How do I stain a dining table and chairs?

You’ll need to first sand it down to bare wood. The topcoat won’t absorb the stain. Once it’s down to bare wood just apply the stain. This can be done with a cloth, shop paper towel, or a brush. I use a cheap ‘chip’ brush to apply stain, but a foam brush will work just as well. Apply the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then wipe off any excess stain. Apply at least three layers of topcoat allowing it to dry completely between coats. I like using lacquer for the topcoat because it dries fast, and thus dirt and debris settling in the finish is kept to a minimum.

The above answer is definitely a way to go. But first MAKE SURE you are dealing with actual wood. So much is covered with a very thin wood veneer (or paper that looks like wood) that you could start standing and go right through it. If you do have a veneer, try a stripper first to remove the existing topcoat. And then carefully sand the veneer. I personally like gel coat stains because they aren't as messy liquid. You don't have a picture of the chairs, but this method is really the best way to go on tricky pieces unless you're going to take them apart. Spray topcoats can work really well, too. And they will dry fairly fast.

Hi E. Savanah,

Before you sand it down, I want to ask if you know what caused the stains? Are they from heat or water on the table that left a mark? I was able to successfully remove heat stains from an old table where I used to work. Once I oiled & polished the table after removing the mark, it looked like new. I used a cloth and a dry iron to remove the ones on our table.

https://lifehacker.com/remove-water-stains-from-wood-with-a-dry-iron-271684

There are several other ways to do the same thing. I hope one of these helps you. Wishing you the best.

https://www.rd.com/home/cleaning-organizing/how-to-remove-water-stains-from-wood/

From the picture, it doesn't look to me as though this is solid wood but more a "picture of wood" veneer. Be cautious! I would investigate the sides & bottom of the table closely to see if you can tell if it's solid. IF you're ready to commit to making it over, I personally would use CitriStrip to clean off the surface and go from there.

you can’t stain the piece you show, it’s a fake finish..you can (with a lot of effort) sand it with good fine emory paper, lean real good, then prime with a good primer, then paint with an epoxy paint..2-3 thin coats wet sanded in between with wet or dry 800 grit wet or dry sandpaper . gonna be a lot of work.

I agree with Linda. Looks like water/heat stains that can be removed with a cloth and an iron set to medium heat. Place the cloth over the stain and iron the cloth. The water/heat stain will be pulled out. Tabletop looks more like laminate than wood. Chairs can be stained but would need to be sanded down to raw wood.

General Finishes Gel Stain. Amazing stuff. Lightly sand and apply as directed. Then add topcoats for protection.