When reburishing a solid wood table, do I sand the whole table down?

I have a solid wood coffee table. It was given to us by a friend who received thru the family but it originally belonged to some famous Hollywood actress from the 60's. its got some stains and some dings. But it's a great solid sturdy gorgeous table.
I want to make it fresh again without changing it. So when I sand down the stains and what not, I'm like, do I have to sand this entire table?
My cutesy dog Doc is in his favorite spot. Sorry haha
anyhow please help!!
As you can see there is a drawer to hide weapons haha. There are also two other drawers on each side of the table.
Again it's a coffee Table so yes it gets quite a bit of abuse from the pile up of everyday things!
Hope someone can help! It's a wonderful table.
  12 answers
  • Thomas Gear Thomas Gear on Apr 08, 2017

    Hi, In a word Yes,

  • Bernadette Staal Bernadette Staal on Apr 08, 2017

    I certainly would.

  • Dfm Dfm on Apr 08, 2017

    you have an option to strip the unit of its varnish with a chemical wood stripping agent. can be stinky and occasionally messy. you will still have to sand to a smooth surface to reapply the next next round of varnish or poly-coat. between the sanding and the clear coat, take a cloth and use rubbing alcohol to wipe the piece down. gets any remaining dust, but doesn't open the grain. do a few thin coats of the poly or varnish as apposed to 1 thick one.

  • DeeDee DeeDee on Apr 08, 2017

    Hi there! If you're wanting to make it fresh again without changing it, you'll only want to sand down the part that is in need. If its just the top with the stains, only work on that. Just a good cleaning with Murphy's oil soap for the rest of it. Just remember when you sand off the top, you'll be taking it to the natural wood and you'll have to find a stain to match the bottom again. Good luck! Here is a table we refurbished if it helps at all: http://ourcloverhouse.blogspot.com/2012/11/entry-hall-table-makeover.html

  • Christa Bingham-adeyemi Christa Bingham-adeyemi on Apr 08, 2017

    Thanks for all your feedback!

  • Artijan Artijan on Apr 08, 2017

    Hi,I HAVE JUST REFURBISHED MY KITCHEN TABLE WITH GREAT RESULTS,SANDING DOWN IS THE WAY TO GO FOR A PERFECT FINISH,GOOD LUCK!

  • TM TM on Apr 09, 2017

    I recently started using General Finishes gel stain for wood projects, I purchased it at a woodworking shop and was told not to sand previously stained wood down to bare wood, just sand everything lightly then rub the gel stain over all of it with a cloth, wipe off any excess. I have had excellent results with this product.

  • Mary Mary on Apr 10, 2017

    Sand if you'd like but be aware the way you sand can cause a lot of headaches if not done right. Fine sandpaper will not stain the same way that a gritter sand paper will. The finer the paper the lighter the stain and of coarse the heavier the darker. The do have refurbishment's that you can get from a paint store that might be easier. A cabinet shop usually will offer advice. But which ever you decide try a test area first, unless you are going to sand the whole thing down.

  • Christa Bingham-adeyemi Christa Bingham-adeyemi on Apr 10, 2017

    You guys have been super helpful. Thanks so much!

  • Charly Charly on Apr 11, 2017

    After you're all finished I would lose all "the stuff" that has accumulated on top of the table. Otherwise you are wasting your time and money.

  • Bill Bill on Apr 12, 2017

    I would try Formby's Furniture Refinisher with real fine steel wool. It works great on old varnished furniture . The finish can be real dark from dirt and when you get done using formby's it looks just like new

  • Lisadoll Lisadoll on Apr 18, 2017

    I clean super old and gunky furniture with terry towels and mineral spirits. Then you can see the color somewhat. I use Formbys refinisher a lot, but only when the wood is in fairly good condition, and I like the color already, because it only enhances color.

    If after cleaning , it's still ugly, Sanding is a good thing, if you know how.

    If you don't know how, you can gel stain over it. Gel stains are opaque.

    The ONLY brand to use is General Finishes. For any type of stain.

    STAY AWAY FROM MINWAX AT ALL COST. Even if you have to Amazon the General Finishes. Don't give in, or you WILL be sorry !

    good luck , and enjoy the process.