How to prep Tasmanian Oak tabletop?

[jeffl_au]

Hi guys,

For my laundry project I have sourced a old solid Tasmanian Oak solid timber table to use as my bench top.

The table top is in pretty good condition, but I want to put some coating on it to make it hard wearing and water resistant.

1. What product should I use on top? Polyurethane?

2. Do I need to remove existing finish on the table?  Do I chemically strip it back or just give it a light sand ??

[MitchellMc]

Hi @jeffl_au,

A polyurethane coating would be a great choice for this job as it will provide a tough, water-resistant and durable finish for your laundry benchtop. Since you’re not sure what coating is currently on the table, the safest approach is to remove it completely so you’re working back to bare timber and avoiding any compatibility issues. 

You can try a paint or varnish stripper first to see if it lifts the existing finish, which can save time if the coating is quite thick. Once stripped, or if you decide to go straight to sanding, work through the grits starting around 120 and finishing with 180–240 to smooth the surface and open up the grain for proper adhesion. After that, you’ll be ready to apply your polyurethane. A water-based version is easier to use indoors, with lower odour, quicker drying times, and less yellowing, while an oil-based version provides a warmer tone and a touch more durability. Apply several thin coats with a good quality brush or applicator, allowing each coat to dry fully before lightly sanding and re-coating. 

Here's a helpful guide: How to restore furniture.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell