Scandinavian oak dining table refinishing

[Oaktree11]

Hi All,

Years ago we bought this table (and Chairs) from a shop that specialised in bringing container loads of used furniture from Scandinavia. Its really solid laminated oak. It has been well used over the years and is now a bit sad. The original varnish is patchy and flaking, the surface has been stained and is damaged in places.

I would love to refinish the table but I have never done anything like this before and I am wary of screwing it up by being too aggressive! I dont think it needs to be showroom perfect, in fact it would be better with some characterful imperfections!

I have read various threads here but I am still unsure how to proceed, any suggestions would be most helpful

Thanks

John

 

[Oaktree11]

hmmm. Has no one any advice? Guess I will press ahead with what I can glean from other sites

 

[custard]

Great project to get some experience on.

Sand (hand or orbital), 80 grit, 150 grit, 240 grit. Even if you use a power sander make sure you finish with 240 grit hand sanding in line with the grain, go careful on the edges. No need to go any finer. You could scrape but then you'd have to learn how to use a scraper properly, not a big challenge but scrapers don't work straight out of the packet and most people gouge a corner into the workpiece when they first give it a go, so maybe learn on scrap first.

Get all the dust off with a vac. Spend some time looking from all angles at the top, checking the surface quality, maybe wipe it down with meths to help spot any problems.

If you're serious about this you'll want to do the pedestal as well, which will take about four or five times as long as the top and require removing the top first. Your choice.

Finish with Osmo, matt or gloss to taste.

 

[morturn]

+1 yes keep it simple and don't over think or over do it.

 

[Woodmonkey]

+1 for sanding back and finishing with osmo

 

[ED65]

If consumer-level chemical strippers hadn't been emasculated by recent regulation changes I'd say strip the old finish off using one of those, but otherwise scraping or sanding to get the old finish off are about your only options.

If you sand, even if you're using a power sander with a dust bag or dust extraction, it's highly advisable to wear a good dust mask or respirator to protect yourself from breathing in any of the dust generated. The wood dust wouldn't be of much concern to the average person, the finish dust could well be however.

I would prefer to do this as much as possible by scraping as I hate sanding (who doesn't?) and scraping is faster, plus there's much less potential to damage the wood. No dust too, which is a major benefit AFAIC. If you don't have a scraper and have never used one there is a bit of a learning curve but TBH that's true of a major sanding operation like this as well

 

[Oaktree11]

Thanks guys, sanding it is!

The issue for me in this sort of thing is actually having the confidence to plan how to approach the job. That's why forums like this are so useful.

Thanks for all the help

John

 

[Oaktree11]

This project has now been expanded, not by me......
The expectations from Mrs Oaktree are rather high because, seen from her perspective this is an "easy" job. I was ok with this when the remit was just to refurbish the table top but it has just been expanded to include 4 chairs and the base....before Christmas.
The chairs fill me with dread. I am not good at endless detail requiring patience. The base won't be too bad, it's big and would be easy to sand but the chairs have the old varnish flaking all over.
Would it be possible to have the chairs stripped by chemical means, dipped maybe? Is it advisable? There is a place in Bath called KwikStrip which use a non caustic dip apparently and seem t get good reviews.
Any advise (other than divorce which would be even more costly) gratefully sought
John

 

[AndyT]

The problem with dipping used to be that it weakened the glue. This might not be a bad thing - it could be easier to deal with a kit of parts rather than an assembled chair.

Maybe not such a problem with modern glues? But I've repaired some modern chairs where so little glue was used that thy failed in normal use after less than a year.

Maybe best to go in person, talk to the operator and see if you believe what they tell you.

 

[Oaktree11]

thanks Andy, just phoned them. I have no doubt about their expertise and their process doesn't effect the glue supposedly. However, big drawback is about £90 per chair....
These chairs and table are quality. Solid oak and must be 30 years old so probably worth it but I balk at £400....

 

[skipdiver]

Sandpaper and orbital sander/elbow grease. I too have patience issues with jobs like that but at £400, i would find the patience.

 

[Oaktree11]

I am with you skipdiver, i am warming to the job actually....