How to Restore an Oak Table Easily

6 Materials
$25
4 Hours
Easy
Here's how you can restore a tired oak or other wooden table that may be water damaged, dented, etc and bring it back to life.This method offers minimal sanding, making it easier on the lungs.For a full tutorial, including how to remove dented edges, you can see my larger step by step here: https://thecarpentersdaughter.co.uk/upcycling/restore-an-oak-dining-table/
If you see lots of dents and water damaged areas, you'll likely need to strip it back to expose unseen wood.
Instead of sanding for hours on end, I removed any dents, dirt and water damage with a carbide scraper.Make sure you put a rag down for easier clean up.
Ensure you always go in the same direction as the grain and go extremely gently on the corners.This is great to create a even flat surface. Keep going until you've removed dents etc.If the dents are too deep, fill with the same colour wood filler. Also, if it's oak veneer, for example, then I suggest you try fine wire wool instead.
Once you've removed all of the damage, sand with an orbit sander until smooth.Note, you won't need to spend long doing this because the carbide scraper did the majority of the work.It's ideal, to do this outside on a dry day, but if not possible, above, I'm using a mask instead and the windows are open.
Now seal the wood with 2 to 3 coats of Danish oil, applying with a lint free cloth. You MUST wear respiratory safety gear and gloves for this!Note, be liberal with the first coat as it will take the most moisture in at this point. Leave for 20 minutes and remove.Leave to dry for two hours and repeat, but with less oil the 2nd time round.Repeat again.
To ensure it is also scratch resistant, leave to fully dry for two weeks and resist temptation of using it.Then give two coats of clear varnish.
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Frequently asked questions
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  3 questions
  • Michelle Michelle on Jan 12, 2020

    I have the perfect old farm table for this project! Thanks for the tutorial!


    BTW Where did you find those wonderful deer prints ??? Thanks!

  • Maria Smith Maria Smith on Jan 14, 2020

    I have a teak dinning room table with some scratches and gouges and I had it professionally treated but the marks are back. What can I do to repair it? I was told not to sand it anymore. What do others do to the table to restore it somewhat?


  • Vivian Vivian on Feb 09, 2021

    Good Job but I want a different look for my oat top table with white legs and chairs white except the seat. What can I do for a different look. I really like the white wash look.

    Any help would be most appreicated.

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  • William William on Jan 27, 2020

    As an avid woodworker I have used a carbide scraper to remove paint and finishes off furniture. They are very aggressive. For a fine glass like finish I use cabinet scrapers. Basically spring steel in different shapes. In most applications no sanding is needed. Super share and tips.

  • Gayle Gayle on Jan 15, 2021

    Great project and i had to laugh. i have the same deer pics in my house. Got them at Ikea :)

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