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how do you refinish a plywood table top

by Rasheed Auer Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Refinish Veneer Plywood

  • Step 1 - Prepping the Plywood. Do not attempt to sand the plywood with rough sandpaper as it may damage the wood coating.
  • Step 2 – Choosing a Coating Material. When refinishing veneer plywood, there are many options to choose from. It can be...
  • Step 3 – Applying the Polyurethane. The main goal of the refinishing project is to form a coat on...

Full Answer

How to refinish a wood table?

The first step to refinishing a wood table is to protect the surface surrounding it. If dealing with a valuable piece of furniture that you don’t want to harm, the best thing to do is always cover the parts around it with cardboard, plastic, or some other protective material so that you don’t accidentally get any of the strippers on them.

How do you remove paint from a table top?

Wood tables can be stripped without too much effort by using a chemical stripper. A chemical stripper will remove paint and varnish and eventually bring the natural color back to the wood. The best way to use a chemical stripper would be to put it in layers for about 10 minutes.

How do you strip and refinish wood without damaging it?

Also, be sure to remove hardware or cover exposed metal with painter’s tape to avoid damage from the stripper. STEP 1: Apply the stripper. Use a paint brush to apply an even coat to the wood surface. Let the stripper do its work—generally 15 to 20 minutes for the solvent to loosen the finish.

How do you finish veneer plywood furniture?

Since veneer plywood is not a very porous material, a single coat is not sufficient enough to create a professional finish. When the first coat dries, sand the surfaces again with a fine grit sandpaper and wipe the dust clean. Apply a second and even a third coat and allow to them to dry.

Why remove the removable parts of furniture?

How to make veneer look good?

Can you refinish veneer plywood?

Can you paint veneer?

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Can you refinish plywood table?

If you must sand the plywood, lightly scuff the surface with 120-grit sandpaper. Next, wipe the wood down with a rag soaked in mineral spirits. Once the wood is dry you can apply primer with a brush or roller. Once the primer has cured, apply the paint!

How do you finish a plywood table top?

0:004:42Plywood Desk 03. Tops - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe can just sand until the pencil lines are gone repeat. This for each group. You don't want to useMoreWe can just sand until the pencil lines are gone repeat. This for each group. You don't want to use a 2h or harder pencil as that made in the wood.

Can you Restain plywood furniture?

Staining plywood is very similar to staining wood, but extra precaution should be taken during preparation to avoid sanding through the top layer, and to stain the edges of the plywood correctly.

Can you refinish just the top of a table?

Refinishing a table can be a time-consuming process. Luckily, you have several choices on how to proceed. Depending on the table top and finish you're working with, you could get away with lightly sanding or repainting it to give it a new look.

Can you make plywood look good?

The secret to getting it to look the same as the drywall, is to start by taping the plywood, just like you would with drywall. Then, skim coat the entire plywood surface with drywall mud and then sand it smooth. Once textured and painted, it will look just like the rest of the walls.

Does plywood look good painted?

There are few materials in the DIY world quite as versatile as plywood. Nearly any home project can be done with plywood and a little bit of ingenuity. Part of what makes plywood so versatile is that it can be painted to provide a unique aesthetic.

How do you make old plywood look new?

Liquids: White vinegar, stains, and paints are three types of fluids you may want to use for faux-aging wood. Vinegar creates a silvery-gray appearance. Stains darken the wood and highlight mechanically distressed areas. Paints can be applied in two coats, then sanded down for a weathered effect.

Should I stain or paint plywood?

painting or staining plywood You can paint or stain plywood. It doesn't really matter. However if you go down in grades the surface is going to be rougher and require more work, in addition to the quality of the material declining.

How do you clean plywood before staining?

Sand the entire plywood surface with 100-grit sandpaper. This will open the pores in the plywood and make it better able to accept stain. Once you have finished with 100-grit, sand the surface again with 150-grit and then 200-grit to smooth the surface.

How do you refinish a table top without stripping it?

How to Refinish a Dining Table without Stripping Off the Original Coat. There are really only 4 main steps to this process. Prepping the top coat, applying the first coat, using a faux wood staining technique on the next few coats, and lastly, applying the sealer.

