How to Refinish a Mid Century Coffee Table
Mid century coffee tables are beloved for their classic and timeless styling, but over time the finish on a mid century table can begin to show wear and tear. Refinishing your table is an excellent way to make it look as good as new. This guide will teach you how to refinish a mid century coffee table step-by-step.
Gather the Supplies You’ll Need
Before you begin refinishing your table, it’s important to make sure you have all the supplies you will need. You can find most of these items in home improvement stores, but you can also purchase a refinishing kit online. The supplies you’ll need include:
- Stripper – Are used to remove the existing finish from the table.
- Sandpaper – Used to sand down the table after the existing finish has been removed.
- Filler – Used to fill in any imperfections in the table.
- Paint – For painting the table a new color.
- Varnish – Used to protect the finish and give the table a beautiful shine.
Strip the Table
Once you have all of the supplies that you need, the first step is to strip the table of its existing finish. Start by spreading out a drop cloth or an old sheet on the ground. Then, apply the stripper to the surface of the table with a brush, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly. Leave the stripper on the table for the amount of time specified on the product label, then rinse the table off with warm soapy water.
Sand and Fill the Table
Once the existing finish has been removed, sand the table with 220-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface. Pay close attention to any areas where the table may have imperfections, such as scratches or dents, and use a filling compound to fill in these areas. Once the table is smooth, rinse it off with warm soapy water one more time and let it dry completely.
Paint the Table
Now that the table is prepped and ready to go, it’s time to paint. Start by applying a primer to the table and allowing it to dry completely. Then, use a roller or a brush to apply multiple light coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding the next. Once you are satisfied with the coverage, let the paint dry for the amount of time specified on the product label.
Varnish the Table
The final step is to protect the finish with a few coats of varnish. Apply one coat of varnish to the entire table and allow it to dry completely before applying a second coat. Once you are satisfied with the sheen and the durability of the finish, your table is ready to be enjoyed in its renewed glory.
It’s important to note that this process can be time consuming and it may take multiple attempts to get the finish just right. But with some patience, dedication and attention to detail, you will have a mid century coffee table that looks as good as new.
