How to lighten dining table?

[vanszx]

 

 

I’d like some advice on lightening this dining table. Ive tried sanding it on the side to see whats underneath. Please let me

know if sanding is the best option and the products i need to get this lightened. Thanks Vans

Thanks

Vanee

[EricL]

Hello @vanszx 

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

You're on the right track, sanding the surface back to wood is the proper way to repaint the surface of the table to your preferred colour. I suggest investing in an orbital sander as this will shorten your sanding time a great deal. As for the colour, I suggest visiting your local store and have look at the oil and stain varnish sample board. You'll get a good idea what the stains will look like when applied to timber.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How To Restore Wooden Furniture (the steps used are applicable to your project)

If you need further assistance, please let us know. 

Eric

[vanszx]

Thank you Eric!

i have an ozito detail sander, hope i can use it? I will get 40 grit sanding sheets and will give this a go.

I don't think i can sand the legs with a sander,  It’s ornate and detailed.

Would you recommend any other tools for ease? It would take me forever to sand the detailed legs manually,  Any thoughts? Appreciate it. 

[Noyade]

Just thought I would toss Porters Chalk Emulsion into the arena - @vanszx 

Little wood preparation required - you can also go for that rustic 'bruised' look.

Covered with a coat of polyurethane, it will then be certainly lightened - white.

One drawback though - it ain't cheap, but then what paint is these days.

Cheers.

https://www.porterspaints.com/paints/products/chalk-emulsion/

[MitchellMc · Accepted solution]

Hi @vanszx,

You're definitely on the right track by sanding the table to see what's underneath. Your Ozito detail sander will work well for the flat surfaces, especially if you start with a coarse 40-grit sanding sheet to remove the existing finish. Just be sure to work your way up to finer grits like 120 and 180 afterwards to smooth the surface before applying any new product.

For the ornate legs, it can be tricky since standard sanders won’t reach into all the nooks and curves. I’d recommend using sanding sponges, which are easier to mould around the shapes. If you have access to a rotary tool like a Dremel with sanding attachments, that can really help get into the finer details. Another option to make things easier is using a chemical paint stripper, like Polystrippa, which will break down the existing varnish. After it softens, you can scrub it off using steel wool or a scraper. Just make sure to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated space if you go down that path.

I just wanted to confirm, when you say you'd like to make the timber lighter, do you mean a lighter stained colour, or were you perhaps thinking of painting it in a light colour?

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[vanszx]

 

Thank you so much !! For all the advice and suggestions @Noyade @MitchellMc 

I prefer lighter stained wood to dark stained wood. I didn't think of painting it initially, however not averse to chalk pint if the desired effect is similar.

Below are some images of the lighter wood colours i’d like to acheive. ambitious ? may be for a novice, but would like to give it a go.

Thanks

Vanee

 

 

 

[MitchellMc]

Yep, that's more of a whitewash rather than opaque painted @vanszx. We have liming white, which can be used to achieve similar results, but you would need to sand back the current stain. It's totally worth it if that's the look you're going for.

Here's a helpful guide: How to lime wash timber furniture.

Mitchell