What do you use to refinish a table top?

If you refinish a table with oil, you're done. For stain and paint jobs: Hamm recommends a clear coat to help with longevity—look for polyurethane or polycrylic, both require two coats. Sand between coats using fine-grit paper. Once your heirloom coffee table is looking good as new, style it to your liking.

How do you refinish a damaged table top?

Check the wood quality. The very first thing you should do is look at the bottom of your table. ... Sand off the old finish. If you're a lot more patient than I am, you can do this all by hand. ... Stain the wood. ... Apply varnish. ... Enjoy your beautiful refinished wood table.

What finishes can be applied to plywood?

Laminates. Laminates are by far the most popular finishes available among overlays. ... Wood Veneers. Veneers are actual thin slices of real wood. ... Acrylic Sheets. Acrylic is made of polymer fiber. ... Polish, PU lamination, Lacquer and Varnish. ... Paint-based Finishes. ... Glass and Mirror. ... Metal Sheets. ... Corian (Acrylic Solid Surface)

Can you use plywood for tabletop?

If you're building a table, choosing a plywood tabletop can be a great choice. Plywood is available in numerous degrees of thickness, and because it's artificially constructed, you can buy it in large sheets, which helps avoid any problems that might arise while joining edges.

What is the best finish for a dining room table?

The best finish for dining tables is lacquer. This finish will both bring out the beauty elements of dining tables and provide needed protective properties. Lacquer is applied in thin coats which allows a natural accent of the wood itself. This finish is durable and water-resistant.

How do you treat plywood furniture?

9:3811:59How to Finish Plywood Cabinets: Inside & Out - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMyself for this i'll be using two products shellac. And water-based polyurethane i'll leave linksMoreMyself for this i'll be using two products shellac. And water-based polyurethane i'll leave links down below.

First, Shop for a Few Supplies

All-purpose cleaning spray and a cloth or paper towels Coarse sandpaper (60-, 120-, and 360-grit) A block or mechanical sander A clean, dry tack cloth Stain (or primer and paint)

Now, Here's How to Refinish a Table

1. Understand what you're working with. Furniture designer Andrew Hamm cautions you to “pay attention to the level of detail on the piece before you start.

How to remove a stain from wood?

STEP 1: Apply the stripper. Use a paint brush to apply an even coat to the wood surface. Let the stripper do its work—generally 15 to 20 minutes for the solvent to loosen the finish. Don’t rush the project and don’t ignore the clock. If the stripper gets too dry, it will be harder to remove.

How to get rid of excess stain on wood?

Since the wood has been stripped and sanded, it will be receptive to absorbing the stain, so you should consider wiping off the excess sooner rather than later. After you brush the stain on, use a piece of cheese cloth to remove the excess. If you prefer a darker finish, repeat the process again.

What to know before using furniture stripper?

Note: Before you work with a furniture stripper, be sure you read and follow the manufacturer’s directions. They will include safety precautions, application instructions, wait time and clean-up— all important considerations when working with a chemical solvent. Also, be sure to remove hardware or cover exposed metal with painter’s tape to avoid damage from the stripper.

How to transform an old piece of furniture?

Let’s face it, the easiest way to transform an old piece of furniture is to paint it. But if the piece is well-constructed and made of solid wood, then you might want to consider restoring it to its original condition. While stripping furniture is messy and requires a bit of muscle and stamina, the results can be amazing ...

Is paste wax good for wood?

Although polyurethane is a popular modern-day finish for almost everything , there is something wonderful about a paste wax finish. The wax will add a warmth to the finish and protect the wood from most water damage, especially if it is recoated on a regular basis. Advertisement.

What makes plywood good for the tabletop?

Choosing plywood is a wise choice for building a tabletop, Its uniform color makes it easier to stain or finish than other types of wood. Cedar plywood for example is one of the best materials for building tops.

What are “plywoods”?

Plywoods are man-made or engineered wood, obtained from the trunk of a tree, plywood is created by gluing together thin layers of wood veneer.

Can you use plywood as a tabletop?

