How to restore an old Oak table?

We are restoring an old American oak table. It has been sanded back to bare wood. I would like to keep it a light colour - not the darker stain which it was before. What product is best to use? How about Cabots walnut stain with a satin finish? How about no stain and only Wattyl Estapol Speed Clear? The leaf in the middle is a different grain - maybe a different cut of the oak.

oak table_sanded 06022024.jpg

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Jewelleryrescue

Hi @katemckenzie95

Sikkens 4L Natural Cetol BLX-Pro Timber Finish

https://www.bunnings.com.au/sikkens-4l-natural-cetol-blx-pro-timber-finish_p0440417

I/N: 0440417

$137.40

Buy the 1 litre version as you wont need 4 litre. lol

Quick drying
Ideal for decks and all exterior timber
Long lasting weather and UV protection
Beautiful transparent low satin finish
Lower environmental impact and odour. Compared to a typical solvent-based equivalent

Sikkens Cetol BLX-Pro is a premium, stand-alone three coat, water based system suitable for all decking, and interior/exterior timber. BLX-Pro is micro-porous, allowing timber to breathe whilst repelling unwanted moisture.

For a super glossy highly UV resistant outdoor nateral clear (no stain ) Finish

katemckenzie95

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/34657#Comment_34657

Hi Thanks for suggestion, but the table is for indoor use and I don't like super glossy.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/79637#Comment_79637

Hello @katemckenzie95

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about restoring your oak table.

I propose having a look at the Cabot's 1L Satin Clear Benchtop Timber Finish. It's specifically designed for benchtops and tables, it's water-based and will therefore not turn yellow like oil-based sealers.

Timber being a natural product behaves in a certain way when it gets wet. I recommend testing the clear sealer on a small portion of the table and see if you like its finish when it dries off. If you like the finish, you can then commit the entire table.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How to restore wooden furniture.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

katemckenzie95

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/104223#Comment_104223

Thank yo Eric,

I'll let you know how it goes.

Regards Kate

katemckenzie95

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/104223#Comment_104223

Hi Eric,

Is the Cabot Benchtop clear you recommend, a poylurethane product?

And is polyurethane desirable for my table?

Regards

Kate

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/119185#Comment_119185

Hello @katemckenzie95

I've double checked with Cabot's technical team, and it is classified as a clear varnish. Now because it is water-based it will not turn yellow unlike oil-based varnishes. It is a much more desirable coat rather than polyurethane that hardens and chips when exposed to sudden impacts.

As I mentioned earlier in my last post, it's always best to test it first, to see if you like the finish.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

katemckenzie95

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/128153#Comment_128153

Thank you for your advice Eric,

Yes I will test a small area first - possibly underneath.

Regards Kate

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133977#Comment_133977

Keep us updated @katemckenzie95, and reach out if you have further questions. We can't wait to see the finished project.

Mitchell

katemckenzie95

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137612#Comment_137612

Help!

We put the Cabot's Benchtop Timber Finish on the underside of the leaf and it's dried white - see photos. We did stir it initially. It looked milky / white when we opened it and after the stirring.

Regards Kate

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140111#Comment_140111

Hi @katemckenzie95,

It's perfectly normal for the product to appear slightly milky and remain so on the project until it has cured. However, during wet weather events or high humidity, this milkiness is much more noticeable. If it's rainy in your area, it's important not to overcoat again until the coating has become translucent, as you'll trap this moisture in there. I wouldn't expect the product to turn translucent and fully cured for at least a few days under high humidity conditions.

If you are experiencing some wet weather, I'd hold off on the project until it dries out a bit.

Mitchell

katemckenzie95

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140111#Comment_140111

There is a varnish to the side of the white bit - that's another varnish product we had - Monocel clear wood varnish - satin.

All on the underside.

Regards Kate

katemckenzie95

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/141876#Comment_141876

Thanks Mitchell,

We'll hang off until it's a bit drier - very humid and damp here.

Regards Kate

katemckenzie95

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140111#Comment_140111

Hi Bunnings Helping People,

The table is finished despite the humid weather. I'm pleased with the look of the table surface.

The table pedestal and chairs are the darker colour - I'm OK with that. We have decided it would be a professional job to sand them back to the original oak colour.

Thank you for your advice.

Regards Kate

oak table_Matilda 20022024 (4).jpg

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/141889#Comment_141889

Looks great @katemckenzie95. Well done!

Please don't hesitate to post anytime you need a hand with a project around the house or garden.

We look forward to seeing what you tackle next.

Jason

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