Want to redo old wood dining table ! Has lost its' shine.

Pat Self
by Pat Self
Wood dining table loses its' shine and have to constantly oil it! Would like to put something on it that would shine and be durable!

  7 answers
  • Kim Kim on Oct 19, 2017

    Polyurethane will seal the wood and shine it up. Make sure you get a gloss finish and not satin for the most shine. Follow the directions on the can for surface prep and application.


    : )

  • Ken Ken on Oct 19, 2017

    Poly that Kim recommended is sure-fire and the way to go if you desire a very glossy finish. If there is something else you wish to accomplish there may be something easier to try first.


    I would be interested in knowing if it used to shine but somehow it got dull and what kind of oil you are using. Is the surface of the table degraded in any way besides loss of shine? Paste wax is often a good choice for table tops but does not buff to a high gloss.


    Whatever you choose, make sure that you remove those layers of oil first.

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Oct 19, 2017

    My dining room table was polyurethaned after being refinished by my dad over thirty years ago. I now have the clawfoot table in my dining room and it looks like it was just done. I don't have the high gloss though, mine is more of a semi gloss. Polyurethane is so durable and gives it a lot of depth with a few coats. It is really easy to keep it clean without damaging the finish.

  • Lisa S. Lisa S. on Oct 19, 2017

    Restore-A-Finish. Available Home Depot.

  • GlassLady GlassLady on Oct 19, 2017

    Try Tung Oil. Comes in various sheens. Just rub it on for a semi permanent finish. Easy to apply. May need 2-3 coats when first applied. Use a rag and wear rubber gloves if you don't want to clean hands with goof off afterwards. Discard rags safely

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Oct 19, 2017

    Polyurethane Varnish.