Yes, plywoods can be used to build a beautiful tabletop of your choice. Regardless of the idea, design, appeal, and look you want your tabletop should have, the material can bring that for you.

How to fix a crack in a table top?

Examine the tabletop thoroughly before beginning any restoration. Look for deep cracks, thin spidery lines or splits along laminated glue lines that might go all the way through the top. Deep defects like these need to be filled with epoxy glue instead of putty or wood dough. Powdered resin glue is available from home improvement stores. This type of glue is colored to match the wood species. Mix it with water and force it down into the cracks with a putty knife. It will dry hard after 24 hours. Use it in any open cracks.

How to fill a hole in a wood table?

For all other small holes, gouges, dents or cracks that are not serious, use a putty knife to fill them with wood dough. If there are any visible splinters or loose pieces, squirt a small amount of wood glue under them and then secure them with masking tape. Liberally smear putty over any rough or pitted areas. Wait at least one hour for all glue and putty to dry.

How to sand a table with a block?

Continue sanding with 100-grit sandpaper attached to a hand block. Always sand parallel with the grain. Completely sand the table by hand with the block until it looks consistent and smooth. Lean down and let light reflect off the surface. If you can see scratches, keep sanding until they are gone. Put 180-grit sandpaper on the block and sand the table one more time until uniformly smooth. Alternatively, use an oscillating tool with a hook and loop pad accessory and increasing grits of sandpaper to save time on manual sanding.

What are tabletops made of?

Most contemporary tabletops are made from plywood. However, there are thousands of antiques with solid wood tablet ops. Many or most of these tops have been well used and are beat up, dented or even weather damaged. The enduring beauty of hardwood is well worth the time it takes to fix it. That's one of the advantages of solid wood: It can be almost completely restored by hand.

How to sand beat up wood?

To sand beat-up wooden surfaces of any type, use a belt sander. Start out with an 80-grit belt to remove wood rapidly. Hold the sander with both hands and always sand parallel with the grain patterns; never sand perpendicular to the grain. Keep the sander perfectly flat against the surface and never tip it sideways; it can cut deep gouges if it is allowed to tip. When the surface of the wood takes on a natural, bare wood look and all of the putty and glue is removed, put down the belt sander.

Why remove the removable parts of furniture?

If the furniture has different parts that can be unhinged, then remove the removable parts from the furniture to allow easier application of the gloss. This will also prevent the hinges and other parts of the furniture from being coated with the gloss.

How to make veneer look good?

When the first coat dries, sand the surfaces again with a fine grit sandpaper and wipe the dust clean. Apply a second and even a third coat and allow to them to dry. Buff the plywood with a buffing cloth to make it shine.

Can you refinish veneer plywood?

Veneer plywood looks like hardwood but it is actually plywood that is coated with a very thin layer of wood. The wood glued to the plywood is usually only about 1/32 of an inch. Because of the very thin composition of wood used in veneer plywood, refinishing it can be quite tricky. Therefore, it should only be refurnished with gloss, stain or paint when necessary. Some old furniture that may have been exposed to moisture may look very dull and indeed require refinishing. Follow the steps below to refinish your veneer plywood effectively.

Can you paint veneer?

Paint the material only when necessary. However, this will not preserve the veneer because it actually conceals it. Choose to paint only when the veneer is damaged to an extent that refinishing it with gloss or stain is not a good option. The best choice when refinishing the material is using polyurethane. This material will restore the plywood’s glossy appearance.

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Step 1 - Prepping The Plywood

Step 2 – Choosing A Coating Material

  • When refinishing veneer plywood, there are many options to choose from. It can be painted, stained, or coated with a gloss. Paint the material only when necessary. However, this will not preserve the veneer because it actually conceals it. Choose to paint only when the veneer is damaged to an extent that refinishing it with gloss or stain is not a ...
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Step 3 – Applying The Polyurethane

  • The main goal of the refinishing project is to form a coat on top of the veneer that will make it look glossy without the formation of any bubbles. Therefore it is important to mix the polyurethane carefully without shaking or stirring rapidly, actions that will create bubbles. If the furniture has different parts that can be unhinged, then remove the removable parts from the furniture to allo…
See more on doityourself.com

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