Refinish solid dining table

[wobblewoo]

Hello all. Need to refinish our solid dining table. No idea on wood but am pretty sure it's solid so was either going to chemically strip or sand (80/150/220) and then reseal in something, I'm new so would appreciate brands on things to use.

There's lighter areas, what I'm assuming is water stains, some black marks and as of last night, a Sharpie artefact!

Have been reading about Oxalic acid for the black marks.

Got a good sander, a fair few tools and decent DIY skills. Think I've read too much and am a bit confused about best direction if anyone can help please.

 

[TheLastNail]

Yep, just sand it down, use oxalic acid for those black marks, and some alcohol for Sharpie stains. Then finish it off with Danish oil or Hard Wax Oil. It's a quick weekend project.

Are you leaning towards a matte or satin finish?

 

[wobblewoo]

Thank you @TheLastNail - i'll skip investigating the chemical route then. I'll start with 120 grit and see how it goes (vs 80) and then use 180 before sealing. I may do a 240/320 between sealant coats and use a tack cloth but im making this up based on research, i've never actually done this. I've got Isopropanol and will buy a small ready mixed Oxalic acid.

For the doors here i've used Osmo Door-oil with great results and i have some Osmo Top Oil i've used on kitchen chopping boards. They do a Poly-X oil that i'm assuming is harder wearing which is what i want for a dining room table - is that correct?

As for finishes, no idea. Maybe ill see if i can get a sample sorted.

 

[FurnsbyFinn]

Thank you @TheLastNail - i'll skip investigating the chemical route then. I'll start with 120 grit and see how it goes (vs 80) and then use 180 before sealing. I may do a 240/320 between sealant coats and use a tack cloth but im making this up based on research, i've never actually done this. I've got Isopropanol and will buy a small ready mixed Oxalic acid.

For the doors here i've used Osmo Door-oil with great results and i have some Osmo Top Oil i've used on kitchen chopping boards. They do a Poly-X oil that i'm assuming is harder wearing which is what i want for a dining room table - is that correct?

As for finishes, no idea. Maybe ill see if i can get a sample sorted.

Hey, just jumping in here.
Going 120, then 180 before sealing is a solid plan.
Sanding with 240/320 between coats, using a tack cloth, is actually standard practice for a high-quality result.
You're not making it up, don't worry!
It's excellent for a super smooth finish!
Isopropanol for the Sharpie also often works well.
And ready-mixed oxalic acid will be convenient!
You're also on track about the Osmo finishes.
Osmo Polyx-Oil is designed to be more hard-wearing and is a popular choice for dining tables and floors due to its durability.
Top Oil is usually a food-safe option, great for cutting boards, but Polyx-Oil offers better long-term protection for a high-traffic surface like a dining table.
Do a sample to test to see how it looks on your specific wood.

 

[wobblewoo]

I appreciate it!

I've since worked out the edges are solid but the centre section is a veneer which i sanded through a raised area. I think i put too much water on when rinsing the chemical strip off (Paint Predator fast action)

I'll use chemical strip for the rest (which has been successful thus far) and be careful of sanding.

I'm currently trying batches of different manufacturers stains and seals on the underside of one of the extension leaves to see what works best.

The table had annoying grooves which collected crumbs so I've filled those with Osmo Interior Wood Filler (Walnut)

Got a new random orbital sander and extractor (Bosch PEX 300 AE & AdvancedVac 20) with decent disks down to 320.

Anything i can do with the areas I've messed up? Apart from that i think I'm doing ok.

 

[themenderbench163]

I think you're doing great. Smart move testing those finishes and being gentle with the veneer. Filling in grooves and trying stains in hidden spots is a for-sure win. Keep going