaper (120-grit, 220-grit, and 400-grit)
Tack cloth
Wood filler
Putty knife
Primer
Paint or stain
Polyurethane
Foam brush or paintbrush
Screwdriver or drill

Step 1: Remove the table top

If possible, remove the table top from the base. This will make it easier to work on and will prevent you from accidentally getting paint or stain on the base.

Step 2: Sand the table top

Start by sanding the table top with 120-grit sandpaper. This will remove any existing finish and smooth out any rough spots. Once you've sanded the entire surface, switch to 220-grit sandpaper and sand again. Finally, finish sanding with 400-grit sandpaper.

Step 3: Fill in any holes or dents

If there are any holes or dents in the table top, fill them in with wood filler. Use a putty knife to apply the wood filler and smooth it out. Allow the wood filler to dry completely before sanding it flush with the rest of the table top.

Step 4: Prime the table top

Primer helps to create a smooth surface for the paint or stain to adhere to. Apply a coat of primer to the table top and allow it to dry completely.

Step 5: Paint or stain the table top

Once the primer is dry, you can paint or stain the table top. If you're painting the table top, apply two coats of paint, sanding lightly between coats. If you're staining the table top, apply one or two coats of stain, depending on the desired darkness.

Step 6: Apply polyurethane

Polyurethane is a clear finish that protects the paint or stain from scratches and wear. Apply two or three coats of polyurethane, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.