how to varnish/stain wooden table?

wimbleQ

Hi

We have a lovely old wooden dining table which we've sanded down.

We're wondering whether it's best to stain or varnish it or use french polish? Please can anyone offer any tips/advice on preparation and which is best to use?

Also after sanding is it best to run over it with just a damp cloth to remove the dust or add a bit of white spirit to the damp cloth?

Ta muchly!

keith969

I used beeswax on my (pine) dining table. Don't use water to remove the dust, it makes the grain swell - use white spirit.

moonrakerz

keith969 wrote: »

I used beeswax on my (pine) dining table. Don't use water to remove the dust, it makes the grain swell - use white spirit.

............... or a tack cloth, about £1 each.

I've just done an oak dining table. Used several coats of Finishing Oil to bring out the grain then beeeswax on top.

wimbleQ

Hello

Thanks for the replies above - will definitely use white spirit instead of water to clean.

I like the idea of beeswax but think we'd like to add a hint of colour so were wondering about staining or french polishing, so if anyone has tips for using either of these that would be great.

Whichever we go for in the end should we just apply a top coat of ordinary clear varnish to seal and make waterpoof at the end?

keith969

What sort of wood is the table made of?

French polish only really makes sense on something like mahogony, and its not really practical for everyday use - spill a glass of wine on it and it will be ruined.

Staining is fine, but if you varnish then any marks and you'll have to sand it all down and redo the varnish. A finish like beeswax if applied regularly will protect the surface for a long time and will waterproof it.

Yorkshire_Bred

I would apply stain to suit depth of colour required and 1 x coat of Sanding sealer prior to waxing. DO NOT VARNISH!! it will not adhere to the wax!!

moonrakerz

I would be very careful about using stain. I used it on my table and it looked dreadful; much, much darker than it purported to be !
Took it back to bare wood again and used oil instead.

wimbleQ

Thanks everyone. Will go and look at the oils, wax and stain tomorrow and try and reach a decision.

Moonrakerz I completely agree with you, we're worried about the stain not coming out as anticipated so if we do go for this will test a small area or the side first to see what it will look like.

Embarrassed to say I'm not sure what the wood is - it's either old pine or possibly oak(?) with lots of lovely grain - a light coloured wood anyway not mahogany.

jennifernil

Danish oil is easy to apply and gives a nice finish. Sand lightly between coats.

Andyhall

I'd go Danish oil, as jennifernil say above it is very easy to use but may be just as important it is very easy to repair should you mark the table at a later date.

HOWMUCH

I did a staircase with Danish Oil and it looks a treat