Reclaimed Wood Table Sanding, Re-Finishing, and Staining
Sanding, Refinishing and Staining (Step by Step)
Today we’re going to be refinishing, re-staining, and sanding reclaimed wood tables that we bought from craigslist. The tables are in pretty good shape and are structurally very well maintained, however; we want to give them a nice sanding finish and then stain them with a walnut stain.
Tools Needed for Sanding and Staining Reclaimed Wood
- Reclaimed Wood Tables
- Sander made by Black & Decker
- Sanding paper 80 grit
- Sanding paper 100 grit
- Sanding paper 120 grit
- Safety glasses
- Mouth Cover
- Reclaimed Wood Stain and Seal
- Wood Stain Brushes
- Old Sheets or old Towels
Black & Decker Orbit Sander
The Black & Decker orbit sander is lightweight, small, but packs a big punch. The Black & Decker orbit sander has an orbital action for high removal rate and a high-quality finish given the correct read in the sanding paper. If you are looking for a small sander for (DIY) do it yourself projects, the Black & Decker orbit sander is a great fit. On this specific sander, there is a sawdust catcher which in my opinion doesn’t work all that great but overall this is a great little sander.
Sand Paper for Reclaimed Wood (Start to Finish)
In this project, we are using 80 grit, 100 grit, 150 grit and 220 grit for the finish on our reclaimed wood tables. We are going to start off with the 80 grit sanding paper to start getting the reclaimed wood tables down to a smooth surface. After we are finished with the 80 grit sandpaper we didn’t want to move to the hundred grit sand paper and cover the entire reclaimed wood table in all areas and lastly move to the 150 grit sand paper. You want to start with the 80 grit and move your way up towards the 220 grit to get a very smooth fine finish on the reclaimed wood table.
The tricky part about the sanding this specific reclaimed wood table is just how intricate it is. Getting in between all the small crevices within this reclaimed wood table requires hand sanding and that is going to take a lot of time. For the heavy lifting and heavy sanding, the Black & Decker sander does just great with this reclaimed wood table. Most of the sanding that needs to be done on this table can be done with the Black & Decker sander.
Before Sanding The Reclaimed Wood Farm Table
After Sanding The Reclaimed Wood Farm Table (80 Grit Sand Paper)
After Sanding The Reclaimed Wood Farm Table (220 Grit Sand Paper)
Note: The right side of the table was sanded down while the left side was left unsanded. Making the move from 80 grit sand paper to 220 grit sandpaper makes a huge difference.
Staining the Reclaimed Wood Farm Table
For staining the reclaimed wood table, we are going to be using a brand called Ready Seal.Ready Seal is a stain and sealer for all types of woods; including, decks, fences, pergolas and reclaimed wood.Ready Seal offers many different shades of colors and today we are going to be using a light oak, number 105.
The Ready Seal stain and sealer is specifically for outdoor use and we wanted to use something for outdoor use just in case we ever used these reclaimed wood tables outdoors. Also, we are going to put our house plants on these tables and water will be spilling from time to time. It will be best for our specific use that we use and outdoor stain and sealer.
Quick tips for the Ready Seal Stain and Sealer
Do not thinner mix the ready seal stain and sealer with any other products and do not apply ready seal over painted or newly painted services. Do not apply Ready Seal on grey or weathered wood, if you do, the wood must be cleaned and sanded down before applying Ready Seal.
- Ready Seal is darkest when first applied, it reaches its true color in approximately 14 days.
- Color will vary depending on the type of wood
- Dispose of according to local state and federal laws
- Ready seal contains no linseed oil and will not stay in hands
- Ready seal is biodegradable when in contact with soil and water
- Ready seal meets current VLC level requirements throughout the United States.
Surface Preparation for Ready Seal
- The surface of the table must be cleaned of mildew dust dirt oil and grease
- Use blower or airgun to blow out any debris
- All other stains must be completely removed by stripping or sanding
- Before staining wood must dry completely
- Allow 48 to 72 hours depending on weather conditions
- Protect against overspray if using a sprayer
- Lay down old sheet if brushing or rolling
Application Instructions (Brush, Roller or Spray)
Before treating the reclaimed wood table we are going to run a test in a small, inconspicuous area on the table to ensure satisfaction with the overall appearance. Use a brush or roller to apply Ready Seal. Blend multiple containers together to ensure color consistency if you are using more than one can. Apply light coats of the stain to wood surface, allow at least 45 minutes between coats. Allow 48 to 72 hours of drying. Drying time will depend on temperature humidity and surface type.
Before Staining Reclaimed Wood Table
After Staining Reclaimed Wood Table
