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How to refurbish a wood dining set?

I bought an old hardwood dining table and chairs (1st pic) I would like to reveal the lighter wood underneath to give it a more modern look(pic 2), and keep it natural (no paint). I have never done any DIY projects so really nervous! Looking forward to your guidance.

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EricL

Hello @Nakeeta

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your wood dining set.

I suspect that your furniture is made of a coloured timber and might possibly be Merbau. I propose sanding a small corner of the bottom of the chair to verify if it is a light-coloured wood. If it is then you can proceed to sand the surface of the furniture. But please keep in mind that a form of sealer will need to be applied as unprotected timber will easily tarnish and get dirty. It can be oil, wax or a water-based sealer to protect it from everyday use.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How To Restore Furniture

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

Eric

Nakeeta

Hi Eric,

thanks so much for that tip! Is there anything that you suggest I can use to lift the varnish without having to use harsh sanding techniques? If it is a coloured wood, can I lighten it? What products would you suggest to lift and then lighten?

EricL

Hello @Nakeeta

I'm afraid there is no way around from sanding the surface. Even if you were to use a chemical stripper such as the Poly 1L Polystrippa Paint Stripper - 1L, it will still not strip the surface 100 percent. Residual sealer will remain on the surface of the wood which will need to be sanded away. It's possible to use Feast Watson 1L Liming White Stain to give the timber surface a light bright coat, but the store currently does not carry a timber bleaching product.

I recommend having a look at this discussion - Bedside tables makeover by @inspiredbycoast it is an excellent example of giving timber furniture a modern finish with the timber features still on show. There is also the Dining table makeover using liming white by @Belindaplumley.

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

Eric

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