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How to bring back to life old dining table & chairs?

I have a used wooden dinning table and chairs set. Uite strong and sturdy so i do not want to part ways with it. As it still looks like its got a lot of life left in them. The Wooden dinning table is about 2m × 0.9m with wooden legs and 6x chairs that are also solid wood too.

They are starting to show somewhat age and have all got some minor blemishes and spots and chips etc. I am confused if I should use a stain and varnish to coat on top with light sanding or can I apply something directly ontop that could just refresh the wooden colour and feel and give them

a bit more shine and freshness. I will add a few more pictures of the wooden dinning table. I do not wish to sand them back to base colour as I like the current wooden look and feel on the top. I would rather just lightly sand or prefer not sand at all but still be able to do something that can help bring their shine and glow back. Thanks for your help.

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EricL

Hello @gv2422

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

Putting anything on top of the existing finish will not be effective as it will not get absorbed by the wood. It would be like a light surface coating that could chip or peel off at any moment especially stains. I'm aware that you wish to preserve the tone and finish of your current timber furniture, but the only way to refresh it properly is to sand the old sealer off and stain and seal it again. One other option is to polish the surface of the table to bring back some its lustre without sanding it down.

For varnished or lacquered furniture, you’ll want a polish specifically designed for sealed surfaces, as beeswax may not adhere well and can leave streaks. The store offers several options that work well on varnished or lacquered surfaces. Gilly’s Cabinet Makers Wax, is formulated specifically for sealed surfaces, including varnished and lacquered furniture, providing a smooth, non-sticky shine. O'Cedar Furniture Polish is another good choice for varnished wood; it’s silicone-based, creating a protective barrier that repels dust and adds a durable shine.

Another option is Mr Sheen Multi-Surface Polish, available in aerosol form, is also effective on sealed surfaces, including varnished wood. It adds a glossy finish and removes dust and fingerprints without building up.

When using any polish, it’s a good idea to test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t harm the finish or leave streaks. Apply with a soft, lint-free cloth, buffing for a clean, even shine. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives, as these can damage varnished or lacquered finishes over time.

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

Eric

gv2422

Thanks Eric for such a detailed response. If I were to just apply the wax product as suggested by you, are there any preparations i should be doing before application? Should I be cleaning and buffing with turpentine before for a better finish? I do have some light scratches at the face of the dinning table (you can see in the picture I uploaded) how do I get rid of these?

MitchellMc

Hi @gv2422,

To prepare your table for waxing, start by cleaning the surface thoroughly. You can use a soft cloth with a bit of turpentine on it. Wipe down the entire surface gently and let it dry completely before moving forward. This cleaning step ensures that any wax you apply adheres properly and gives you a smooth, even finish.

For any light scratches on the tabletop, gently buff them with very fine-grit sandpaper, ideally around 320-400 grit. Make sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain and keep it light to avoid removing the existing finish. This should help minimize the appearance of minor scratches without taking away the table’s character.

Once cleaned and prepped, you can apply your chosen wax, such as Gilly’s Cabinet Makers Wax. Apply a small amount of wax with a soft, lint-free cloth and work it in with circular motions. After applying, let it sit for a few minutes, then buff it to a shine with a fresh cloth. This will bring out the natural warmth of the wood and provide a protective layer, refreshing the look and feel of your table and chairs without requiring a full refinish.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

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